Ephesians 6
Ephesians 6 is the closing section of the letter apostle Paul sent. This chapter deals with relationships within the community of faith (such as in the home and at work), the spiritual battle as Christians, and the final greetings. Overall, it shows what it means to practice God’s righteousness in a continuous way, and it offers practical lessons that can apply to both individuals and the community.
1verseChildren, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2verse“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise:
3verse“that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.”
4verseYou fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
5verseServants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ,
6versenot in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
7versewith good will doing service as to the Lord and not to men,
8verseknowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same good again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.
9verseYou 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.
10verseFinally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11versePut on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12verseFor 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.
13verseTherefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14verseStand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15verseand having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace,
16verseabove all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
17verseAnd take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18versewith 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 saints.
19versePray for me, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News,
20versefor which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21verseBut 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.
22verseI have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state and that he may comfort your hearts.
23versePeace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24verseGrace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.
Relationships in the Home and at Work (Verses 1–9)
- Children and parents: Children are to obey their parents, and parents are to raise their children with the Lord’s instruction and discipline. Here, mutual respect and responsibility are emphasized.
- Servants and masters: In keeping with the social structures of that time, those who work and those who have authority are encouraged to treat one another with truthfulness, respect, and right motives. Today, this can be applied in how we treat one another with kindness in our workplaces or social relationships.
Spiritual Warfare and God’s Armor (Verses 10–20)
In this section, Paul urges us to put on God’s full armor in order to stand against the "schemes of the devil." Faith elements such as faith, righteousness, salvation, the Word, the gospel, and prayer are each likened to parts of armor, helping us realize that the Christian life is not just about becoming a good person, but about an unseen spiritual battle. He repeatedly emphasizes that this battle cannot be won by human strength, but only by relying on God’s power.
Final Exhortation and Greetings (Verses 21–24)
Through Tychicus, Paul shares news about himself and the gospel ministry, and he blesses the saints with peace, love, and faith. As he closes the long letter, he encourages and comforts each person, once again highlighting the community’s love and unity.
Meditation Points
- Do I maintain a balance between gentle authority and obedience in the place where I live my life?
- Do I recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and put on God’s armor every day?
- Am I sharing the gospel’s peace and love with my community and the people around me?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In your relationships around you—at home, with friends, at work, and so on—consider how you can live out Paul’s exhortation.
- When you are spiritually struggling or when temptation is strong, set specific small practices for how you can prepare to equip yourself with God’s full armor.
This is the last chapter of Ephesians.