Introduction

Ephesians 6 concludes Paul's letter by continuing household instructions before revealing the cosmic spiritual battle believers face. Paul provides the famous description of the armor of God, equipping believers to stand firm against the devil's schemes through truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, all bathed in prayer.

Children and Parents

(v. 1-4) Paul addresses the relationship between children and their parents.

• Obey your parents (v. 1): Children are to obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right—obedience flows from being "in the Lord"
• Honor your father and mother (v. 2-3): This is the first commandment with a promise—that it may go well with you and you may live long in the land
• Fathers, don't provoke (v. 4): Fathers must not provoke their children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord

Bondservants and Masters

(v. 5-9) Paul addresses the workplace relationships of his day with principles that transcend cultural context.

• Obey with sincerity (v. 5): Bondservants are to obey their earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as to Christ
• Not as people-pleasers (v. 6): This obedience is not eye-service as people-pleasers but as bondservants of Christ, doing God's will from the heart
• Serving the Lord (v. 7): They render service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man
• The Lord rewards (v. 8): Whatever good anyone does, they will receive this back from the Lord, whether bondservant or free
• Masters, do the same (v. 9): Masters are to treat their workers the same way, stopping threats, knowing that both have the same Master in heaven who shows no partiality

The Spiritual Battle

(v. 10-13) Paul reveals the true nature of the Christian struggle.

• Be strong in the Lord (v. 10): Believers must be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might—not their own strength
• Put on the whole armor (v. 11): The full armor of God enables believers to stand against the devil's schemes
• Not against flesh and blood (v. 12): The struggle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places
• Take up the whole armor (v. 13): Therefore, believers must take up the whole armor to withstand in the evil day and, having done all, to stand firm

The Armor of God

(v. 14-17) Paul describes each piece of spiritual armor using Roman military equipment as imagery.

• Belt of truth (v. 14): Stand with the belt of truth buckled around your waist—truth holds everything else together
• Breastplate of righteousness (v. 14): The breastplate of righteousness protects the heart—both Christ's righteousness imputed to us and righteous living
• Feet fitted with readiness (v. 15): Feet are fitted with the readiness given by the gospel of peace—prepared to advance with good news
• Shield of faith (v. 16): The shield of faith extinguishes all the flaming darts of the evil one—faith deflects Satan's attacks
• Helmet of salvation (v. 17): The helmet of salvation protects the mind—assurance of salvation guards against doubt and despair
• Sword of the Spirit (v. 17): The sword of the Spirit is the word of God—the only offensive weapon, used as Jesus used Scripture against temptation

Praying at All Times

(v. 18-20) Prayer underlies all spiritual warfare.

• Praying at all times (v. 18): Prayer must be constant—praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication
• Keep alert with perseverance (v. 18): This requires alertness and perseverance, making supplication for all the saints
• Pray for Paul (v. 19-20): Paul asks for prayer that words would be given to him to proclaim the mystery of the gospel boldly, even as an ambassador in chains

Final Greetings

(v. 21-24) Paul closes with personal notes and a benediction.

• Tychicus the messenger (v. 21-22): Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister, will tell them everything and encourage their hearts
• Peace and love (v. 23): Paul pronounces peace to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
• Grace with those who love (v. 24): Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible

Key Takeaways

• All relationships are transformed in Christ (v. 1-9): Being "in the Lord" changes how we relate in family and work
• The battle is spiritual (v. 12): We fight against cosmic powers, not merely human opponents
• The armor is God's (v. 11): We don't create our own armor; we receive and put on what God provides
• Prayer underlies everything (v. 18): Spiritual warfare requires constant prayer in the Spirit

Reflection Questions

• How does understanding that your daily struggles have a spiritual dimension change how you approach them?
• Which piece of the armor of God do you most need to consciously "put on" right now?
• What would it look like for you to "pray at all times in the Spirit" in your actual daily life?