EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:1 CHILDREN. The second family relationship illustrating submission to proper authority (Ephesians 5:21) is that of children and parents. OBEY YOUR PARENTS. Obedience is due to both parents. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=imag... [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:2 HONOR. Children obeying their parents (v. Ephesians 6:1) is in part how they honor them. PROMISE. This is the only one of the Ten Commandments that contains a promise (Exodus 20:12). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTa [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:4 FATHERS. As earlier, Paul describes a negative action to avoid, then gives a positive action to develop (see note on 4:29). Paul addresses fathers in particular, though this does not lessen the mother’s contribution in these areas (see Proverbs 31:1). PROVOKE... TO AN... [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:5 BONDSERVANTS. See note on 1 Cor. 7:21. It is estimated that slaves (or bondservants) composed about one-third of the population of a city like Ephesus. They were considered part of a family, so Paul’s instructions for bondservants were a natural part of his dealing wi... [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:9 MASTERS were not to take advantage of their authority by THREATENING their bondservants. There is no PARTIALITY with the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 19:7; Romans 2:11). He will fairly judge both masters and servants. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:10 The Whole Armor of God. Paul concludes with instructions for all Christians. He portrays the Christian life as a spiritual warfare. There are three subsections: vv. Ephesians 6:10, Ephesians 6:14, Ephesians 6:18. ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:11 WHOLE ARMOR. The complete equipment of a fully armed soldier, consisting of shields and weapons like those described in vv. Ephesians 6:14, Ephesians 6:16. Paul draws primarily on OT passages, yet the terms also overlap with Roman weapons. SCHEMES. The “deceitful sch... [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:13 THEREFORE. Because their enemies are superhuman spiritual forces, Christians cannot rely on human resources. They must TAKE UP THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD (see note on v. 11). WITHSTAND. Along with “stand” in v. Ephesians 6:11 and STAND FIRM later in v. Ephesians 6:13, Pa... [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:14 Christians have God’s armor from head to foot. These items are metaphors for the spiritual resources given to them in Christ: the truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (v... [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:16 FLAMING DARTS. Burning arrows designed to destroy wooden shields and other defenses. The SHIELD OF FAITH is able to extinguish the devil’s attacks. THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD. God’s Word is the only offensive weapon in this list (see Hebrews 4:... [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:18 PRAYING. The weapons for warfare are spiritual because they are rooted in prayer, the Christian’s most powerful resource. Prayer IN THE SPIRIT is a form of worship (John 4:23) enabled by the Spirit of God, who intercedes on behalf of the person who prays (Romans 8:26... [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:21 Conclusion. Paul concludes his letter (vv. Ephesians 6:21) and gives a final blessing (vv. Ephesians 6:23). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
EPHESIANS—NOTE ON EPHESIANS 6:23 Paul closes his letter the way he began it (Ephesians 1:2): with a benediction of PEACE, LOVE, FAITH, and GRACE upon the church. He mentions “love” three times. This is fitting for a letter where the love of God, the love of Christ, and Christian love have been promi... [ Continue Reading ]