Ephesians 6
Ephesians 6 gives practical instructions for Christian living in family, work, and spiritual life. Paul speaks first about relationships in the home and workplace, then he teaches believers how to stand strong in spiritual warfare. He uses the armor of God as a picture of the spiritual protection and strength believers need against the devil and the powers of darkness. This chapter reminds Christians that they must live with obedience, fairness, prayer, truth, faith, and readiness, depending on God’s strength rather than their own.
Ephesians 6:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:
3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
This passage teaches about the relationship between children and parents. Children are told to obey their parents “in the Lord,” meaning their obedience should be in harmony with God’s will. They are also told to honor their father and mother, showing respect, gratitude, and love. This command comes with a promise of blessing, showing that a respectful and peaceful family life brings good results. At the same time, fathers are warned not to provoke their children to anger through harshness, unfairness, or unreasonable demands. Instead, parents should raise their children with love, patience, discipline, and godly instruction. This shows that the family is an important place where children learn about God’s character, obedience, respect, and love.
Ephesians 6:5-9 (NKJV)
5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
9 And masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
This section speaks about servants and masters, and it can also apply today to workers and employers. Workers are called to serve with respect, sincerity, and honesty, not only when someone is watching, and not merely to please people. Their work should be done as service to Christ, from the heart, knowing that the Lord sees and rewards what is done faithfully. This gives dignity to ordinary work, because even daily labor can become service to God. Employers and leaders are also commanded to treat workers with fairness, kindness, and respect. They must not use threats, harshness, or abuse of authority, because they also have a Master in heaven. God shows no partiality, meaning He does not favor the powerful over the weak. This passage teaches that both workers and leaders are accountable to God and should act with humility, justice, and integrity.
Ephesians 6:10-13 (NKJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Paul now reminds believers that their strength must come from the Lord, not from themselves. The Christian life includes a real spiritual battle, so believers must put on the whole armor of God in order to stand firm against the devil’s schemes. Paul explains that the true enemy is not flesh and blood, meaning our main battle is not against people, but against spiritual powers of darkness. These evil forces work through temptation, deception, false teaching, fear, discouragement, sin, and confusion. Because this battle is spiritual, it cannot be won by human strength, anger, argument, or worldly methods. Believers need God’s armor and God’s power. The goal is to stand firm, remain faithful, and not be moved away from Christ, even in times of testing and spiritual attack.
Ephesians 6:14–18 (NKJV)
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Paul describes the armor of God as a picture of the spiritual protection believers need. The belt of truth means God’s truth must hold everything together in our lives. Truth protects us from lies, false teaching, and self-deception. The breastplate of righteousness protects the heart, reminding us that Christ gives us righteousness and also calls us to live uprightly. It guards us from guilt, compromise, and sinful living. The shoes of the gospel of peace show that believers must stand firmly in the peace God gives and be ready to share the message of reconciliation. The shield of faith protects against the enemy’s fiery darts, such as doubt, fear, accusation, temptation, and discouragement. Faith means actively trusting God’s promises and lifting them up against the enemy’s attacks. The helmet of salvation protects the mind by giving assurance, hope, and a renewed understanding of who we are in Christ. It guards against despair, confusion, fear, and lies about our identity. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, which is both defensive and offensive. It helps believers resist temptation, expose lies, speak truth, and stand with authority, just as Jesus used Scripture when tempted. Prayer holds all the armor together because it keeps believers connected to God. Paul says prayer should be constant, watchful, persevering, and not only for ourselves but for all believers. Together, the armor shows that victory comes from being fully equipped by God: standing in truth, living in righteousness, grounded in peace, trusting by faith, secure in salvation, armed with God’s Word, and strengthened through prayer.
Ephesians 6:19-20 (NKJV)
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul asks the believers to pray for him, not mainly for his release or comfort, but that he may speak the gospel boldly and clearly. Even though he is in chains, he sees himself as an ambassador for Christ. His imprisonment does not stop his mission, because his greatest concern is that the message of salvation will continue to be preached. Paul knows that sharing the gospel requires courage, wisdom, and the right words, especially when there is opposition. This shows the importance of praying for those who preach, teach, and share God’s Word. Paul’s example reminds believers that true freedom is not based on outward circumstances, but on faithfulness to Christ. Even in suffering, he wants to represent Christ well and make the gospel known.
Ephesians 6:21-24 (NKJV)
21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you all things.
22 Whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Paul closes the letter by sending Tychicus to update the believers about his situation and to comfort their hearts. This shows Paul’s care for the church, even while he is suffering. He does not want them to be anxious or discouraged, so he sends a faithful brother to encourage them. Paul’s final blessing speaks of peace, love, faith, and grace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. These words summarize many of the main themes of Ephesians: unity, love, faithfulness, spiritual strength, and grace in Christ. The letter ends by blessing all who love the Lord Jesus Christ sincerely, reminding believers that the Christian life is rooted in genuine love for Christ and strengthened by God’s grace.