ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Ephesians 6

Eph. 6:1 Children. The second family relationship illustrating submission to proper authority (5:21) is that of children and parents. obey your parents. Obedience is due to both parents.

Eph. 6:2–3 Honor. Children obeying their parents (v. 1) is in part how they honor them. promise. This is the only one of the Ten Commandments that contains a promise (Ex. 20:12).

Eph. 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). provoke . . . to anger. A domineering and thoughtless father discourages obedient children (Col. 3:21). bring them up. Parents play a crucial, God-ordained role in the discipleship of their children “in the Lord” (Eph. 6:1); see Deut. 6:1–9.

Eph. 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 with family relationships. Paul does not endorse the existing system of servitude (see esv Preface). Instead, he provides instructions to believing masters and bondservants regarding their relationship to each other in the Lord, and how this should be lived out within the bounds of their social and legal culture. The principles in this passage apply today in terms of submission to any lawful authority, unless it requires a believer to disobey God’s Word or to fundamentally compromise one’s commitment to Christ (see, e.g., Acts 4:19, 20). with a sincere heart. Fulfilling one’s obligations is service to the Lord (see Eph. 6:6–7).

Eph. 6:9 Masters were not to take advantage of their authority by threatening their bondservants. There is no partiality with the Lord (see 2 Chron. 19:7; Rom. 2:11). He will fairly judge both masters and servants.

Eph. 6:10–20 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. 10–13 and 14–17 and 18–20.

Eph. 6:10 be strong. Christians cannot stand on their own against superhuman evil powers. They must rely upon the strength of the Lord’s might (see 1:19). He supplies this power primarily through prayer (6:18).

Eph. 6:11 whole armor. The complete equipment of a fully armed soldier, consisting of shields and weapons like those described in vv. 14, 16–17. Paul draws primarily on OT passages, yet the terms also overlap with Roman weapons. schemes. The “deceitful schemes” of those teaching false doctrine come from Satan (4:14; see also 1 John 4:3).

Eph. 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. 11 and stand firm later in v. 13, Paul portrays Christians as soldiers not retreating from the enemy’s charge. evil day. In 5:16 Paul identifies this whole age as “evil days.” Satan’s attacks against Christ’s people will continue until Christ comes again (Luke 21:27) to rescue his people forever.

Eph. 6:14–17 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.

Eph. 6:16–17 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 Heb. 4:12).

Eph. 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 4:23–24) enabled by the Spirit of God, who intercedes on behalf of the person who prays (Rom. 8:26–27).

Eph. 6:21–24 Conclusion. Paul concludes his letter (vv. 21–22) and gives a final blessing (vv. 23–24).

Eph. 6:21–22 Tychicus the beloved brother had served Paul faithfully (see Acts 20:4; Col. 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12). He probably carried this letter to Ephesus.

Eph. 6:23–24 Paul closes his letter the way he began it (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 prominent themes.