“We _have_ boldness and access,” says the apostle, as in chapter i. 7: “We have redemption in His blood.” He insists upon the conscious fact. This freedom of approach to God, this sonship of faith, is no hope or dream of what may be; it is a present reality, a filial cry heard in a multitude both of Gentile and Jewish hearts (comp. ii. 18). This sentence exhibits the richness of synonyms characteristic of the epistle. There is _boldness_ and _access_, _confidence_ as well as _faith_. The three former terms Bengel nicely distinguishes: “libertatem _oris_ in orando,” and “admissionem in fiducia _in re_, et _corde_”--freedom of _speech_ (in prayer), of _status_, and of _feeling_. The second word (as in chapter ii. 18 and Romans v. 2) appears to be active rather than passive in its force, denoting _admittance_ rather than _access_. So that while the former of the parallel terms (_boldness_) describes the liberty with which the new-born Church of the redeemed address themselves to God the Father and the unchecked freedom of their petitions, the latter (_admittance_) takes us back to the act of Christ by which He introduced us to the Father’s presence and gave us the place of sons in the house. Being thus admitted, we may come with confidence of heart, though we be less than the least of saints. Accepted in the Beloved, we are within our right if we say to the Father:-- “Yet in Thy Son divinely great, We claim Thy providential care. Boldly we stand before Thy seat; Our Advocate hath placed us there!” “Wherefore,” concludes the imprisoned apostle, “I beg you not to lose heart at my afflictions for you.” Assuredly Paul did not pray that _he_ should not lose heart, as some interpret his meaning. But he knew how his friends were fretting and wearying over his long captivity. Hence he writes to the Philippians: “I would have you know that the things which have happened to me have turned out rather to the furtherance of the gospel.” Hence, too, he assures the Colossians earnestly of his joy in suffering for their sake (ch. i. 24). The Church was fearful for Paul’s life and distressed by his prolonged sufferings. It missed his cheering presence and the inspiration of his voice. But if the Church is so dear to God as the pages of this letter show, and grounded in His eternal purposes, then let all friends of Christ take courage. The ark freighted with such fortunes cannot sink. St Paul is a martyr for Christ, and for Gentile Christendom! Every stroke that falls upon him, every day added to the months of his imprisonment helps to show the worth of the cause he has espoused and gives to it increased lustre: “my afflictions for you, which are your glory.”