Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
*Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.*
MY COMMENTS: Please notice the following list of individuals we Christians are to submit to:
Verse 21 of the previous chapter tells us to submit to one another in the fear of God.
Verse 22 tells us that wives are to submit to their own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Verse 24 tells us that the wives are to be subject unto their husbands in everything just like the Church is subject to Christ.
Verse 33 tells us that wives are to reverence their husbands.
Now verse 1 of this chapter tells us that children are to obey their parents, for it’s the right things to do in a Christian home.
Romans 13:1 tells us that everyone of us is to submit to the higher powers because structural authorities come from God.
1 Corinthians 16:16 tells us to submit to those who are working for the Lord. I believe Paul is talking about submission to those who are working for the Lord while they are in the area of their ministry. For example, submit to the worship team as they lead us in worship. Submit to the Sunday School teacher while he/she is teaching class.
Hebrews 13:17 tells us that we are to submit to those who are our spiritual leaders {ministers}. I believe Paul is talking about our submitting to those leaders when they are in the office of pastor.
1 Peter 2:13 tells us that we are to submit to every law that our civil authorities pass into law.
As you can see, every one of us believers has a list of people we are to submit to. God is big on the idea of our being willing to place ourselves under the authority of those that God has placed over us in various areas of our lives. Those individuals who have authority over us are in no way better than we are; we are equal to them in the eyes of God; they simply have a different function in those areas that they have authority in. There are other areas in which we are to submit to individuals because they are the “higher powers: Romans 13:1 is talking about. We all must submit to policeman when they are enforcing the law. New soldiers must submit to their drill sergeants. Every soldier must submit to every other soldier who has a higher rank. Profession sports players must submit to their managers. Workers in the market place must submit to their bosses. You get the idea; every one of us does a lot of submitting to others in our lifetimes.
CONCERNING VERSE 1, REGARDING CHILDREN: If we, as parents, don’t teach our children to submit to us, as their parents, then why would we suppose that they’ll have an easy time submitting to teachers, to bosses, to military leaders, to policeman, etc.? Training starts in the home! Training them is a job God has given to parents, not to society. Regardless of what some politicians tell us, it doesn’t take a society to raise a child; it take that child’s parents! Our society, because of what politicians are telling us, is placing itself in areas of authority that God has not given it!! Leave parenting to the parents in Jesus’ Name.
(Verse One of Chapter Six in my own words.)
Children, you are to obey your parents because of your relationship with God; because it’s the right thing to do!
Ephesians 6:2
Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
*Honour thy father and mother;*
“See marginal references for repetitions and citations of Exo_20:12. ‘Honor’ includes more than obedience; Luther: ‘serve, love and esteem.’ ‘Thy’ should be repeated with ‘mother,’ to give the force of the article which occurs twice: both parents standing on an equality with respect to the honor due them” [Popular N.T.].
Obey your father and your mother [CEV].
The command says, “You must respect your father and mother.” This is the first command that has a promise with it [ERV].
“Respect your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise added [TEV].
MY COMMENTS: As you can see, some renderings of this verse substitute “obey” or “respect” for “honor.” However, the vast majority render it “honor.” In the note above from Popular New Testament Notes the author quotes Martin Luther. Luther has the meaning of “honor” as to “serve, love, and esteem” thy father and thy mother. Not only are children to obey their parents, they are to give honor/respect to them. Truth is, the chances of your children obeying you, if they don’t honor you, are extremely small. If you begin training your children to obey you while they’re young you will be far more successful. But if you want to earn their respect you need to find creative ways, even during times of discipline, to demonstrate how much you love them. Every child wants to know their parents love them.
A FURTHER NOTE: Your children need to obey you while they are growing up; once they are adults they simply need to honor you.
*(which is the first commandment with promise;)*
MY COMMENTS: When Moses received from God the Ten Commandments, written by the hand of God, the 5th Commandment is the one Paul is referring to in this verse. It is not only the first Commandment with a promise attached to it; it is the only one of the Ten Commandments that has a promise attached to it. We will look at that promise in our comments of the next verse.
(Verse Two of Chapter Six in my own words.)
You are to honor both your father and your mother; this is the first of the Ten Commandments that has a promise attached to it.
Ephesians 6:3
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
*That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.*
Numbers 20:12) (KJV) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Deuteronomy 5:16) (KJV) Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
“The special promise of long life in the land of Canaan is translated into a general promise of prosperity and longevity” [Pulpit].
MY COMMENTS: In verse 2 Paul says that honoring our father and our mother, which is the fifth commandment, is the first commandment that is accompanied by a promise. Here, in verse 3, he reveals what that promise is. In Numbers, chapter20, and Deuteronomy, chapter 5, Moses gives us the Ten Commandments. The Law of Moses was given to the Jews, but Paul was writing the Book of Ephesians mainly to non-Jewish Christians. For that reason he leaves out the part about living long in Canaan, “the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” So Paul, while applying Commandment number five to non-Jews, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, leaves out the part about where they would live long lives and simply stresses that they will live long lives if they honor their parents.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Children under legal age are commanded to obey their parents; children of every age are commanded to honor their parents.
A TEACHING MOMENT: God calls you to do what He calls you to do, not what He calls someone else to do!! Regarding this discussion of submission, some husbands might argue, “I’ll love my wife when she starts submitting to me.” Some wives might argue, “I’ll start submitting to my husband when he starts loving me.” God called me t love my wife! He called my wife to submit to me! I can’t control what my wife does; I can only control what I do. When God told me to love my wife He didn’t add a caveat that said “if she loves me.” Wife, when God told you to submit to your husband He didn’t add a caveat that said “if he loves you.” I love my wife, and I love loving her. Rather or not she submits to me is between her and her God! Barb, my wife, is called to submit to me. That’s what she’s supposed to do. Rather or not I love her is between me and my God! We need to quit trying to make other people obey God and lead by example. This is a general rule that can be applied to every area of submission.
(Verse Three of Chapter Six in my own words.)
If you do this it will be well with you, and you will live a long life on earth!
Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
*And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:*
“provoke” – “to rouse to wrath, to provoke, exasperate, anger [Thayer].
Parents, don’t be hard on your children [CEV].
Fathers, don’t make your children angry [ERV],
Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry [TEV].
Fathers, don’t make your children bitter about life [GW].
Fathers, do not exasperate your children [NIV];
“fathers — including mothers; the fathers are specified as being the fountains of domestic authority. Fathers are more prone to passion in relation to their children than mothers, whose fault is rather over-indulgence” [JFB].
MY COMMENTS: Thayer shows us that the Greek word means “fathers.” However, some translators want their readers to understand the same principle applies to “mothers” when they are the ones doing the discipline. Paul addresses the “fathers,” but the rule is the same for “mothers,” “foster parents,” “adoptive parents,” “grandparents,” “uncles or aunts,” “teachers,” “next door neighbors,” “baby sitters,” or whoever else might be doing the discipline. I intentionally overstate the numbers of those who might be responsible for applying discipline to your children to drive home a point; when you discipline your children don’t exasperate them! Be consistent with them; if it was wrong yesterday, it’s wrong today. Let them know what you expect! Don’t keep changing the rules!
*but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.*
Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord [CEV].
but raise them with the kind of teaching and training you learn from the Lord [ERV].
Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction [TEV].
Instead, bring them up in Christian discipline and instruction [GW].
instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord [NIV].
“nurture — Greek, “discipline,” namely, training by chastening in act where needed (Job_5:17; Heb_12:7).
admonition — training by words (Deu_6:7; “catechise,” Pro_22:6, Margin), whether of encouragement, or remonstrance, or reproof, according as is required [Trench]. Contrast 1Sa_3:13, Margin.
of the Lord — such as the Lord approves, and by His Spirit dictates” [JFB].
MY COMMENTS: Sometimes it is necessary to discipline a child. You might have to use strong words to correct the child. You might need to ground the child, or take away certain things, such as computers, game stations, smart phones, etc., or you might, on a rare occasion, need to spank the child. As I said in the above notes, be consistent. If it was wrong yesterday, it’s wrong today. Let them know what you expect! Don’t keep changing the rules! I’m a strong proponent for positive words. When you’re through explaining to the child what the discipline will entail, tell that child how much you love him/her.
Also, your responsibility as a Christian parent is to raise your children with the goal in mind of them growing up into adulthood loving the Lord Jesus, and loving God, their Father, in Heaven. Take them to church! Let them see you studying the Scriptures! Let them see you pray; and pray with them!
(Verse Four of Chapter Six in my own words.)
Fathers, don’t exasperate your children. Discipline them for their good; not because you’re angry. Teach them the disciplines they will need to be successful in life; and teach them to love God!
Ephesians 6:5
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
*Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh,*
“In this appeal Paul was addressing a numerous class. In many of the cities of Asia Minor slaves outnumbered freemen” [Vincent].
1 Tim. 6:1-2) (KJV) Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
2) And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
MY COMMENTS: This is a difficult area of Scripture to talk about as a Christian in 2020 America. In the Roman Empire slavery was legal! Paul had no control over that. He couldn’t free slaves; but he could teach slaves and their masters how to interact with one another.
Rom. 8:18) (KJV) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
MY COMMENTS: Here’s what Paul could do; he could teach believers in every area of life how to go about their daily lives. He taught slaves to be good slaves. You might say, “Shame on him!” Let me explain Paul to you. Paul believed that every Christian, regardless of their station in life, should walk out that life in a way that in no way disparaged the Gospel message. He taught the Corinthian believers that they should allow themselves to be defrauded, if that was required in order to preserve the impact of the Gospel message [1 Cor. 6:7]. He spend much time in prison in Rome because of his preaching the Gospel; yet he wrote that he was a debtor to everyone, and the debt he owed them was to share the Good News about Christ with them [Rom. 1:14-16]. He was, in essence, on death row in Nero’s prison when he wrote his second epistle to Timothy. He suffered so much pain and agony in his walking out the ministry God called him to [2 Cor. 11:21-33]. Yet, as you can see in the above Roman passage he states, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” He wrote up to seven of his Epistles while in prison; yet you will not notice that without reading them carefully. He would rather write about the “glory” that will be revealed in us,” than write about the troubles he was facing. So, when Paul writes what he writes to the Christian slave, he assumes that as a Christian, that this slave wants to be a minister of the Gospel through his conduct more than he wants his freedom. That’s the way Paul thought; the Gospel comes before any comfort anyone of us might enjoy!! By the way, Paul reminds these slaves that their owners were only their masters in the sense that they owned their physical being; but they didn’t own their spiritual being. They were slaves in the flesh; but they were freemen in their spirit!!
*with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;*
MY COMMENTS: Obviously most of the slave owners were non-Christians. Roman law gave them complete authority over their slaves. So Paul instructs them to obey them “with fear and trembling.” But beyond that, obey your owners “in singleness of heart” as though you were serving Christ! Paul here instructs slaves the way he instructs women, and the way he instructs children, and the way he instructs all of us regarding our submission to the laws of our land, and to those who carry out the enforcement of those laws; he instructs us all to do what’s required of us as though we were doing it in service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Why? Because the integrity of the Gospel is of far greater importance than our personal comfort!! Everyone of us are in the situation we are in; serve God in that situation!
(Verse Five of Chapter Six in my own words.)
Slaves obey those who own you, in the flesh, with the fear and trembling that comes from the realization that they can, according to Roman law, do anything they want to do to you. In spite of that, serve them as though in doing so you are serving Christ.
Ephesians 6:6
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
*Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ,*
1 Tim. 6:1-2) (KJV) For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.
MY COMMENTS: Paul is always telling his readers, the Gospel first, your comfort second. Slaves, unfortunately you are slaves. For the sake of the Gospel be good slaves! Again, I totally understand how uncomfortable some of Paul’s thinking might be to us westernized Christians. In spite of your discomfort remember this, there is only one message that can get someone from here all the way to Heaven; and that message is the Gospel. If we can understand that then we can begin to grasp what the Apostle is saying. Your owner might be lost; and if so, he will surely go to Hell forever and ever. As a Christian you can’t want that; though your emotions on a given day might shout “He should go to Hell!” Jesus, the One we serve, on His worst day as a human, shouted out, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” [Lk. 23:34]. Steven, when he was being stoned to death, cried out, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” [Acts 7:60]. Our God might call some of us to something like that; and that might necessitate us to pray a similar prayer on our worst day. Paul says to the slaves, “Don’t do what the slave owner wants just to pacify him; but do it as though you were doing it for Christ.” Though are man’s property; you are God’s free man, and you might be the only missionary with an opportunity to reach that man for Christ.
*doing the will of God from the heart;*
MY COMMENTS: How can being a slave be “the will of God”? It isn’t! The will of God is for every person to do good to every other person. What Paul is saying here is “Whatever junk this world throws at you, while in that junk, do God’s will by being a missionary, through your conduct, to spread the Good News about how the Lord Jesus left Heaven to come to earth, to die for your sins so that you could be forgiven, and so that you could go to Heaven!” Live that way! Do it “from the heart!”
(Verse Six of Chapter Six in my own words.)
Don’t serve them just to appear to them a certain way, so that they will be pleased with your service; but serve them, because in doing so you are serving Christ by doing the will of God with all of your heart!
Ephesians 6:7
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
*With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:*
Do your work, and be happy to do it. Work as though it is the Lord you are serving, not just an earthly master [ERV].
Do your work as slaves cheerfully, as though you served the Lord, and not merely human beings [TEV].
“Is it not possible that a man can look upon all the inequalities of human life, and upon the varieties of condition out of which come such discontent, such hardship, such injustice, and such torment, and say, ‘I am not a servant of these things; I am a servant of my God; and wherever He puts me, I am going to stand for His sake. Whatever may be the experience of that position, I am going to take it as becomes a child of God’” [BI].
MY COMMENTS: Carrying on the thought of the previous verse Paul encourages those who are in a terrible situation, forced to serve someone who legally owns them, to serve that individual well. How? Paul desires them to imagine that everything they are ordered to do by their master they are actually doing for the Lord Jesus Christ. They were to allow their minds to bypass their human master that was giving them orders and do those things they were ordered to do “as to the Lord.”
(Verse Seven of Chapter Six in my own words.)
Do the work that you must do, being ordered to do it by your human master; but do it as though you were doing it for the Lord; not for your human master.
Ephesians 6:8
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
*Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth,*
Remember that the Lord will give everyone a reward for doing good [ERV].
MY COMMENTS: When, as a Christian slave, you serve the one who owns you in such a way as to do him good, then you are in line for the blessing hinted at above, when it says, “whatsoever good thing any man doeth.”
*the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.*
Everyone, slave or free, will get a reward for the good things they do [ERV].
“A man in a state of servitude may so live as to honor God; and, so living, he should not be greatly solicitous about his condition. A master may fail to render suitable recompense to a slave. But, if the servant is faithful to God, he will recompense him in the future world. It is in this way that religion would make the evils of life tolerable, by teaching those who are oppressed to bear their trials in a patient spirit, and to look forward to the future world of reward” [Barnes].
MY COMMENTS: It’s important to point out that Paul is talking to slaves who are Christians. If they were not part of the Christian community they would have no way of hearing what Paul is saying here. All Christians will be rewarded in Heaven for the good things they do, when they do those good things for the proper reasons [Mt. 6: 1-5]. If we’re talking here about being rewarded in Heaven then this principle only applies to Christians. However, if we’re talking about being rewarded in this life then this promise could include unbelievers, because we’re told that God “maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” [Mt. 5:45]. However, considering that he is talking about future rewards for slaves it seems evident that he is talking about Heaven.
MORE COMMENTS: When it comes to our being rewarded for our good works in Heaven this only pertains to the “good works” we do after we are saved! None of the good things we did before we were saved would qualify as good works under the scrutiny of an ALL-SEEING HOLY GOD. It’s only the works that we were “created in Christ Jesus” to do [Eph. 2:8-10] that would qualify.
(Verse Eight of Chapter Six in my own words.)
Do it because you know that every good thing you do in your life, as a believer, God will pay you back in the next life. In this regard it doesn’t matter if you’re a slave or a free man!
Ephesians 6:9
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
*And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening:*
“And ye masters. The Roman law allowed masters to treat their slaves as brute beasts, to abuse and even to murder them. But Christianity at once put Christian masters under restraint.
Do the same things unto them. Act on the same principles towards them, that the Lord requires of them towards you. There must be mutual good will and mutual service” [PNT].
MY COMMENTS: Now Paul turns his attention to slave owners who are Christians {I know that doesn’t sound plausible to you, but those were different times}. Although Paul can’t change Roman law he could instruct Christians who legally owned slaves. I’m sure that slavery was as horrible then as it was in the early days of American history. Slave owners could be legally as cruel as they desired towards their slaves. Paul had absolutely no authority to altar the law; but he could remind Christian slave owners that they also had a Master, and that Master was God. He tells them they need to treat their slaves the way they want God to treat them on Judgment Day.
*knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.*
“The oldest manuscripts read, “the Master both of them and you”: “their Master and yours.” This more forcibly brings out the equality of slaves and masters in the sight of God” [JFB].
MY COMMENTS: The above note points out that the oldest manuscripts of the Bible render this, “the Master both of them and you.” In other words Paul is telling those slave owners that the God Who judgeth us all is the same God Who is the Master of both the slaves and the owners. One other thing Paul points out to those slave owners, when God renders His judgment on Judgment Day, those slave owners needed to understand that He is no respecter of persons. The slave they owned was just as loved by God as they were; the death of Jesus was just as much for the benefit of that slave as it was for the slave owner. That slave was a Christian brother or sister to the slave owner. Paul insists that the slave owner treats them as such.
(Verse Nine of Chapter Six in my own words.)
By the way you slave owners, you must treat your slaves with the same respect they treat you with. Stop threatening them; because you know that the God Who is your Master is the same God Who is their Master. This Master resides in Heaven; and with Him there is no respecter of persons.
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
*Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.*
Rom. 4:18-22) (KJV) Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
19) And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:
20) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21) And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22) And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
MY COMMENTS: The above passage is talking about Abraham. He believed in hope when there was no reason to believe in hope. God’s promise to him to give him, a son of promise, a son born of Sarah, had not yet been fulfilled. Abraham was now “about an hundred years old,” and then there was the obstacle of the “deadness of Sara’s womb.” What was Abraham’s attitude concerning these things? “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief.” How was he able to act this way? He was “fully persuaded that, what” God “had promised, He was able also to perform.”
Eph. 1:19) (KJV) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
MY COMMENTS: This earlier passage from the Book of Ephesians that we are studying tells us that God has power that is exceedingly great; and that power works in us who are believers. It’s a mighty power! In this current verse he exhorts us to be “strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” In the following verses [vs. 11-18] he explains to us what that will look like.
(Verse Ten of Chapter Six in my own words.)
May I say as I begin to wrap up this letter that I am writing to you, my fellow-believers, be strong in the Lord; you can be when you trust in the power of His might!
Ephesians 6:11
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
*Put on the whole armour of God,*
Put on all of God’s armor [NLT].
Wear the full armor of God [ERV].
“Complete armour in this period included ‘shield, sword, lance, helmet, greaves, and breastplate’ (Thayer). Our ‘panoply.’ Polybius gives this list of Thayer. Paul omits the lance (spear). Our museums preserve specimens of this armour as well as the medieval coat-of-mail. Paul adds girdle and shoes to the list of Polybius, not armour but necessary for the soldier. Certainly Paul could claim knowledge of the Roman soldier’s armor, being chained to one for some three years” [Robertson].
MY COMMENTS: We will be going through these pieces of armor as we comment on vs. 13-18.
*that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.*
so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil [NLT].
Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks [ERV].
“wiles” – “cunning arts, deceit, craft, trickery” [Thayer].
“The armor is a defense against strategy as well as assault” [Vincent].
MY COMMENTS: The next verse will tell us why we must put on all of the armor God provides us with, to enable us to withstand the “trickery” and “strategy” that the devil will use to defeat us.
(Verse Eleven of Chapter Six in my own words.)
You must put on every piece of spiritual armor that God provides you with. If you do this you will be able to withstand everything the devil attacks you with, as he utilizes his trickery and strategy.
Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
“At the end of the day it is completely irrelevant if the particular opponent we face is a principality, a power, or a ruler of the darkness of this age. Collectively, they are all members of spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. They are all part of a spiritual army that is organized and established into ranks – and under the headship of Satan, the devil, who comes against us with his wiles” [Guzik].
*For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,*
For we are not fighting against human beings [TEV].
MY COMMENTS: This is basically telling us that we aren’t fighting against other human beings. Don’t misunderstand me! Humans brutalized Paul. Humans ended up killing Paul and every one of the apostles, except John. Tradition tells us that they tried to kill him; but they were unsuccessful because God had other plans for John. But these humans did these things because evil spiritual entities incited them to do so. There is a sense in which the devil can’t lay a hand on any of the children of God [1 Jn. 5:18]; but he can certainly influence people to, because the unsaved are putty in his hands. The point is that we have to see past the people who are troubling us and realize that Satan is behind it! Make no mistake about it, sometimes the people Satan uses to trouble us are other believers. Fasten your seatbelts, sometimes the people Satan uses to trouble some other believers are you and me! If we’re not wearing the armor of God Satan can trick us into harming other believers through our words or actions. We Christians aren’t going to kill other Christians; but we can certainly cause them great harm if we’re not careful.
*but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,*
the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age [TEV].
We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness [ERV].
Eph. 1:20-21) (KJV) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Eph. 2:6) (KJV) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
MY COMMENTS: “Principalities,” “powers,” and “rulers of the darkness of this world” are, as Guzik comments, “all part of a spiritual army that is organized and established into ranks – and under the headship of Satan, the devil, who comes against us with his wiles.” But, I want you to see an important fact concerning these things; Jesus is currently seated “far above” these spiritual entities that war against us [Eph. 1:20-21], and you and I, as believers, are seated in Christ “in Heavenly places,” which means we are seated with Christ “far above” the very “principalities and powers” we wrestle against [current vs.]. John tells us that “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith”! He goes on to tell us “he that overcometh the world,” is “he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God” [1 Jn. 5:4-5]. How do we overcome these spiritual entities that we fight against? We believe what God tells us! We have overcome the world through our faith in Christ.
*against spiritual wickedness in high places.*
but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world [TEV].
We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places [ERV].
“the spiritual things of wickedness in the heavenly places. R.V. paraphrases “the spiritual hosts, &c.”; and this well gives the meaning. The idea is of beings and forces, spiritual as distinguished from material, belonging to and working for ‘wickedness.’ Wickedness is viewed as having its visible and invisible agents, and these are the invisible” [Cambridge].
Eph. 2:1-2) (KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
MY COMMENTS: The “high places” [KJV] are the “heavenly places” [RV] mentioned in other translations. The three “heavens” of the New Testament are our atmosphere {the air we breathe}, outer space, and the Heaven where God’s Throne is. Which of those “heavens” are those spiritual entities that bother us hanging out in? In the above passage [Eph. 2:1-2] the devil is referred to as “the prince of the power of the air. The “heavenlies” being referred to are the “heavenlies” where you and I live! The devil’s soldiers are dwelling in our atmosphere so they can constantly fight against God’s children.
(Verse Twelve of Chapter Six in my own words.)
The truth is that we aren’t wrestling against human beings; but we are battling against satanic principalities and powers, and against the spirit entities that rule the darkness of this world, and against all spiritual wickedness dwelling in the high places, living in the atmosphere we breathe.
Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
*Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God,*
“The main point of the exhortation is this previous preparation. It is clear enough that it is no time to fly to our weapons when the enemy is upon us. Aldershot, not the battlefield, is the place for learning strategy. Belshazzar was sitting at his drunken feast while the Persians were marching on Babylon, and in the night he was slain” [MacLaren].
“Aldershot Garrison, also known as Aldershot Military Town, is a major garrison in South East England, located between Aldershot and Farnborough in Hampshire. Established in 1854, Aldershot is the home of the British Army although smaller than in previous years” [Wikipedia].
MY COMMENTS: I’m assuming that if the British Army were to gather intel that there is an advancing enemy army on its way it would not wait until that army showed up to begin to prepare for the assault. Their base in Aldershot is where the preparation for the assault should take place so that they will be fully ready when it arrives! So, in this example the generals would take advantage of that intel, and of every moment to strategize, and of every weapon available for use, to have their soldiers prepared for the battle. In this example we’re not talking about knights with their heavy armor preparing for battle; but rather, we are rendering “the whole armor of God” as “the army taking advantage of everything available to it.”
*that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,*
MY COMMENTS: The goal of the ancient knights was to have the best protective gear available in those days, and the best weapons available, and the best training available so they could win the battle they were facing. What “protective gear” reflects today is, perhaps things such as bullet proof vests, helmets, protective gloves that shield their hands from the weapons they are discharging, etc. Shields, back in the day, protected warriors from spears and arrows; it won’t protect anyone from military aircraft missiles, bombs and rockets. The best protection against today’s weaponry is to be somewhere else from where the missiles, bombs and rockets land. Consequently, the “whole armor of God” is different today. Perhaps today it would be better to say, Walk in the whole counsel of God.”
MORE COMMENTS: The main point here is that we, as believers, need to utilize all of the tools God has given us through the Scriptures. We’re not battling soldiers from another country; we’re battling demonic spirit warriors. The “weapons of our warfare are not carnal.” They are “mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” [2 Cor. 10:4]. Through them we cast “down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God” [2 Cor. 10:5]. We always win when we use the weaponry that God supplies us with and bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” [also 2 Cor. 10:5].
*and having done all, to stand.*
“and having done all, to stand” – “After the fight (wrestle) is over to stand as victor in the contest” [Robertson].
MY COMMENTS: We are to fight in Jesus’ Name [Col. 3:17]. We are to use the tools/weaponry He has given us to use. We are to understand that He has given us the victory. When the contest is over and the victory is ours, we are to stand in the victor’s box as those who are triumphant in Christ!
(Verse Thirteen of Chapter Six in my own words.)
Because of that grab every piece of the armor of God and clothe yourselves with it, so that you will be able to stand strong when the evil comes upon you; and when you have done that you will be enabled to stand as the victor!
Ephesians 6:14
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
*Stand therefore,*
MY COMMENTS: In vs. 11 Paul writes, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Then in vs. 13 he writes, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Now, in vs. 14, he begins by stating “Stand therefore.” Paul emphasizes to us the need to stand three times; and if you include the word “withstand” in vs. 13, that makes four mentions of our needing to stand in four verses! My takeaway is this, when it comes to spiritual battles we need to emerge on the other side of that battle standing!
God gives the Christian a glorious standing to maintain by faith and spiritual warfare:
- We stand in grace (Rom_5:2).
- We stand in the gospel (1Co_15:1).
- We stand in courage and strength (1Co_16:13).
- We stand in faith (2Co_1:24).
- We stand in Christian liberty (Gal_5:1).
- We stand in Christian unity (Php_1:27).
- We stand in the Lord (Php_4:1).
- We should stand perfect and complete in the will of God (Col_4:12) [Guzik].
*having your loins girt about with truth,*
“About with truth. The girdle kept the armor in place and supported the sword. So truth holds the Christian armor and supports the sword of the Spirit” [PNT].
“The state of the heart answering to God’s truth; inward, practical acknowledgment of the truth as it is in Him: the agreement of our convictions with God’s revelation” [Vincent].
MY COMMENTS: This girding is reverenced by some as a girdle, and others as a belt. The idea is that this piece of armor holds the rest of the armor in its proper place; and the sword is supported by it. Setting the example of armor aside, what is Paul teaching us here? In order to win spiritual battles we must begin with God’s Truth. What does that mean? Vincent says it well, this truth Paul refers to is “the agreement of our convictions with God’s revelation.” In order for Christians to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” [vs.10], they must align their thinking with God’s infallible Word! If we don’t start there it simple isn’t going to work!!
*and having on the breastplate of righteousness;*
“The breast-plate was over the lungs and heart. If Christ’s righteousness is over our hearts they can hardly suffer harm” [PNT].
“This is not our own earned righteousness, not a feeling of righteousness, but a righteousness received by faith in Jesus. It gives us a general sense of confidence, an awareness of our standing and position” [Guzik].
MY COMMENTS: How’s the devil going to strategize against us when our hearts are covered over by the very “righteousness of God”? “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth” [Rom. 8:33]. “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” [Rom. 8:34]. Did you get that? Satan, the accuser of the Christian [Rev. 12:10], accuses us before the very God Who justified us; and when that gets him nowhere he condemns us before the Son of God Who died for our sins, rose again, and is now, this very moment, interceding before His Father on our behalf. Saints, when you are covered over by the righteousness of God, which is now your own, you can’t lose this battle! You might lose some miner battles, but the battle for your soul has been won! You are on the way to Heaven!!
(Verse Fourteen of Chapter Six in my own words.)
So stand, victorious one, having the belt of Truth holding every piece of armor in its place, and having over your heart the breastplate of the very righteousness of God!
Ephesians 6:15
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
*And your feet shod*
“The Roman soldier wore sandals, in the soles of which nails were thickly studded, to give firm footing. Doubtless Paul had this in mind” [Popular NT].
“On the shoes: ‘Josephus described them as shoes thickly studded with sharp nails’ so as to ensure a good grip. The military successes both of Alexander the Great and of Julius Caesar were due in large measure to their armies’ being well shod and thus able to undertake long marches at incredible speed over rough terrain (Wood)” [Guzik].
MY COMMENTS: We Christians need to have our feet “shod” with the kind of footwear that will give us solid footing. When we are engaged in spiritual warfare we don’t want to be defeated because we lose our footing, and fall. As you can see in the notes above, Roman soldiers had good footing because their sandals had been prepared for battle. They had “thickly studded” sandals; sandals “thickly studded with sharp nails. They never lost their balance in hand to hand combat. The question for us is what will give us solid footing in our battle with the devil?
*with the preparation of the gospel of peace;*
QUESTIONS: Why is the “gospel of peace” so important for the battle? How does it help us keep firm footing?
Phil. 4:7) (KJV) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Rom. 10:13-15) (KJV) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things [vs. 15 quoted from Isaiah 52:7].
MY COMMENTS: How is this “gospel of peace” a part of the shodding of our feet process that enables us to have solid footing? Many commentators believe this to be telling us to be missionaries; but I see it differently. Remember, we are talking about spiritual warfare and how we believers can “stand” in the battle; “and having done all, to stand” [vs. 13]. I’m convinced this verse to be a picture of our ability to stand “and having done all, to stand” in a battle against Satan. Several commentators quote Isaiah 52:7 and have us as the ones with beautiful feet who are sharing the Gospel with others. I see it to mean that we are the ones who received the “gospel of peace,” and “called upon the name of the Lord, became Christians, and now are living our lives for God; but are facing the temptations of sin the devil throws our way. So now, when we have those battles against temptation we have the solid footing necessary to overcome in the battle because our feet are firmly planted in the Good News of how Jesus has totally wiped away every single sin we have ever committed. The “nails” that studded the sandals that the Roman soldiers wore gave them the confidence that they could remain upright in the battle. The nails that pierced the hands and the feet of Jesus that nailed Him to the cross; the cross where He paid the debt I owed in full; they are the nails that stud the sandals I wear and enable me to remain upright in the battle!!!
A FINAL COMMENT ON THIS VERSE: The Gospel is called the Gospel of peace because it is the Good News of how all of my sins have been washed away! God has nothing against me! He sees me without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. He sees me as holy and without blemish [Eph. 5:27]. Believer, He sees you the same way! When we go into battle we are at peace with God!! How’s that for firm footing?
(Verse Fifteen of Chapter Six in my own words.)
Know that you will have solid footing in the battle because you will put on your feet shoes that have been studded with the Good news that you are at peace with God.
Ephesians 6:16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
*Above all, taking the shield of faith,*
And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One [ERV].
QUESTION: We’re to take “the shield of faith.” What exactly is faith?
MY COMMENTS: In his letter to the Roman believers Paul told us that “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” [Rom. 4:3]. Then, a handful of verses later he said, “faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness” [Rom. 4:9]. I learned in advanced math that “if “a=b and b=c then a=c.” Here’s a simple working definition that describes what faith is, using the math formula above: if believing God=being declared righteous before God; and having faith=being declared righteous before God, then that means that faith=believing God. Putting it simply, faith is simply believing what God tells us! What is this “shield of faith” we are to take into battle with us? Basically I am telling you that when we go into spiritual battle we need to know what God has told us through His Word! What has He told us?
Heb. 11;1) (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
“It apprehends reality: it is that to which the unseen objects of hope become real and substantial. Assurance gives the true idea. It is the firm grasp of faith on unseen fact” [Vincent].
“to hope for: – “in a religious sense, to wait for salvation with joy and full confidence” [Thayer].
MY COMMENTS: Faith sees as a reality what we, as Christians are hoping for. We wait for those things “with joy and full confidence.” Again, what has God told us that we can by “faith see as a reality” those things that we “Christians are hoping for”? He told us that “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” [2 Cor. 5:17]. He didn’t say that if we’re in Christ we’re becoming new creatures; he said we are, currently, new creatures. He didn’t say that old things were gradually dropping off, one at a time, and one day they will all be gone; he said “old things are passed away,” or to put it another way, our old way of life has deceased! You might respond, “Wait a minute, I don’t see that reality at all!” You and I don’t see that reality because we don’t believe what God told us! The reality happens after the faith grabs hold of the promise! Listen to what else God has told us, “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God” [1 Jn. 5:4-5]. God said that if we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, or, to put in another way, we have put our faith in God’s Son, then we have overcome the world! How? We overcome by faith, by believing what God tells us. There are so many things that God has told us about whom we are “in Christ” that we don’t experience because we don’t believe Him! Our Father God, like any loving parent out there, wants us, His children, to trust what He tells us.
FINAL COMMENTS ON THIS SECTION OF THIS VERSE: This “shield of faith” that we are to take into battle is a symbolism of our facing temptation with the confidence that we are not the people we were before God saved us! We are the redeemed! We are the forgiven! We are the overcomers! We are God’s children! Let’s carry that reality into our next battle!
*wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.*
“In ancient warfare this was common; the darts were caught on the large shield covered with tough hides, and extinguished by the contact. The emphasis is on the word ‘fiery,’ pointing to what inflames the passions, corrupts the heart, and fills our mind with horrible thoughts” [Popular NT].
MY COMMENTS: As you can see in the above note from Popular NT in ancient warfare there were such things as “large shields covered with tough hides” that would cause the fire carried by the darts to be extinguished on contact. So what does that mean to you and me when it comes to spiritual warfare? What are our shields covered with that will extinguish the fiery darts the devil aims at our “hearts”?
“In Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, which is a listing of primary words contained in the King Jame’s version of the Bible, the brain is not mentioned once, whereas the heart is cited 826 times. … Hence, it means mind, soul, spirit, or one’s entire emotional nature and understanding” [csun.edu].
MY COMMENTS: In our ancient warfare model the “shield” covers one’s “heart.” What would need to be covered by the “shield” in the Christian spiritual warfare model? As you can see in the above note the “heart” that we give to Jesus when we get saved isn’t the blood pumping heart in our chest. It means that we have given to Jesus our “entire emotional nature and understanding.” The King James’ version of the Bible never once talks about the human brain; but it talks about that “heart” that we give to Jesus 826 times. Our spiritual “shield” has to cover our brain, where all of our thinking and emotions come from. The devil is aiming his “fiery darts” at our brains. This “shield of faith” must protect our brains.
“You can’t stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop it from building a nest in your hair [Author unknown].
MORE COMMENTS: When the devil throws fiery darts, loaded with hateful thoughts, lustful thoughts, jealous thoughts, vengeful thoughts, envious thoughts, and every imaginable evil kind of thoughts at our brains what are we to do? We must extinguish those thoughts with the “shield of faith,” that “shield” that represents that we have chosen to believe everything that God says about us. The devil says, “Think about this!” Our mind that has been studying God’s Word replies to the devil, “I can’t think about that; that part of who I was no longer exists!
I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus!”
EXPLANATORY COMMENT: Sin still dwells in the members of these bodies we live in [Rom. 7:23]. I’m not suggesting that we can no longer be tempted to think evil thoughts; I am suggesting that we conquer the urge to think those thoughts by aligning our thinking with God’s promises! In the above comment I might have entertained bad thoughts just moments prior to the fiery darts of the devil being thrown toward my brain; I can’t go back in time and win that battle; but in Jesus’ Name I can win this current battle!!
(Verse Sixteen of Chapter Six in my own words.)
And more than what I just encouraged you to do, do not forget to take the shield of faith to the battlefield with you. This shield will give you the power to extinguish every fiery dart the devil hurls at you!
Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
*And take the helmet of salvation,*
“The protection for the head. The helmet was originally of skin, strengthened with bronze or other metal, and surmounted with a figure adorned with a horsehair crest. It was furnished with a visor to protect the face” [Vincent].
MY COMMENTS: In the scenario of the Roman Army the shield was to protect the chest area, including the heart; and the helmet of salvation was to protect the head, including the mind. I applied it differently in my comments on the shield of faith; that being that the shield was to protect the “heart” that we give to Jesus, which is actually our brain, in sense of it being the seat of our “entire emotional nature and understanding.” Consequently, in the military scenario the shield protects the chest area and the helmet protects the head area; while in the scenario of spiritual warfare the shield protects our thought life, that is sometimes the playground of the devil, from the fiery arrows of the devil, and the helmet protects that area of the brain where strategy occurs.
QUESTION: How does this helmet protect us in the sense that we can strategize against the devil as he attacks?
ANSWER: If that part of our brain that is cognizant is protected from the onslaught of the devil then it is free to think clearly about how we are to respond to this attack!
QUESTION: How are we to respond?
*and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:*
ANSWER: We are to utilize the only offensive weapon in the “whole armor of God” that we have, the sword.
MY COMMENTS: This “sword of the Spirit” that we have brought to the battle is “the Word of God.” It’s what I’ve been talking about in the last couple of verses. Three times the devil tempted Jesus, and three times Jesus rebuked him with the Scriptures [Mt. 4:11]. If the strategy Jesus used to defeat Jesus was standing on the Word of God, then why would we suppose that we can simply out argue him? We must familiarize ourselves with Scriptures and readily use those Scriptures in spiritual battles. The Word of God is the weapon we must attack the devil with!
(Verse Seventeen of Chapter Six in my own words.)
And by all means place the helmet of salvation on your head; and place the sword of the Spirit in your hand. That sword in the very Word of God!
Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
*Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,*
Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need [ERV].
Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads [TEV].
“praying always” – “It means on every occasion. Rev., at all seasons” [Vincent].
MY COMMENTS: This verse tells us to “pray always;” 1 Thess. 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing.” These verses aren’t telling you to fall down on your knees and begin praying, and never get up. They are telling us that we should have a practice of constant prayer. We should never lose that habit. When we pray we should petition God with “all kinds of prayers,” and we should “pray on every occasion.” In this discussion of spiritual warfare we should be in prayer during the entire battle! Whatever it is we’re facing we should be praying accordingly. “God, give us the victory in this battle, in Jesus Name I ask.” “Father, help me believe every promise You have made to me, in Jesus Name I ask.” Father, help my fellow believers win the battle they are facing, in Jesus Name I ask.
LET ME SHARE THIS THOUGHT WITH YOU: On the night of His betrayal, as Jesus prayed in the garden, He began His prayer by asking for what He wanted in this great distress He was facing. After asking for what He wanted, being clothed upon with the weakness of flesh, He then submitted His will to the will of His Father [Mt. 26:39-42]. I believe Jesus prayed this prayer to illustrate to us that it’s O.K. to ask God for what you want. So when you don’t know what to pray for in the battle ask God to give you the victory you desire; and then submit your will to His! Hebrews, chapter 11 shows us that many of God’s people won amazing victories in their service to the Lord [Heb. 11:1-34]. The victories abound all the way through vs. 34, and then through the beginning of vs. 35. But then these faith heroes were those who didn’t win great battles; but instead they were tortured, they were mocked and beaten, they were thrown into prison. They were stoned and sawed asunder, they were slain with the sword, they wandered about in poverty, being afflicted and tormented. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves. These too were faith heroes. What did God have to say about them? He said in vs. 38 that the world was not worthy of these great saints [Heb. 11:35-40]. I pray that you will win great victories like Paul did; but who’s to say which of us might die for the faith like Paul did.
*and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;*
To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people [ERV].
For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people [TEV].
MY COMMENTS: We shouldn’t pray once and then wait and see if God will answer that prayer. We should watch over that prayer by reinforcing it with more prayer. And then, watch over it some more with even more prayer. And if you feel as though your answer is on the way, then watch over that prayer with thanksgiving. And remember, you’re not the only believer facing trials and temptations. Pray for your fellow Christians. They’re having rough times too! This world isn’t kind 24-7 to any of us.
(Verse Eighteen of Chapter Six in my own words.)
Always pray with every kind of prayer necessary, and pray with urgency as you pray in the Spirit; then watch over those prayers with perseverance; and pray for the other saints of God as well.
Ephesians 6:19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
*And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly,*
MY COMMENTS: Paul was in prison in Rome when he wrote this letter to the Ephesian Christians. He spent his first two years in prison in his own hired house, under the watchful eye of a soldier. He was allowed to have visitors, and to teach and preach to those visitors [Acts 28:16-31]. Some suggest that he was later released from prison and had a Fourth Missionary Journey. He was later arrested and ended up in prison back in Rome. By the time he writes his second letter to Timothy he understands that he is on death row [2 Tim. 4:6-8]. When he asked the Ephesians to pray that he might boldly preach the Gospel he might have had in mind the situation he was in at the end of Acts, where his preaching was allowed. David Guzik, in his notes on this verse, writes “He probably has in mind his upcoming defense before Caesar.”
MY COMMENTS: Paul said he was in debt to all men [Rom. 1:14]. Because of the debt he owed he told the Roman Christians that with everything he had he was ready to preach the Gospel to them [Rom. 1:15]. Telling everyone the Gospel message is the debt he owed. And, whatever risk that message might present to him he said that he wasn’t ashamed to the Gospel because it was, and is, the only message on this planet that can get someone to Heaven [Rom. 1:16]. This Gospel message explains to us how we can get “right” with God [Rom. 1:17]. In our current study of the Epistle to the Ephesians, as he is concluding that letter, writing it while in prison in Rome, he asks his readers to pray that God will give him the necessary words to share, and the courage to share those words with anyone he is allowed to speak to, including Caesar.
*to make known the mystery of the gospel,*
The sixth occurrence of the word in the Epistle; cp. Eph_1:9, Eph_3:3-4; Eph_3:9, Eph_5:32. On the meaning, see on Eph_1:9. The special reference here is fixed by the previous occurrences; it is to Divine Redemption in its world-wide scope and eternal issues. Cp. 1Ti_3:16 [Cambridge].
MY COMMENTS: Paul said he was in debt to all men [Rom. 1:14]. Because of that debt he owed he told the Roman Christians that with everything he had he was ready to preach the Gospel to them [Rom. 1:15]. Telling everyone the Gospel message was the debt he owed. And, whatever risk that message might present to him he said that he wasn’t ashamed to the Gospel because it was, and is, the only message on this planet that can get someone to Heaven [Rom. 1:16]. This Gospel message explains to us how we can get “right” with God [Rom. 1:17]. In our current study of the Epistle to the Ephesians, as he is concluding that letter, writing it while in prison in Rome, he asks his readers to pray that God will give him the necessary words to share, and the courage to share those words with anyone he is allowed to speak to, including Caesar. Facing uncertain times he never lost track of that debt he owed to everyone he had the opportunity to speak to. Now, in prison, he knew that this Gospel message might be the death of him; yet he implored his readers to ask God to give him the courage to share it.
(Verse Nineteen of Chapter Six in my own words.)
And pray for me; ask God to give me the words and the courage to boldly open my mouth to share His wondrous Gospel message. I need to share how God is offering salvation to anyone, anywhere who will come to Jesus for that salvation.
Ephesians 6:20
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
*For which I am an ambassador in bonds:*
“an old word for ambassador (from presbus, an old man) in N.T. only here and 2Co_5:20. Paul is now an old man (presbutēs, Phm_1:9) and feels the dignity of his position as Christ’s ambassador though ‘in a chain’” [Robertson].
“Ambassadors are generally granted diplomatic immunity from arrest and imprisonment. But men will tolerate almost anything better than they will tolerate the gospel. No other subject stirs such emotion, arouses such hostility and suspicion, and provokes such persecution. So Christ’s representative was an ambassador in chains” [BBC].
QUESTION: Why did Paul need “boldness” to preach the Gospel that he had been preaching a very long time?
ANSWER: Rather he would preach to Caesar himself, or simply preach to others while in Caesar’s prison his life was in a madman’s hands. That madman was Nero! In spite of that danger he understood the fact that God had chosen him to be His ambassador. As God’s ambassador, now in chains, he must speak God’s Word to those who God would put into his life; at this time that was Nero!
*that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.*
“Whether in bonds or at large. Paul felt that the gospel ought always to be Spoken with plainness, and without the fear of man. It is remarkable that he did not ask them to pray that he might be released. ‘Why’ he did not we do not know; but perhaps the desire of release did not lie so near his heart as the duty of speaking the gospel with boldness. It may be of much more importance that we perform our duty aright when we are afflicted, or are in trouble, than that we should be released” [Barnes].
MY COMMENTS: When Paul writes epistles from prison it takes a careful read, in many cases, to recognize that he was in prison while he wrote the letter. It’s hard to find a “woe is me” in Paul’s letters from prison. Why is that? Most of us would make it quite apparent that we are in prison, that it is horrible, and that we want out! But Paul wrote, “That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times [Rom. 8:18] (MSG). Paul understood, regardless of what he was going through, that one day we will be glorified; and that God already sees us as such [Rom. 8:29-30]. He wanted so badly to convince us who read his writings that what’s to come totally trumps what is! He had this amazing ability to lay aside his fears for his life in order to boldly preach the Gospel!!
(Verse Twenty of Chapter Six in my own words.)
It’s for this very reason that God has called me to be His ambassador in chains: that even while in this unenviable situation I must speak with boldness, the way an ambassador of God should speak.
Ephesians 6:21
But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
*But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:*
“Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister: Tychicus was an associate of Paul’s mentioned in other letters (Act_20:4, Col_4:7, 2Ti_4:12, Tit_3:12). He seems to have been often used by Paul as a messenger (that you may know our affairs)” [Guzik].
MY COMMENTS: Paul understood that many of his readers would want more details as to how he was doing while in prison. He viewed Tychicus as a “faithful minister in the Lord” who was trustworthy to his wishes. He was going to send him to Ephesus to report to the Christians there regarding what was happening to him while in prison.
(Verse Twenty One of Chapter Six in my own words.)
So that you can know what’s going on and how I’m doing I’m going to send a friend of mine, Tychicus, a faithful minister, to fill you in on all of the details.
Ephesians 6:22
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
MY COMMENTS: The reason Paul was sending Tychicus to them was to comfort them. He wanted them to know that at the moment he was doing quite well, considering he was in prison.
(Verse Twenty Two of Chapter Six in my own words.)
Again, I’m sending him for the purpose of bringing comfort to you.
Ephesians 6:23
Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
MY COMMENTS: Paul’s desire for his readers was that they would be enjoying their peace with God, their peace with one another, and that God’s love for them would increase their faith in Him.
(Verse Twenty Three of Chapter Six in my own words.)
Enough about me! I pray God will give peace to all of you, and His love, accompanied with faith. That’s what God the Father wants for you; and that’s what the Lord Jesus Christ wants for you.
Ephesians 6:24
Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
To the Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.
MY COMMENTS: Paul desires that God’s abundant grace would rest on every one of his readers who loved the Lord Jesus in all sincerity!
(Verse Twenty Four of Chapter Six in my own words.)
I pray that God’s grace will be abundant upon all of you who, from the heart, sincerely love our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!