A lone figure in a plain wool cloak, seen from behind, standing with feet planted on a rocky ridge at dawn.

The Book of

Ephesians 6

The letter comes home to families and households, then calls the whole church to stand firm in the strength God gives.

24 verses≈ 4 min1 personBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

Tap any post to go deeper

In this chapter

Where we are

1Every blessingChosen, redeemed and sealed in Christ
2–3One new peopleSaved by grace, brought near
4–6:9Walk worthyUnity, new life, love at homeChapter 6
6:10–24Stand firmThe armor of God and prayer

Children and Parents

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

Serving with Honor

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

Ephesians 6:9

Reflect

As to the Lord

Paul tells believers to serve “as to the Lord and not to men,” and he reminds those with power over others that they have a Master in heaven too, with “no favoritism with Him.” Think of the people you work beside, live with or lead. What would change this week if you did your work, and treated them, with the Lord in view?

The Full Armor of God

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Our struggle

Whiteboard

Paul names the real struggle. It isn’t against the people around us, but against evil powers that are real yet already beaten by Christ. So the answer is not fear or a fight in our own strength. It is God’s armor, a call to stand our ground, and prayer that keeps going.

Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.

Paul

A Roman sentry seen from behind at the wooden palisade gate of an army camp under a starry sky, a small fire glowing nearby.

Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

0:09

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Question

Quick question

Paul lists six pieces of the armor of God. Only one of them is a weapon for striking.

What does Paul say “the sword of the Spirit” is?

From PaulTo the saints in Ephesus

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.

Ephesians 6:19–20

A modest rented room in Rome by lamplight, open scrolls on a table, a short chain on a bench and a visitor’s silhouette in the open door.

Final Greetings

A traveler with a leather letter satchel, seen from behind, walking down a paved Roman road toward a coastal city and harbor at dawn.

From PaulTo the saints in Ephesus

Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know about me and what I am doing. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.

Peace to the brothers 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.

Ephesians 6:21–24

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Ephesians 6:24

Pray

Stand firm

Paul’s closing appeal is a call to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power,” and to pray “in the Spirit at all times.” Pray for yourself and for another believer by name: that God would keep you both standing in truth and faith, alert in prayer, and ready to share “the gospel of peace.”

You’ve experienced

Ephesians 6

0 of 6 chapters read

A verse to carry with you

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Ephesians 6:10

or swipe left