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

¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Duties of Servants and Masters

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

The Call to Spiritual Warfare

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Tychicus and Final Benediction

But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. 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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Ephesians6

Duties of Children and Parents

Duties of Servants and Masters

The Call to Spiritual Warfare

Tychicus and Final Benediction

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