Ephesians 3:13

Wherefore. Because the Gentiles now belong to the body of Christ, because the eternal purpose is being fulfilled, because we have free access to God, and because such great and marvelous things have occurred, Paul makes a delicate request of his readers; namely, that they be not too much distressed over his sufferings that have come on account of his bringing to them the blessings of the gospel.

Faint. Gr. egkaked, “to grow tired,” “to become discouraged.” Paul may mean, “I ask [God] that I may not faint . . .,” or “I ask [you] not to faint.” The latter sense fits the context and Paul’s general style better. The apostle in prison was anxious that his flock be not disturbed by his plight. He was concerned, not so much for his own sake, but for theirs. They might conclude that what he had preached had little saving power in it; that the God in whom Paul trusted was unmindful of His servant’s fate; that they themselves might soon face similar trials, as indeed they would. This is a touching instance of the apostle’s solicitude for his children in the faith. Paul well knew that tribulation is a test for those who look upon it as well as for those who undergo it. Suffering courageously borne is doubly glorious when both onlookers and sufferers draw virtue from it.

Your glory. Paul, like a good pastor, identifies himself with his flock. If he finds glory in his tribulation, they will share it with him. He is suffering on account of his exalted office as apostle and ambassador of God, and the Ephesians are the fruit of that apostleship. Hence they are entitled to reflect the glory. When one part of the body of Christ is in pain, the whole body suffers in sympathy.