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Ephesians 6

Ephesians 6 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Ephesians 6 gives practical instruction for homes, workplaces, and the life of faith. It calls believers to honor one another, work with sincerity, and rely on God's strength. The chapter ends with Paul urging prayer, courage, and peace as he sends final greetings.

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What happens in Ephesians 6?

The chapter begins with guidance for children and parents, then moves to servants and masters, stressing sincere service and fair treatment under the authority of Christ. Paul then shifts to spiritual conflict, telling believers to be strong in the Lord and to wear the full armor of God. He names truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God as needed protection. Prayer is central throughout, including prayer for boldness in Paul's own ministry. The chapter closes with Tychicus being sent to encourage the church and with blessings of peace, love, faith, and grace.

Ephesians has been building toward a picture of the church as a new life shaped by Christ. After earlier teaching on unity, holiness, and household relationships, chapter 6 brings the letter to a close with direct instruction and spiritual exhortation. It gathers the letter's main themes into daily conduct, prayer, and steadfastness.

Themes to notice

  • Family and respectChristian homes are marked by honor, careful discipline, and relationships shaped by the Lord.
  • Spiritual warfareBelievers are called to stand firm against evil by relying on God's armor and power.
  • Prayer and couragePersistent prayer strengthens the church and supports bold gospel witness.

Questions for Ephesians 6

  • What does this chapter teach about how faith should shape family relationships and work?
  • How does Paul describe the real nature of the believer's struggle?
  • Which part of the armor of God stands out to you, and why?

Read the full text of Ephesians 6 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Ephesians 6

Children and Parents

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.2“Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise),3“that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”

4Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Serving with Honor

5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.6And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.7Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,8because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

9And 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.

The Full Armor of God

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.12For 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.13Therefore 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.14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,15and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18Pray 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.19Pray 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,20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

21Tychicus, 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.22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.

23Peace to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

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