Ephesians - Chapter 6

Ephesians 6.1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Ephesians 6.2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; Ephesians 6.3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Ephesians 6.4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6.5 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; Ephesians 6.6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; Ephesians 6.7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Ephesians 6.8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Ephesians 6.9 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. Ephesians 6.10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6.11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6.12 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. Ephesians 6.13 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. Ephesians 6.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; Ephesians 6.15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Ephesians 6.16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Ephesians 6.18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6.19 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, Ephesians 6.20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6.21 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: Ephesians 6.22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Ephesians 6.23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6.24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Ephesians : Chapter 6

Reflections on Ephesians 6: Instructions for Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians chapter 6 offers us valuable instructions regarding spiritual warfare. How can we be strong in the Lord? This strategic text describes the armor of God, essential for resisting the evil spiritual forces around us.

Family Relationships

Paul also addresses the relationships between parents and children, as well as those between servants and masters. He emphasizes obedience and service to the Lord, highlighting the importance of these relationships in our Christian lives.

The Call to Prayer

The chapter concludes with a call to vigilant prayer and intercession. Believers are encouraged to be strong in the faith and remain attentive in prayer. Ephesians 6 thus prepares Christians to lead victorious lives, equipped to face spiritual challenges.

Meditation on Bible Passages

Meditate with us on five Bible passages that correspond to the combative themes of this final chapter:

Colossians 3:20-21

"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Parents, do not provoke your children to anger, so that they will not become discouraged." These verses reflect the instructions for parents and children found in Ephesians 6:1-4.

1 Peter 5:8-9

"Be sober and vigilant. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are suffering the same things." This passage relates to the exhortation to spiritual vigilance and resistance against evil spiritual forces in Ephesians 6:10-13.

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This verse echoes the metaphor of the "sword of the Spirit" mentioned in Ephesians 6:17.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Pray continually." This brief exhortation reflects the theme of persistent prayer found in Ephesians 6:18.

Philippians 1:12-14

"I want you to know, brothers, that what happened to me has served to further the gospel. As a result, it has become clear to the entire palace guard and to everyone that I am in prison for Christ. And most of the brothers, motivated in the Lord by my arrest, are proclaiming the word with greater determination and fearlessness." This passage concerns Paul's situation as a prisoner, mentioned in Ephesians 6:20, and how it has served to advance the gospel.

By meditating on these passages, may we strengthen our faith and commitment to spiritual warfare, putting on the armor of God with determination and prayer.