ScriptureDepth's study of Ephesians 6
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.”
Ephesians 6:10
Paul instructs believers in Ephesus to be strong in the Lord, which initiates the following discussion on spiritual warfare and the necessity of the 'armor of God'.
What Ephesians 6 is about
Children are to obey their parents ‘in the Lord’ because it is right. They are told to honor their father and mother, which is a commandment with a promise (vv. 1-3). Fathers are instructed not to provoke their children but to nurture them in the Lord's discipline (v. 4). Servants should obey their earthly masters with fear and sincerity, serving as if they were serving Christ (vv. 5-7). Masters are reminded to treat their servants well, knowing they are also under the authority of God (v. 9). Believers are urged to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God to stand against spiritual forces (vv. 10-11). The armor includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God (vv. 14-17). Prayer is emphasized as vital in spiritual warfare (vv. 18-20). Finally, Tychicus is sent to inform the church about Paul’s situation (vv. 21-22).
Peace and love with faith are offered from God and Jesus Christ to the brothers.
Ephesians 6 at a glance
- Ephesians 6:1–4Instructions for Children and Fathers
- Ephesians 6:5–9Guidance for Servants and Masters
- Ephesians 6:10–17The Armor of God
- Ephesians 6:18–20The Role of Prayer
- Ephesians 6:21–24Final Greetings and Blessings
Key verse: Ephesians 6:10
One thing to notice
In this chapter, the term 'Lord' is used consistently to refer to Christ, particularly in the context of relationships and service. For children, obedience is framed as 'in the Lord' (v. 1). Servants are instructed to serve 'as to Christ' (v. 5) and masters are reminded of their Master 'in heaven' (v. 9).
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Ephesians 6 (WEB)
Instructions for Children and Fathers Ephesians 6:1–4
1Verse 1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2Verse 2. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: 3Verse 3. “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” 4Verse 4. You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Guidance for Servants and Masters Ephesians 6:5–9
5Verse 5. Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; 6Verse 6. not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7Verse 7. with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; 8Verse 8. knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free. 9Verse 9. You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.
The Armor of God Ephesians 6:10–17
10Verse 10. Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11Verse 11. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12Verse 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. 13Verse 13. Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14Verse 14. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15Verse 15. and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; 16Verse 16. above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17Verse 17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
The Role of Prayer Ephesians 6:18–20
18Verse 18. with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: 19Verse 19. on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, 20Verse 20. for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Final Greetings and Blessings Ephesians 6:21–24
21Verse 21. But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things; 22Verse 22. whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23Verse 23. Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24Verse 24. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Ephesians 6
Christian Living
Ephesians 6 provides practical instructions for Christian living, focusing on specific relationships. In verses 1-4, Paul instructs children to obey their parents in the Lord and encourages fathers not to provoke their children but to nurture them. This guidance continues in verses 5-9, where servants are instructed to obey their masters as they would Christ, detailing how daily conduct aligns with one's faith.
Spiritual Warfare
The passage transitions to spiritual warfare in vv. 10-17, where Paul urges believers to 'be strong in the Lord' and to 'put on the whole armor of God.' This armor includes 'the utility belt of truth,' 'the breastplate of righteousness,' and 'the shield of faith,' preparing Christians to stand against 'the wiles of the devil' and the spiritual forces of evil mentioned in v. 12.
Family Relationships
Family relationships are addressed in Ephesians 6, particularly in vv. 1-4. Paul calls children to 'honor your father and mother,' referencing the commandment with a promise. Additionally, he advises 'fathers' to nurture children 'in the discipline and instruction of the Lord' in v. 4, promoting a balanced dynamic that encourages respect and care within the family unit.
Prayer
Prayer is integral to Ephesians 6, particularly in verses 18-20. Believers are urged to pray at all times in the Spirit, remaining watchful and persistent. Paul also asks for prayer on his behalf, so he may speak boldly about the mystery of the Good News, illustrating the role of prayer in seeking strength and support within both personal and communal contexts.
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How Ephesians 6 unfolds
Ephesians 6:1–4 Instructions for Children and Fathers
Children are commanded to 'obey your parents in the Lord' (v. 1), with a reference to the promise attached to honoring parents (v. 2), while fathers are instructed not to anger children but to nurture them in the Lord (v. 4).
Ephesians 6:5–9 Guidance for Servants and Masters
Servants are instructed to obey their earthly masters sincerely, as if serving Christ (vv. 5-6), and masters are told to treat their servants justly, without threats, acknowledging their shared Master in heaven (v. 9).
Ephesians 6:10–17 The Armor of God
Believers are called to 'be strong in the Lord' (v. 10) and to wear 'the whole armor of God' for spiritual protection against evil forces (vv. 11-12), detailing specific items of armor in the following verses.
Ephesians 6:18–20 The Role of Prayer
Believers are instructed to engage in 'all prayer and requests', praying 'at all times in the Spirit' (v. 18). Paul asks for 'utterance' to 'make known with boldness' the 'mystery of the Good News' (vv. 19-20).
Ephesians 6:21–24 Final Greetings and Blessings
Tychicus is sent to the church to provide updates on Paul's situation and to offer comfort (vv. 21-22), concluding with a benediction of peace, love, and grace for those who love Jesus (vv. 23-24).
Key verses
Ephesians 6:10Paul instructs believers in Ephesus to be strong in the Lord, which initiates the following discussion on spiritual warfare and the necessity of the 'armor of God'.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Ephesians 6
- observeIn v1, what does Paul instruct children to do regarding their parents?
- observeWhat promise is found in v3 for honoring one’s parents?
- interpretIn v5, what does it mean to serve 'with fear and trembling'?
- interpretIn vv. 12-13, why does Paul emphasize that our struggle is not against 'flesh and blood'?
- applyWhen have you felt the need to 'put on the whole armor of God' in your life?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Ephesians 6
- Philippians 4Ephesians 6:10 and Philippians 4:13Both be strong: Ephesians 6:10 says to be strong in the Lord, while Philippians 4:13 states I can do all things through Christ.
- Colossians 3Ephesians 6:6 and Colossians 3:23Both do the will of God: Ephesians 6:6 instructs to serve as Christ’s servants, while Colossians 3:23 calls to work heartily for the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 16Ephesians 6:13 and 1 Corinthians 16:13Both stand firm: Ephesians 6:13 urges putting on the armor of God, while 1 Corinthians 16:13 encourages standing firm in faith.
- 1 Peter 5Ephesians 6:11 and 1 Peter 5:8Both stand against the devil: Ephesians 6:11 speaks of standing against wiles, while 1 Peter 5:8 warns about the devil's seeking.
- 1 Thessalonians 5Ephesians 6:18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17Both pray: Ephesians 6:18 encourages praying at all times, while 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs to pray without ceasing.
- Colossians 1Ephesians 6:12 and Colossians 1:13Both against darkness: Ephesians 6:12 speaks of wrestling against darkness, while Colossians 1:13 mentions deliverance from darkness.
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Where to go from here
- Ephesians: the whole bookWritten during Paul's Roman imprisonment and likely intended to circulate among the churches of Asia Minor…
- Full Year Chronological Bible, day 343Day 343 of 365: Ephesians 5–6 · Philippians 1.
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