Ephesians6

Ephesians 6 outlines proper conduct within the household, instructing children to obey parents, fathers to nurture, and servants and masters to act righteously as unto the Lord. It then transitions to a powerful call for believers to be strong in the Lord and don the "whole armour of God" to withstand spiritual evil. The chapter concludes with an exhortation to prayer and Paul's request for intercession regarding his ministry.
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Duties of Children and Parents

1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ​
2
“Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), ​
3
“that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” ​
4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ​

Duties of Servants and Masters

5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. ​
6
And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. ​
7
Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,
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because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. ​
9
And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him. ​

The Call to Spiritual Warfare

10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ​
11
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. ​
12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ​
13
Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. ​
14
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, ​
15
and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.
16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ​
17
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ​
18
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. ​
19
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, ​
20
for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should. ​

Tychicus and Final Benediction

21
Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know about me and what I am doing. ​
22
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23
Peace to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. ​

Study Notes for Ephesians 6

Verse 1

This section concludes the 'Household Code' (Ch. 5:21ff.). The phrase 'in the Lord' grounds obedience not merely in natural law, but in the new identity and moral framework provided by Christ.

Verse 2

Paul quotes the Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12), emphasizing that honoring parents is a central, ancient covenant obligation that carries specific blessings.

Verse 3

The promise of long life is related to the flourishing and stability of the community, mirroring the original promise given to Israel in the Promised Land.

Verse 4

Paul balances the command to children with a warning to fathers (representing parental authority), cautioning against harshness or unreasonable demands that might exasperate the child.

Verse 5

The Greek *doulos* often refers to a slave, reflecting the widespread institution in the Roman world. Paul radically redefines the relationship by elevating earthly service into ultimate service to Christ.

Verse 6

'Eyeservice' refers to working diligently only when under supervision. Believers are commanded to maintain integrity and diligence even when unseen, recognizing God as the true Master.

Verse 8

This promise of divine recompense ensures that all faithful work, regardless of social status (bond or free), is valued and rewarded by the Lord.

Verse 9

Masters are reminded that they too are accountable to God, who judges without partiality. This theological equality undermines the absolute power typically held by slave owners in the ancient world.

Verse 10

This marks the transition to the final exhortation, shifting from horizontal social ethics to the vertical spiritual power necessary for Christian endurance.

Verse 11

The 'whole armour' (*panoplia*) is a military metaphor for divine protection and preparation. The struggle is against the *wiles* (cunning strategies) of Satan, requiring constant vigilance.

Verse 12

Paul clarifies that the true enemy is not human opposition but organized, cosmic evil forces. 'Principalities' and 'powers' refer to demonic hierarchies operating in the spiritual realm ('high places').

Verse 13

The 'evil day' likely refers to times of intense spiritual temptation or persecution. The goal of using the armor is not attack, but enduring defense ('to stand').

Verse 14

Paul begins listing the armor pieces, drawn from descriptions of God's own warrior attire (Isaiah 59:17). 'Truth' provides stability and integrity, while 'righteousness' protects the core of the being.

Verse 16

The shield (*thureos*) was a large, body-covering shield. 'Fiery darts' represent sudden, intense temptations, doubts, or accusations hurled by the enemy.

Verse 17

The 'sword of the Spirit' is the only offensive weapon listed. The 'word of God' here is *rhēma* (a specific, spoken word or command), rather than *logos* (the general concept).

Verse 18

Prayer is the essential spiritual discipline that activates and accompanies the use of the armor. It must be continuous ('always') and directed by the Holy Spirit.

Verse 19

Paul requests prayer for boldness (*parrhesia*), underscoring that even a seasoned apostle depends on divine enablement to preach effectively, especially while imprisoned.

Verse 20

Paul contrasts his high office ('ambassador') with his current physical state ('in bonds'), using his imprisonment as a platform from which to fulfill his diplomatic duty to Christ.

Verse 21

Tychicus served as Paul’s personal envoy, carrying this letter (and likely Colossians and Philemon) and providing oral reports about the apostle's status and encouragement to the churches.

Verse 24

The final benediction emphasizes that genuine Christian love must be 'in sincerity' (or 'incorruption'), suggesting a steadfast, imperishable devotion to Christ.

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