Ephesians 6

Commentary on Ephesians 6

Overview (Context, Placement, Overall Flow)

Ephesians 6 corresponds to the practical exhortation section of Paul's epistles. While chapters 1-3 dealt with doctrinal truths and chapters 4-5 addressed the principles of church unity and the new life of believers, chapter 6 provides specific guidelines based on these teachings for how believers should live in their homes and in society. In particular, the teachings on family life, continuing from the latter part of chapter 5, address the relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, and slaves and masters, concluding with an exhortation on the believer's spiritual warfare and the armor of God. This chapter serves as the conclusion of Ephesians, demonstrating how the truth of faith should be manifested in the practical areas of life.

Structure of the Text (Section Division)

6:1-4: Relationship between Parents and Children

6:5-9: Relationship between Slaves and Masters

6:10-20: Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God

6:21-24: Final Greetings and Benediction

Key Themes

Mutual Respect and Duty: All relationships in Christ are based on mutual respect and the fulfillment of one's duties. This is essential for maintaining order in the home and society and for building up the church, the body of Christ, in health.

God-Centered Obedience: All obedience must ultimately be directed towards God. Obedience in human relationships has its meaning and limits within the relationship with God.

Spiritual Warfare and the Power of the Spirit: The life of a believer is a constant battle against unseen spiritual forces. Victory in this battle requires not human strength, but God's power and armament.

The Armor of God: Believers must be equipped with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).

Detailed Exegesis by Section

6:1-4: Relationship between Parents and Children

6:1: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: The Reformed tradition explains that this obedience is based on the law of nature and reason, God's command, and a promise. Obedience should flow from love, gratitude, and respect, and includes compliance with the parents' just commands. Greek exegesis emphasizes that the phrase "in the Lord" (ἐν Κυρίῳ) signifies obedience within the scope that the parents' commands align with God's will. That is, if the parents' commands are unlawful or unbiblical, there is no obligation to obey. The Wesleyan/Methodist tradition suggests that "in the Lord" implies that obedience is for the Lord's sake, or that parents' commands should be obeyed within the limits that they are in accordance with God's will and Word.

for this is right: This obedience is justifiable by the law of nature and reason, and it is what is right according to God's law.

6:2: "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise).

Honor your father and mother: This includes not only obedience but also respect, love, support, and a respectful attitude. The Anglican tradition views this command as an essential principle of all moral progress.

this is the first commandment with a promise: This is the fifth commandment in the Ten Commandments. While not the first commandment concerning the relationship with God, it is the first commandment in human relationships to which a promise is attached. The Lutheran tradition considers this commandment important for the welfare of society and for pleasing God. Greek exegesis explains that the phrase "with a promise" (ἐν ἐπαγγελίᾳ) emphasizes that a special promise is associated with this commandment.

6:3: "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."

This promise is generally fulfilled for obedient children, but in the Christian era, it should be understood with a higher spiritual meaning. Long life and prosperity can include not only material blessings but also spiritual blessings.

6:4: "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Fathers, do not exasperate your children: Parents should not treat their children with excessive strictness or provoke them with unreasonable demands. The Puritan tradition warns against the indiscriminate severity of parents or an attitude that prioritizes worldly success over the children's souls.

instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord: Parents should raise their children in the Word and teachings of God, that is, with spiritual discipline and instruction. This means developing the children's judgment and helping to shape their lives according to God's will.

6:5-9: Relationship between Slaves and Masters

6:5: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ."

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart: This obedience should not be merely outward compliance but should be done with a sincere and humble heart.

just as you would obey Christ: Slaves should treat their masters as they would obey Christ. This shows that all human relationships should be Christ-centered. The Reformed tradition views the obedience of slaves as an extension of obedience to God.

6:6: "Obey them not only to please them when they are watching, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart."

Obey them not only to please them when they are watching: Instead of acting superficially or to please people, one should serve with a sincere heart.

as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart: True service comes from the heart and is about doing the will of God.

6:7: "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people."

All service should be done joyfully with a heart directed towards God.

6:8: "because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free."

Whatever good is done, the reward will come from the Lord. This is a principle that applies to all people, regardless of their status or position.

6:9: "And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you both have the same Master in heaven, and he accepts no favorites."

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way: Masters should also treat their slaves with fairness and kindness.

Do not threaten them: Masters should not threaten or abuse their slaves.

since you both have the same Master in heaven, and he accepts no favorites: Before God, all are equal, and God judges all impartially. The Anglican tradition emphasizes that this passage demonstrates the essential principle of human moral progress.

6:10-20: Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God

6:10: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power: The spiritual strength of believers comes not from human power but from being in the Lord and from His power. The Lutheran tradition rejoices that we can approach the Father freely through Christ, and this strength is based on God's gracious work.

6:11: "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."

so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes: Believers must stand against the devil's deceptions and attacks. The Baptist tradition points out that this military metaphor was deeply ingrained in Paul's mind.

Put on the full armor of God: This means that believers must equip themselves with the spiritual armament provided by God to win the spiritual battle.

6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood: The struggle of believers is not against human enemies but against spiritual forces of evil.

against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms: Paul clearly identifies the nature of spiritual warfare, emphasizing that it is a battle against very powerful and widespread evil forces.

6:13: "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Therefore put on the full armor of God: Having recognized the reality of spiritual warfare, we must equip ourselves with God's armor.

so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand: This armor is not merely defensive but provides the strength to win every battle and stand firm.

6:14-17: Explanation of each piece of the armor of God

the belt of truth: The foundation that binds our lives with integrity.

the breastplate of righteousness: Protects our hearts with the righteousness of Christ.

the shoes of the gospel of peace: The peace brought by the gospel makes our steps firm.

the shield of faith: Faith that extinguishes all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

the helmet of salvation: Protects our heads with the assurance of salvation.

the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: The Word of God is our only offensive weapon.

6:18: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests: Prayer is a vital part of spiritual warfare and should be offered under the guidance of the Spirit.

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying: One must pray constantly and remain spiritually alert.

6:19-20: "Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

Pray also for me: Paul asks for prayer for himself as well.

so that I may fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel: Paul requests prayer so that he may boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel.

for which I am an ambassador in chains: Paul reveals that he is a prisoner for the sake of the gospel, showing that his mission and suffering are deeply connected to the gospel. The Reformed tradition emphasizes that Paul used his imprisonment as an opportunity for gospel proclamation.

6:21-24: Final Greetings and Benediction

6:21: "Tychicus, a dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am doing."

Tychicus: A faithful co-worker sent to inform the Ephesian church about Paul's situation.

6:22: "I am sending him to you for the express purpose of reassuring you about us and encouraging your hearts."

The purpose of Tychicus's visit is for the Ephesian church to know about Paul's situation and to be encouraged.

6:23-24: "Peace be to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who unswervingly love our Lord Jesus Christ."

Peace be to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith: Paul blesses the Ephesian believers with God's grace, peace, faith, and love. This is a typical form of benediction in Paul's epistles.

Insights from the Original Languages

6:1: Obey (ὑπακούω, hypakouō): Means "to listen under," indicating submission to authority by one who is under it. It includes not only obedience but also respect and trust.

6:4: Training (παιδεία, paideia): A comprehensive term encompassing education, discipline, and instruction, meaning all that is necessary for the proper upbringing of children.

6:11: Schemes (μεθοδεία, methodeia): Derived from "methodos" (method), it means cunning plans, deception, or stratagems. Satan's schemes involve intricate and sophisticated deception.

6:12: Struggle (πάλη, palaistē): Refers to wrestling, indicating a fierce and direct combat. It illustrates the intensity of spiritual warfare.

6:13: Full armor (πανοπλία, panoplia): Means complete armament or full armor. It refers to God's complete provision for protection in spiritual warfare.

6:18: Prayers (προσευχή, proseuchē): General prayer offered to God.

Requests (δέησις, deēsis): Earnest prayer for a specific need or request.

in the Spirit (ἐν Πνεύματι, en Pneumati): Prayer offered in the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.

Theological Perspectives — Comparison by Tradition

Reformed/Puritan: Emphasizes order in the home and society, mutual duties, and obedience based on God's sovereignty. They stress the importance of God's grace and the Word in spiritual warfare, viewing the armor of God as an element of the believer's active faith life.

Wesleyan/Methodist: Highlights that parents' commands must be in accordance with God's will, as indicated by the phrase "in the Lord," and emphasizes that all duties are to be performed in relation to Christ. In spiritual warfare, they stress strength through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Lutheran: Emphasizes God's grace and access through Christ, showing that all relationships and duties are based on God's gracious work.

Baptist: Stresses the reality of spiritual warfare through Paul's military metaphors, urging believers to respond actively in faith.

Anglican: Emphasizes the principles of moral progress and imitation, highlighting the importance of living a life that imitates God and Christ.

Greek Exegesis: Analyzes the nuances of words like "in the Lord," "schemes," and "struggle" from the original languages, clarifying the theological meaning of the text.

Cross-References (Related Scripture Passages)

Parents and Children: Exodus 20:12 (Ten Commandments), Deuteronomy 5:16, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 5:22-24

Slaves and Masters: Colossians 3:22-4:1, 1 Timothy 6:1-2, 1 Peter 2:18

Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God: Ephesians 1:3, 1:19-20, 2:1-3, 3:10, 4:23-27, 6:10-12, Romans 12:1-2, 13:11-14, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, 1 Peter 5:8-9

Sermon/Application Points

The Kingdom of God in the Home: Christian homes should function as "household churches" where God's reign and love are realized, distinct from worldly order. Parents should raise children to fear God, not just succeed in the world, and children should honor their parents while prioritizing God's will.

Christ in Relationships: All human relationships must be reoriented around Christ. Masters should treat slaves as they would Christ, and slaves should treat masters as they would Christ, a principle applicable to all social relationships.

Awareness of the Unseen Battle: We must recognize that we face not just human problems but a battle against powerful spiritual forces. To win this battle, God's power and armament are essential, not worldly wisdom or strength.

Living Victoriously with the Armor of God: The armor of God is not optional but essential for victory in spiritual warfare. We must daily equip ourselves with truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.

The Power of Prayer: The key to spiritual warfare is constant prayer. When we pray alertly in the Spirit, we are strengthened by God's power and can overcome the devil's schemes.