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.

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 be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” ​
4
You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ​

Duties of Servants and Masters

5
Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Messiah; ​
6
not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Messiah, doing the will of God from the heart; ​
7
with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men;
8
knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free. ​
9
You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him. ​

The Call to Spiritual Warfare

10
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. ​
11
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ​
12
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. ​
13
Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. ​
14
Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ​
15
and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace;
16
above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. ​
17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; ​
18
with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the holy ones: ​
19
on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, ​
20
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. ​

Tychicus and Final Benediction

21
But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things; ​
22
whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23
Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.
24
Grace be with all those who love our Lord Yeshua the Messiah with incorruptible love. Amen. ​

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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