Eph 6 | MHM | STEP | Duties of Children to Parents; Duties of Servants to Masters In this passage, Paul gives practical advice for Christian families and workplaces. He teaches about the responsibilities of children, parents, servants, and masters. Paul shows that following Christ changes how we treat one another in every area of life. v. 1 : Paul instructs, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right (Ephesians 6:1 ). Children should listen to and respect their parents, because it pleases God and is the right thing to do. Obedience to parents is a part of obeying God Himself, especially when their instructions agree with God's will.

‏ Ephesians 6

Duties of Children to Parents; Duties of Servants to Masters

In this passage, Paul gives practical advice for Christian families and workplaces. He teaches about the responsibilities of children, parents, servants, and masters. Paul shows that following Christ changes how we treat one another in every area of life.

v. 1: Paul instructs, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right (Ephesians 6:1 ^a). Children should listen to and respect their parents, because it pleases God and is the right thing to do. Obedience to parents is a part of obeying God Himself, especially when their instructions agree with God's will.

v. 2: He quotes the commandment, Honour thy father and mother (Ephesians 6:2 ^b). Honoring parents means showing them respect, obedience, and care, even as they grow older. This commandment is special because it comes with a promise from God.

v. 3: The promise is That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth (Ephesians 6:3 ^c). God promises blessings and, often, a long and good life to those who obey and honor their parents. While this does not always mean there will be no troubles, it is a general rule that God rewards those who keep this command.

v. 4: Paul turns to parents, especially fathers: And you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4 ^d). Parents should not be harsh or unfair, making their children angry. Instead, they should teach them about God and guide them lovingly, giving them both discipline and instruction.

v. 5: Paul then addresses servants: 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 6:5 ^e). Servants should obey their earthly masters sincerely and respectfully, remembering that by serving them well, they are really serving Christ.

v. 6: He adds, Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart (Ephesians 6:6 ^f). Servants should not just work hard when they are being watched, but should always do their best, knowing God sees them and rewards sincere service.

v. 7: Paul says, With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men (Ephesians 6:7 ^g). Servants should do their work willingly and cheerfully, focusing on pleasing God more than pleasing people.

v. 8: He reminds them, Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free (Ephesians 6:8 ^h). God promises to reward everyone who serves faithfully, no matter their position in society.

v. 9: Finally, Paul speaks to masters: And you 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 . Masters should treat their servants with fairness, kindness, and respect, remembering that God is their Master too. God does not show favoritism and will judge everyone by the same standard.

The Christian’s Spiritual Armour

In this section, Paul reminds believers that they are engaged in a spiritual battle. He urges them to find their strength in the Lord and to put on God’s full armour. Paul explains that Christians fight against spiritual forces, not human enemies, and that God provides everything necessary for victory. Each piece of the spiritual armour is described, and believers are encouraged to use prayer and perseverance in their daily walk with God.

v. 10: Paul tells the Ephesians to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. He encourages them not to rely on their own strength, but to depend on God’s power for victory in life’s struggles (Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might; Ephesians 6:10 ⁱ).

v. 11: Paul commands believers to put on the whole armour of God so that they can stand against the devil’s schemes. Christians are not left defenseless; God gives them spiritual armour to protect them from evil (Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; Ephesians 6:11 ^j).

v. 12: He explains that Christians are not fighting against human enemies, but against spiritual forces of evil. The real struggle is against the powers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in the heavenly realms (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 6:12 ^k).

v. 13: Paul urges believers to take up the whole armour of God so that they can stand their ground when evil comes. Only by using every piece of God’s armour will they be able to stand firm in the day of trouble (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 6:13 ^l).

v. 14: He describes the first parts of the armour: the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. Truth holds everything together, and righteousness protects the heart (Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; Ephesians 6:14 ^m).

v. 15: Believers are to have their feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. This means always being ready to share and live out the message of Jesus (And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Ephesians 6:15 ⁿ).

v. 16: Paul says to take up the shield of faith, which can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Faith in God’s promises protects believers from doubt, fear, and temptation (Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; Ephesians 6:16 ^o).

v. 17: He tells them to put on the helmet of salvation, which guards the mind, and to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. God’s word is the believer’s main weapon against lies and attacks from the enemy (And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Ephesians 6:17 ^p).

v. 18: Paul urges continuous prayer in the Spirit for all believers. He says to stay alert, pray on every occasion, and keep praying for all Christians everywhere (Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;.

The Conclusion.

In this final section of Ephesians, Paul shares some personal requests and encouragements. He asks for prayer, introduces his messenger Tychicus, and ends with a blessing for the believers. These words show Paul’s care for the church and his dependence on God, even while in prison.

v. 19: Paul asks the believers to pray for him, just as he had encouraged them to pray for all saints (Ephesians 6:18 ^q). He especially wants them to pray that he will be given the right words to share the gospel clearly and boldly. Paul wants to speak without fear or shame and to explain the mystery of the gospel, which is now revealed by God. Even though he is known for his speaking ability (Acts 14:12 ^r), Paul knows he still needs God’s help and the prayers of others so that he can speak as he should .

v. 20: Paul reminds them that he is an ambassador for Christ, even though he is in chains for the gospel (Ephesians 6:20 ^s). He asks for prayer so that he will have courage to continue sharing God’s message, even while facing hardship. This shows that it is not unusual for those who serve Christ to suffer, and that it is difficult to be bold when suffering. Even the strongest Christians need the prayers of others.

v. 21: Paul recommends Tychicus to the church. Tychicus is the one delivering this letter. Paul wants the believers to know how he is doing and how he is handling his imprisonment. By sharing his situation, Paul hopes the church will better support him in prayer and not lose heart because of his troubles (Ephesians 6:21 ^t).

v. 22: Paul explains that Tychicus will encourage the believers by telling them about Paul’s situation and attitude. Knowing about Paul’s faith and perseverance will comfort them and help them to feel joy and thankfulness, instead of fear or sadness (Ephesians 6:22 ^u).

v. 23: Paul gives his blessing: “Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith.” He wishes for them to have peace with God, peace in their hearts, and peace with each other. He also prays that they will continue to have love and faith, which are signs of God’s grace working in their lives (Ephesians 6:23 ^v).

v. 24: Paul’s closing prayer is for all who truly love the Lord Jesus Christ. He asks that God’s grace will be with everyone whose love for Jesus is sincere and pure, not mixed with wrong motives or distractions. Paul’s hope is that all true believers everywhere will continue to love Jesus faithfully, and he ends with, “Amen,” agreeing that this is his true prayer (Ephesians 6:24 ^w).