Ephesians 6 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Ephesians 6

The Epistle to the Ephesians is believed to have been written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion and became one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity. Paul provides practical guidance to the believers in Ephesus in this chapter, addressing the spiritual warfare they face and emphasizing the importance of standing firm in their faith.

The chapter begins by emphasizing the need for believers to be strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God, which will enable them to stand against the schemes of the devil. Paul then outlines the various components of this spiritual armor, drawing parallels to the armor worn by Roman soldiers. This imagery is a powerful reminder that the Christian life is a constant battle against the forces of evil, as echoed in the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. Paul encourages the believers to pray at all times, to be vigilant, and to intercede for one another as the chapter progresses. He also provides specific instructions for how husbands and wives, children and parents, and slaves and masters should conduct themselves, emphasizing the importance of submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. These practical teachings are a testament to the Apostle’s deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Ephesian church and his desire to see them stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity.

Ephesians 6:1-4

The verses in Ephesians 6:1-4 address the relationship between children and their parents. Let’s break it down section by section:

1. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
   Children are instructed to obey their parents, but not just for the sake of obedience but because it is the right thing to do in the eyes of the Lord. This commandment reflects one of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Obedience to parents is not just about following rules but acknowledging the authority that God has placed in parents to guide and nurture their children. It is also a way for children to learn respect and discipline, which are vital traits in shaping their character.

2. “‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’”
   The verse further emphasizes the importance of honoring parents, stating that this commandment comes with a promise of blessings and longevity. This promise carries a spiritual and practical significance. Spiritually, honoring parents is a reflection of honoring God, who placed them as stewards over children. Practically, a respectful and obedient attitude towards parents often leads to a more harmonious family life and stability in society. This promise also points to the idea of sowing and reaping, where by honoring parents, children set themselves up for blessings and favor in their own lives.

3. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
   This verse addresses the role of fathers in parenting. Parents, especially fathers, are reminded not to provoke or embitter their children, as this could lead to resentment and rebellion. Instead, they are called to nurture and instruct their children in the ways of the Lord. This guidance covers not just physical provision but spiritual and emotional support. A father’s role is crucial in shaping the worldview and character of their children. Proverbs 22:6 reinforces this by stating, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. These verses emphasize the importance of the parent-child relationship based on mutual respect, obedience, and proper guidance. Both parents and children can foster a healthy environment where they embrace love, respect, and Godly principles by following these instructions, leading to blessings and a strong foundation for the family.

Ephesians 6:5-9

The Apostle Paul addresses the relationship between masters and slaves in Ephesians 6:5-9. Identify the subject: We
Rewritten sentence: We will break down this passage into important sections and delve into the meaning of each one.

Verse 5 – “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Paul instructs slaves in this verse to obey their masters with respect, fear, and sincerity. Many Roman households employed slaves as domestic workers or in various trades. Paul highlights the importance of integrity and doing one’s work conscientiously by encouraging slaves to obey their masters as they would obey Christ. This advice was intended to bring honor and glory to God through their conduct, even in difficult circumstances. Additionally, Paul’s instruction was a reflection of the broader gospel message that emphasizes humility, service, and love for all.

Verse 6 – “Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.”

Paul goes further to explain that slaves should not obey their masters only when being watched or to gain favor, but rather, they should see themselves as serving Christ through their obedience. This exhortation highlights the Christian principle of working diligently and faithfully regardless of external supervision or rewards. Slaves were encouraged to maintain their integrity and motivation in their work by focusing on serving Christ.

Verse 7 – “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,”

Paul reiterates the point that slaves should serve wholeheartedly, as though they are serving the Lord himself and not merely their human masters. This perspective elevated the mundane tasks of daily work to a higher spiritual plane, emphasizing the idea that all work, regardless of its nature, can be an act of worship and service to God. It emphasized the importance of doing one’s duty with excellence and dedication, even in challenging circumstances.

Verse 8 – “because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Paul reassures slaves in this verse that God sees their efforts and will reward them for their faithfulness and good deeds, regardless of their social status. This promise of divine reward serves as a source of encouragement and comfort, reminding believers that their earthly circumstances do not determine their ultimate worth or significance. It underscores the notion that God’s justice transcends human hierarchies and inequalities, and that true reward comes from serving Him faithfully.

Verse 9 – “And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.”

Paul concludes the passage by addressing masters, instructing them to treat their slaves with the same respect and fairness that they expect from their own relationship with Christ. Paul challenges masters to consider their treatment of their slaves in light of their own standing before God by emphasizing that God shows no favoritism and that both masters and slaves are ultimately accountable to the same divine Master. This call to just and equitable treatment underscores the biblical principle of justice and love for all people, regardless of societal positions. Ephesians 6:5-9 highlights the importance of integrity, respect, and fairness in human relationships, particularly within the context of masters and slaves. Paul’s teachings emphasize the transformative power of the gospel in guiding believers to act in ways that honor God, transcend social norms, and reflect the values of the kingdom of heaven. This passage underscores the timeless message of the Bible that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, are called to love and serve one another as unto the Lord, with sincerity, humility, and justice.

Ephesians 6:10-17

This passage from Ephesians 6:10-17 is commonly known as the “Armor of God” passage. Let’s break down this important section into parts to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.

1. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” – This opening line sets the tone for the entire passage, emphasizing the importance of finding strength in God’s power rather than our own. It reminds us that our strength and abilities come from God, and we can overcome any challenges or spiritual battles through Him.

2. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” – Here, we are encouraged to put on the armor of God, which symbolizes the spiritual protection that God provides for His followers. Just like a soldier prepares for battle by putting on armor, we are called to equip ourselves with God’s armor to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. This imagery of armor serves as a reminder that we are in a spiritual battle and need to be prepared.

3. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – This verse highlights the spiritual nature of the battle we face as Christians. It points out that our enemies are not merely human, but spiritual forces of evil orchestrated by the devil. This emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s strength and protection to overcome these spiritual battles.

4. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” – This verse stresses the importance of being prepared at all times for spiritual attacks. Putting on the full armor of God equips us to stand firm in our faith and withstand the challenges that come our way. It is a call to be vigilant and steadfast in our spiritual walk.

5. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” – Here, the passage describes the components of the armor of God: truth, righteousness, readiness, and the gospel of peace. Each piece of armor is symbolic and essential for our spiritual protection. The belt of truth reminds us of the importance of living in truth and in accordance with God’s Word. The breastplate of righteousness signifies the protection of a righteous life lived in obedience to God. The readiness of the gospel of peace emphasizes the importance of being prepared to share the good news of Jesus Christ. This passage from Ephesians 6:10-17 serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual battles Christians face and the need to rely on God’s strength and protection. We can stand firm against the schemes of the devil and remain steadfast in our faith by putting on the full armor of God. The imagery of armor underscores the importance of being prepared, living in truth, righteousness, and readiness to share the gospel of peace. It is a timeless message that transcends generations and continues to guide believers in their walk with God.

Ephesians 6:18-20

The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 6:18-20, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

Paul is emphasizing the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian. He encourages believers to pray in the Spirit, which means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire their prayers. This shows the connection between the believer and God, seeking His will in all circumstances. Paul also emphasizes perseverance in prayer, not just in times of need but continuously for all believers, showing care and concern for one another in the body of Christ. Paul demonstrates his own reliance on the prayers of fellow believers by asking the Ephesians to pray for him. Despite his significant role as an apostle and missionary, Paul acknowledges the need for spiritual support from others. This humility and transparency set an example for believers to rely on each other for prayer and support in their spiritual journey.

The imagery of Paul as an “ambassador in chains” is powerful, illustrating his physical imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. Despite his circumstances, Paul remains steadfast in his mission to preach the Good News fearlessly. This reflects the resilience and commitment of a true disciple of Christ, willing to endure hardships for the sake of spreading the gospel message. Paul concludes his letter by urging believers in the broader context of Ephesians 6 to put on the armor of God to stand firm against spiritual warfare. Prayer is highlighted as a crucial component of this spiritual armor, serving as a means of communication with God and seeking His strength and guidance in the face of adversity. This call to prayer resonates throughout the Bible, with verses like Philippians 4:6-7 emphasizing the importance of presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving and experiencing His peace that transcends all understanding.

Ephesians 6:21-24

The verses in Ephesians 6:21-24 are part of the closing remarks in the letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus. Let’s break down this passage into important sections for a deeper understanding of its significance:

1. “Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.”

This verse introduces Tychicus, who is mentioned several times in the New Testament as a companion of Paul during his travels and a trusted messenger for him. Tychicus is described as a dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord. This indicates the close bond and trust that Paul had in him. Tychicus was entrusted to deliver this letter to the Ephesians, showing his reliability and loyalty to Paul and to the ministry of spreading the Gospel. Through Tychicus, the Ephesians would receive updates about Paul’s well-being and his work in spreading the message of Christianity.

1. “I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.”

Paul explains that he is sending Tychicus specifically to provide the Ephesians with encouragement. Tychicus was not only a messenger but also a source of support and comfort for the believers in Ephesus. This exemplifies the importance of mutual support and encouragement within the Christian community. Tychicus’s visit would not only update them on Paul’s affairs but also serve to uplift and strengthen the faith of the believers in Ephesus.

1. “Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.”

Paul concludes the letter with a blessing of peace, love, and grace for the believers in Ephesus. This serves as a reminder of the foundational tenets of the Christian faith: peace and unity among believers, love rooted in faith, and the grace that comes from God through Jesus Christ. Paul reinforces the importance of love and unity within the body of Christ by emphasizing these attributes. The reference to undying love for the Lord Jesus Christ highlights the enduring commitment and devotion that believers should have towards their faith. Ephesians 6:21-24 emphasizes the role of faithful individuals like Tychicus in spreading the Gospel and the importance of encouragement and support within the Christian community. It also underscores the blessings of peace, love, and grace that come from God and should be shared among believers. These verses not only provide practical instructions for the early church but also carry timeless messages about faith, love, and unity that remain relevant to Christians today.

After Ephesians 6

Ephesians 6 reminds us of the spiritual battle we face daily. We are encouraged to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. We can overcome any challenges that come our way by staying rooted in prayer and relying on God’s strength. Let us remember that God is always with us, guiding and protecting us, so we should be vigilant and steadfast in our faith. We should hold fast to the truth that with God on our side, we are more than conquerors as we prepare to delve into the next chapter.