Chapter
1 2 3 4 5 6
Verse

Ephesians chapter 6

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What does Ephesians chapter 6 mean?

Chapter 6 offer four primary points closing out Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus. First, he provides instruction regarding children and parents (Ephesians 6:1–4). Second, he provides instructions for the relationship between masters and servants (Ephesians 6:5–9). Third, Paul discusses the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–20). Fourth, Paul concludes with final greetings to his readers (Ephesians 6:21–24).

The first section (Ephesians 6:1–4) teaches children to obey their parents. This instruction is based on one of the Ten Commandments (Ephesians 6:2–3). Fathers are not to provoke their children to anger. Instead, they are to raise them according to God's discipline and instruction (Ephesians 6:4).

The second section addresses servants and masters (Ephesians 6:5–9). Servants are to obey their masters with a sincere heart as if serving the Lord (Ephesians 6:5–7). Whatever good they do will be received back (Ephesians 6:8). Masters are to treat their servants in the same way and not threaten them. Masters are to recognize they and their servants have a common Master in heaven that judges fairly (Ephesians 6:9).

The third part (Ephesians 6:10–20) discusses the armor of God. Believers are to be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10) and put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) to stand against Satan's schemes. Our battle is spiritual, not physical (Ephesians 6:12). This armor allows believers to stand firm in the faith (Ephesians 6:13). It includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes with readiness, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:14–17). The Word of God is listed as the one offensive weapon, used both to protect and to strike back against evil (Ephesians 6:17). Believers are to pray at all times, keep alert, and persevere (Ephesians 6:18). Paul also asked his readers to pray for him to speak boldly about Christ (Ephesians 6:19–20).

The final part of this letter (Ephesians 6:21–24) mentions a few final greetings to his readers. Paul says he is sending Tychicus to tell them more about his situation (Ephesians 6:21). His goal was to encourage them during his visit with this letter (Ephesians 6:22).

Paul ends by offering peace, love, and faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:23). He ends with his distinctive mention of giving grace to "all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible" (Ephesians 6:24). This love that cannot be corrupted is a true, genuine love that Paul experienced in his time with the Ephesian believers that could not be stopped. It had already spread throughout the entire region and would continue to change lives long after Paul's letter.
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