13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Paul's sentiment here likely stems from all that he endures as a "prisoner" of Christ (mentioned in 3:1) while preaching the mystery. It is clear that for Paul the results are well worth the tribulations. This also shows the heart of a true minister of the gospel: he is willing to endure tribulations, not for his own glory, but rather for the glory of those to whom he ministers.
That raises an interesting question: how do the tribulations of a minister bring glory to the people to whom he ministers? It could be in the sense of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, but there is not any clear evidence that the Ephesians needed comforting except the use of the word “faint” in this verse. We could also consider the results Paul sought – whatever it was that he suffered here, his goal was for the Ephesians to grow in their understanding. Perhaps the glory that comes from more understanding of Him is the glory that Paul is referencing here (see Ephesians 1:11-18 and 3:4 for possible internal evidence of this conjecture).
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