3:13a
So I ask you: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as a So is the conjunction that is often translated as “therefore.” Some other versions place this conjunction after I ask you because it is good English style. You should place it in this sentence where it is most natural in your language.
So: The conjunction So refers back to what Paul has said in 3:2–12. So, Paul made his request here based on what he had said in 3:2–12: “So since God has given me this wonderful job of preaching to you Gentiles, and since you Gentiles who believe have many blessings, I request…”
Some English versions do not translate this word So. However, here are some other ways to translate this word:
then (Good News Translation)
-or-
therefore (New International Version)
-or-
For this reason (NET Bible)
You should translate it in a way that is natural in your language.
I ask you: Some other ways to say I ask you are:
I request…
-or-
I urge that you ⌊please⌋…
-or-
I want you to
not to be discouraged: To be discouraged means “to cause to lose heart” or “to give up.” For example:
do not lose heart (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
do not give up
If your language has an idiom that means to be discouraged, you should consider using it here.
because of my sufferings for you: Paul was in prison and was suffering for preaching the gospel to the Ephesians and other Gentiles. The Ephesian Christians might have become discouraged when they heard this, so Paul asked them not to be discouraged.
Just how Paul was suffering was not made explicit. It was probably physical and spiritual. Your translation should be in a general sense that includes all kinds of suffering.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
when I suffer for you (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
by the troubles I suffer for you (God’s Word)
3:13b
which are your glory: There are two ways to interpret the clause which are your glory here:
(1) It gives a reason for the Ephesians to feel proud. They should be proud that Paul was willing to be imprisoned for the gospel, For example:
you should feel honored (New Living Translation (2004))
(2) It is for the benefit or good of the Ephesians. For example,
it is all for your benefit (Good News Translation)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).
glory: Here glory refers to “honor.” Honor came to the Ephesians because Paul was willing to suffer imprisonment for preaching to them and other Gentiles. See how you translated glory in 1:12b and 1:14c. See glory, Meaning 3 in the Glossary for more information.
Section 3:14–21
Paul prayed again for the believers at Ephesus
In this section, Paul resumed his prayer for the Ephesian Christians. He asked God to strengthen them by the Holy Spirit so that Christ could live in them. He prayed that they would love each other, and that they would know how much Christ loved them, even though he loved them more than people could understand. Paul finished his prayer by praising God for his great power.
Here are some other titles for this section:
Paul prayed that God would strengthen the Ephesians
-or-
Paul’s prayer for spiritual strength and love for the Ephesians
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