Ephesians Chapter 6 — The Armor of God and Family Duties
Paul provides instructions for family and work relationships before detailing the Armor of God necessary for standing firm in faith.
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Notable Verses
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
This verse establishes a foundational principle of family order and respect within a household.
Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
This is the core instruction for believers to prepare themselves for spiritual challenges and stay firm.
Ephesians 6:12
“For 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.”
It defines the nature of the believer's conflict as being spiritual rather than physical.
Chapter Summary
Ephesians Chapter 6 provides instructions for household relationships, calling children to honor and obey their parents and advising fathers to nurture their children without provocation. The chapter also addresses servants and masters, urging them to serve one another with sincerity as if serving Christ, emphasizing God's lack of partiality. The latter half contains the famous passage regarding the Armor of God. Paul encourages believers to be strong in the Lord's power, putting on spiritual tools such as the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit to withstand spiritual opposition. Paul concludes the letter by asking for prayers for his own boldness while in prison and introduces Tychicus, who will provide updates on his well-being. The chapter ends with a blessing of peace, love, and grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Armor of God includes several spiritual elements: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the preparation of the Good News of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.
Tychicus is described as a beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord whom Paul sends to the Ephesians to update them on his situation and provide comfort.
Paul instructs fathers not to provoke their children to wrath but instead to nurture them using the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Paul asks for prayer that utterance may be given to him so that he can speak boldly and make known the mystery of the Good News, even while he is an ambassador in chains.
Study Note
The Greek word 'rhema' used for 'word' in verse 17 refers specifically to a spoken or uttered word rather than a written text.
Related Chapters
Galatians 5
Explores the fruit of the Spirit, which complements the spiritual preparation described in Ephesians 6.
Colossians 3
Contains parallel instructions regarding household relationships and family duties.
1 Thessalonians 5
Includes similar metaphors regarding spiritual alertness and putting on the breastplate of faith.
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