Paul wrote Ephesians while under house arrest as a prisoner in Rome. But though he refers to himself as a prisoner in 3:1 and 4:1, in 6:20 he refers to himself as an ambassador for the faith (albeit, an ambassador in chains). This dichotomy summarizes the book. Paul's writing reminds believers that God's magnificent blessings equip disciple to rise above-to be optimistic and full of hope even in the midst of adversity and oppression.