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÷÷EPHESIANS 6

EPHESIANS 6

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

READING CYCLE THREE (see "Bible Interpretation Seminar")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 6:1-9

1. This literary unit begins in Eph. 5:22 as Paul uses the Christian home as one example of how the Spirit-filled life (cf. Eph. 5:18) impacts daily life.
   
   
2. Paul's domestic example addresses three pairs:
   1. wives and husbands
   2. children and parents
   3. house slaves and masters
   
   
3. Paul first addresses those who had no cultural rights or power (wives, children, slaves), but Paul also addresses those in cultural power (husbands, parents, slave owners).
   
   
4. This domestic example deals exclusively with a Christian home. The power of mutual respect and love sets the pattern. This context does not address the issue of only one party of the three pairs being Christian. Believers' actions toward others is determined by their relationship to Christ and not by the worth or performance of the other party.

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

÷EPHESIANS 6:1-3

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT 6:1-3
 ¹Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ²honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), ³so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

6:1 "Children" It is uncertain what age is referred to here.

1. In Jewish life a boy became a man, responsible to the Law and marriageable, at the age of 13 (i.e., bar mitzvah); a girl became a woman at the age of 12 (i.e., bat mitzvah).
2. In Roman culture a boy became a man at age 14.
3. In Greek culture, at age 18.

▣ "obey" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE which is a compound Greek term from "to hear" and "under." The Colossians parallel adds "in all things." This obedience must be for a set period of time (childhood). Even this command must be balanced with Matt. 10:34-39. Ultimate authority is not parental, but divine.

▣ "in the Lord" This phrase is omitted in the ancient Greek uncial manuscripts B, D⁴, F and G, but it is present in P⁴⁶, א, A, and D¹ as well as the Vulgate, Peshitta, Coptic and Armenian translations. Its inclusion makes definite that the context is the Christian home. This context implies both a Christian child and Christian parents.

The UBS⁴ gives the phrase's exclusion a "C" rating, which means the committee could not decide.

▣ "for this is right" The Bible clearly expresses the God-given relationship between parents and children (cf. Col. 3:20; Prov. 6:20; 23:27). Strong families make strong, lasting societies.

6:2 "honor" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. It is a quote from the Ten Commandments (cf. Exod. 20:12; Deut. 5:16). "Honor" was a commercial term which meant "to give due weight to." It reflected the OT concept of that which is "heavy" is valuable. Parents are to be respected and valued by Christian children. There are no perfect parents (as there are no perfect children).

SPECIAL TOPIC: HONOR FATHER AND MOTHER

▣ "father and mother" This shows that both parents deserve honor and respect.

▣ "(which is the first commandment with a promise)" This phrase quoted in Eph. 6:3 is used in Deuteronomy in several different contexts (cf. Deut. 4:40; 5:16,33; 30:17-18). It is not an individual promise of longevity but a cultural promise of societal stability. Notice that Paul, by quoting the Ten Commandments, shows that the Law (Genesis-Deuteronomy) was still in effect as far as revelatory guidance for the Christian (cf. Eph. 4:25,26; Rom. 10:4; 13:9-10; Gal. 2:15-21) but not for salvation (cf. Galatians 3).

SPECIAL TOPIC: MOSAIC LAW AND THE CHRISTIAN

SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S VIEWS OF THE MOSAIC LAW

6:3 "on the earth" Paul adapted the OT quote from "In the land that the Lord your God has given you" (cf. Exod. 20:12; Deut. 5:16; see SPECIAL TOPIC: LAND, COUNTRY, EARTH) and turned it into a general principle. The NT authors often took OT promises to Israel and adapted them into universal truths (see full note at Rom. 9:33).

SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO OT COVENANT PROMISES SEEM SO DIFFERENT FROM NT COVENANT PROMISES?

÷EPHESIANS 6:4

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:4
 ⁴Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

The Greek text has "fathers." The modern English dynamic equivalent translations (TEV and NJB) have widened the meaning because of Eph. 6:2, where both father and mother are mentioned. However, in the larger context of Eph. 5:21-6:9, However, Paul addresses first the three groups who had no social rights—wives, children, slaves—and then addresses the ones who had all the rights-husbands, fathers, and masters. There is a spiritual responsibility for every member of a Christian home.

▣ "do not provoke" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE with the NEGATIVE PARTICLE which usually means to stop an act already in process (cf. Col. 3:21). Like Eph. 5:25, this was the needed balance, in the Greco-Roman world, and ours. Fathers are not ultimate authorities, but Christian stewards of their families.

Christian fathers must understand their stewardship role in the lives of their children. Fathers are not to teach personal preferences, but spiritual truths. The goal is not parental authority, but passing on God's authority to children. There is always a generation gap, but never a divine authority gap. Children do not have to reflect parental habits, choices, or lifestyle to be pleasing to God. We must be careful of the desire to mold our children into our current cultural understanding or to reflect our personal preferences.

As a local pastor near a large state school, I noticed that many of the wildest young people came from conservative Christian homes which allowed them no personal choices or freedoms. Freedom is a heady experience and must be introduced in responsible stages. Christian children must develop lives based on personal conviction and faith, not second-hand parental guidelines.

▣ "bring them up" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE which comes from the same word root, "to feed to maturity," as in Eph. 5:29. As it is the husband's responsibility to continue to help his wife grow to spiritual maturity and giftedness, he is also to help his children reach their full spiritual maturity and giftedness (cf. Eph. 4:7).

The first term is from the Greek root for "child" and refers to the parental training of children (cf. Heb. 12:5,7,8,11) and for the Lord's training of believers (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16).

The second term is the general term for warning, correction, or admonition (cf. 1 Cor. 10:11; Titus 3:10). The training of children in the faith was a major emphasis of Judaism (cf. Deut. 4:9; 6:7-9, 20-25; 11:18-21; 32:46). Parental training recognizes the necessity of passing on the personal faith and the Scriptural truths of God, not the personal preferences, or cultural opinions of parents, to the next generation.

÷EPHESIANS 6:5-8

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:5-8
 ⁵Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; ⁶not by way of eye service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. ⁷With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, ⁸knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

6:5 "Slaves" This is Paul's third domestic example to show how being filled with the Spirit makes a difference in daily life (cf. Col. 3:22). "Slaves" (douloi) refers to household servants.

▣ "be obedient" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. There is a great parallel passage in 1 Pet. 2:18-21. There is an obvious parallel between wives, children and servants, except that wives were not commanded to obey as children (for a period) and slaves are.

SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S ADMONITIONS TO SLAVES

▣ "who are your masters according to the flesh" Here the Greek term flesh (sarx) is used in the sense of the physical, not of evil. This general truth relates to both the Christian masters and pagan masters (i.e., to both kind and unkind bosses). Notice the phrase "in the Lord" is not found here as in the two previous domestic examples (cf. Eph. 5:21 and 6:1).

Modern western culture does not have slaves, yet this spiritual truth surely applies to Christian employers and Christian employees.

SPECIAL TOPIC: FLESH (SARX)

▣ "with fear and trembling" This is imagery for respect (cf. 1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 7:15; Phil. 2:12).

SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR

▣ "in sincerity of heart" This is imagery from the term "singleness." It is used in two ways in the NT

1. sincerity (cf. 2 Cor. 1:12; 11:3; Col. 3:22)
2. liberality (cf. Rom. 12:8; 2 Cor. 8:2; 9:11,13)

In this context it is obviously #1. A believer's motivation is always the key to proper action, not observation (cf. Eph. 6:6-7). Believers live out their lives in every area as unto the Lord (cf. Col. 3:22-25 and Rom. 14:7-9; also note 1 Cor. 10:31)! They are motivated not by the worth or merit of another, but by who they are in Christ.

Christian husbands love their wives not because the wives are perfect or deserve it but because they are Christians. This is true of all human interpersonal relationships. Believers love God by loving others made in His image, for whom He died (cf. 1 John 2:9,11; 3:16; 4:20).

SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART

▣ "as to Christ" Believers act toward others because of their relationship to Christ, not because of what the others deserve (cf. Eph. 5:22; Rom. 14:7-9). This is true of husbands and wives, parents and children, masters and slaves. Believers make people priority because of God's image and love for them, not because of their personal merit.

6:8 "knowing that whatever good thing" This context is not a worship setting but believers' daily relationships with others, fellow Christians and nonbelievers. God is concerned with all our actions. There is no secular; all is sacred!

Verse 8a is a THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE meaning potential future action. Believers are expected to do good works (cf. Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 4:17-5:14). Believers are not right with God by good works but they are saved unto good works.

SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK GRAMMATICAL TERMS, VII

▣ "will receive back from the Lord" God is watching believers' lives and they will give an account (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10). The Bible does speak of rewards (cf. Matt. 5:12,46; 6:1-2; 10:41-42; Luke 6:23, 35; 1 Cor. 3:8, 14; 9:17-18; 2 John 8; Rev. 11:18; 14:13; 22:12) and crowns (cf. 1 Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 4:8; James 1:23; 1 Pet. 5:4; Rev. 2:10). Paul was stating a general principle similar to Gal. 6:7-9.

SPECIAL TOPIC: DEGREES OF REWARDS AND PUNISHMENT

SPECIAL TOPIC: CROWNS FOR BELIEVERS

÷EPHESIANS 6:9

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:9
 ⁹And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

6:9 "masters" This is still the same literary context as Eph. 5:22-6:9, which is Paul's domestic example of the "Spirit-filled" life in action. In this verse the masters referred to are obviously believers, while in Eph. 6:5 they might be either believers or nonbelievers.

▣ "do the same things to them" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. Here again is the needed balance to slave owners, as Eph.5:29 is to husbands and Eph. 6:4 is to parents. Each must act out of godly (Spirit-filled) principles, not social privilege. Jesus' golden rule (Matt. 7:12) applies here.

▣ "give up threatening" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE used as an IMPERATIVE. The word literally means "to loosen up."

▣ "there is no partiality with Him" The term "partiality" is a compound from "face" and "to lift." It denotes an OT judge acting fairly without lifting the face of the accused to see if he recognized him/her. God is no respecter of persons (cf. Deut. 10:17; Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Gal. 2:6; Col. 3:25; 1 Pet. 1:17). All earthly distinctions fade away in Christ (cf. Eph. 2:11-3:13; Rom. 3:22; Gal. 3:26,28; Col. 3:11).

SPECIAL TOPIC: RACISM

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Why was this passage so startling for Paul's day?
2. Does it stress rights or duties?
3. What is this passage saying about women? Should this passage be used as a guideline for our day?
4. How is Eph. 6:21 related to 5:22-6:9?
5. Should children always obey parents? Define "children."
6. Can the slave/master relationship be analogous to employee/employer?
7. How are wives and children related to slaves?

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHT TO 6:10-24

1. Spiritual warfare is of two kinds.
   1. The reality of the demonic, which is surely true but that is not what this text is about. For me, I am surprised that I do not have more information from Scripture about this area of the spiritual conflict. Four good books (out of many, many bad ones) are
      1. Christian Counseling and Occultism by Kurt E. Koch
      2. Three Crucial Questions About Spiritual Warfare by Anton Clinton
      3. Demons in the World Today by Merrill F. Unger
      4. Biblical Demonology by Merrill F. Unger
   2. This context is about daily Christian living. It may or may not involve the demonic or the angelic levels of the Gnostics. It is a worldview! I approach this area as an academic, not an experienced Christian. I will share all I understand but I realize my grasp is so limited. Thank God the Spirit is not limited!
      SPECIAL TOPIC: ANGELS AND DEMONS
   
   
2. The Christian life is a spiritual struggle. Problems, suffering, and persecution are not abnormal, but normal, for Christians in a fallen world (cf. Matt. 5:10-12; Rom. 5:3-4; 8:17-18; 1 Pet. 1:6-9; 2:11; 3:14; 4:12-17; 5:10).
   SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?
   
   
3. The spiritual battle may be related contextually to the PRESENT PASSIVE IMPERATIVE, "be filled with the Spirit," of Eph. 5:18 and the PRESENT PASSIVE (or MIDDLE, see note at Eph. 5:22) IMPERATIVE "be made strong in the Lord," Eph. 6:10. As the filling is related to daily Christlikeness (Col. 3:16) so too, is the spiritual battle. People are priority with God. The battleground is interpersonal relationships on a daily basis. Only people are eternal. Although these PASSIVES speak of God's power, the Christian must allow the Spirit to work in their lives (MIDDLE VOICE). Covenant involves two parties, two choices.
   
   
4. We must be careful of two extremes:
   1. Satan causes everything
   2. there is no personal evil
    I assume because of OT monotheism that Satan is a created being and a controlled being (cf. 1 Kgs. 22:19-23; Job 1-2; Zech. 3:1-5). He is neither omnipresent, nor omniscient. Satan has been mentioned earlier in the letter in Eph. 2:2 and 4:14,27! He is only one of three enemies (cf. Eph. 2:2-3; James 4) that Christians face daily
   1. the world
   2. Satan (and his)
   3. the flesh
   
   
5. God provides our spiritual armor and weapons, but believers must
   1. recognize the daily spiritual battle
   2. avail themselves, by faith, of God's resources
   3. stand (cf. Eph. 6:11,13,14)
   
   

   Spiritual maturity is not automatic, nor is it based on longevity, IQ (i.e., intelligence), or giftedness.

6. Verses 21-22 are almost identical to Col. 4:7-8. This is additional evidence of the close relationship between these two books. However, it is interesting that the entire discussion of spiritual warfare is omitted in Colossians. Each book has its own uniqueness.

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

÷EPHESIANS 6:10-17

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:10-17
 ¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. ¹⁴Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to 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.

6:10 "Finally" Literally this is "for the rest." This is a characteristic Pauline phrase implying he is about to close his letter (cf. 2 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 3:1; 4:8; 1 Thess. 4:1; 2 Thess. 3:1). It usually marks a transition to a new and last point.

▣ "be strong in the Lord" This is either a PRESENT PASSIVE IMPERATIVE, "be made strong," or a PRESENT MIDDLE IMPERATIVE, "be strong." The grammatical form is the same, only the function is different. The theology is clear: believers must continue to allow the Spirit to strengthen them for the ongoing spiritual struggle (cf. Eph. 3:20; 1 Cor. 16:13). This paradox between the PASSIVE VOICE (God's power flowing through believers) and the MIDDLE VOICE (believers actively involved in living for Christ) is the dialectical tension found throughout the Bible. Basically it is the tension of a covenant relationship (cf. Phil. 2:12-13). God always takes the initiative, always sets the agenda, but He has also chosen that humans must respond (initially and continually). Sometimes the Bible emphasizes mankind's response (Ezek. 18:31, "Make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit") and sometimes God's provision (cf. Ezek. 36:26-27, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you."). Both are true!

Four Greek terms (dunamis = power; energeia = energy; kratos = strength and ischus = might) are used in Eph. 1:9 to describe God's power in Christ. Here, three of these same words are used.

SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT

SPECIAL TOPIC: BE MADE STRONG

▣ "in the strength of His might" YHWH was often described in the OT as a warrior wearing armor (cf. Isa. 42:13; 49:24-25; 52:10 and especially 59:16-17). It is His armor, not ours. Our victory is in Him (cf. Phil. 2:13), but we must cooperate (cf. Phil. 2:12). Again, the theological paradox of God's sovereignty and human free will!

6:11 "Put on the full armor of God" This is an AORIST MIDDLE IMPERATIVE which conveys a sense of urgency (cf. Eph. 6:13). This refers to a decisive act of the believer's will. God has provided our needed spiritual equipment, but we must

1. recognize the need
2. avail ourselves of God's provision
3. apply it to our daily lives (cf. 1 Thess. 5:8)

Justification (Romans 4; 6) does not provide a deliverance from spiritual struggle and temptation (cf. Romans 7). The presence of the "new man" does not imply the total removal of the "old man." Often the battle is intensified. If Satan cannot keep us from being saved, he will attempt to keep us spiritually defeated and silenced!

▣ "that you will be able to stand firm" This is a PRESENT PASSIVE INFINITIVE followed by an AORIST ACTIVE INFINITIVE, which refers to the daily struggle, not one decisive "battle" or temptation (this is similar to Jesus' temptation in Luke 4:13, where Satan departs until a more opportune time).

The term "stand" is a military term for holding one's position. It is repeated in Eph. 6:13 and 14. It is the key purpose of the believer's armor.

SPECIAL TOPIC: STAND (HISTĒMI)

Christians are attacked by an angelic tempter, Satan (cf. Eph. 2:2; 4:14,27; 2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Pet. 5:8-9). Satan uses many schemes (methodia).

1. disunity
2. personal sin
3. false teachers
4. discouragement
5. apathy
6. suffering

These are just some things that the recipients of this letter faced. However, believers cannot attribute all sin and problems to angelic temptation or attack. Fallen mankind, even redeemed fallen mankind, faces

1. a continuing sin nature
2. a fallen world system
3. an angelic and demonic attack (cf. Eph. 2:2-3; James. 4:1,4,7)

The battle starts in the mind but moves quickly to sinful acts.

SPECIAL TOPIC: PERSONAL EVIL

SPECIAL TOPIC: DEVIL

Notice the numbers of times "against" appears in this context (once in v.11 and fives times in Eph. 6:12). The panoply of evil is thwarted by the panoply of God's armor!

This is a PRESENT TENSE VERB which implies an ongoing struggle, not a one-time temptation. This was either military or athletic imagery. It literally refers to hand-to-hand combat (i.e., in war or in the Olympic Games). The Christian life is tough! The Christian life is a supernatural gift lived out by repentance and faith, as is salvation.

SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRISTIAN GROWTH

▣ "against flesh and blood" The word order is literally "blood and flesh." Notice the abnormal sequence of these terms. It is found only here and in Heb. 2:14. The reason is uncertain, but it may be related to the Gnostic false teachers' depreciation of the physical (Jesus' humanity). Believers must remember the spiritual problem is sin, evil, and Satan, not competition from other human beings!

SPECIAL TOPIC: GNOSTICISM

▣ "against the rulers; against the powers" These terms can be used of human authorities as in Rom. 13:1-7, but here the context demands angelic levels (aeons) of authority (cf. Rom. 8:38-39; 1 Cor. 2:8; Col. 1:16; 2:10,15; Eph. 1:21; 3:10; 1 Pet. 3:22). This was part of the Gnostic false teachers' worldview. These angelic levels (aeons) may be

1. evil, that is, fallen angels under Satan's control, the demonic
2. the angelic authorities called the stoichea who are not necessarily evil (cf. Gal. 4:3,9; Col. 2:8)

For a good discussion of the subject see Hendrik Berkhof, Christ and the Powers (Herald Press).

For "rulers" see SPECIAL TOPIC: ARCHĒ

SPECIAL TOPIC: ANGELIC LEVELS IN PAUL'S WRITINGS

SPECIAL TOPIC: GNOSTICISM

SPECIAL TOPIC: ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES (STOICHEIA)

This is the Greek term kosmocrator in its PLURAL form. This term is used in the Greek Classics and the writings of the Jewish rabbis to describe someone bent on world control. This seems to speak of Satan (cf. John 12:31; 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2) and his followers, the demonic (cf. 1 Cor. 2:6,8; 15:24; Eph. 3:10; 6:12; Col. 2:15).

▣ "against the spiritual forces of wickedness" This phrase was used in Paul's day by astrologers who believed there were angels or gods behind the heavenly bodies (cf. Rom. 8:39) that affected human life (zodiac). This all began with Babylonian astrology. It is still alive and well (horoscopes).

This LOCATIVE (OF SPHERE) NEUTER PLURAL ADJECTIVE "in the heavenly places" is used only in Ephesians (cf. Eph. 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12). From the context of all of its usages (esp. Eph. 3:10 and 6:12), it must mean the spiritual realm in which believers live here and now, not heaven by and by.

6:13 "therefore, take up the full armor of God" This is an AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE which showed the need for decisive action (cf. v. 11). It is another military term. It is possibly an allusion to YHWH as warrior from Isa. 59:17. The armor is mentioned in the order in which it would have been put on by a soldier (remember Paul wrote this from prison chained to two Roman soldiers).

Notice the full armor is God's armor! He provides, but believers must recognize the battle and implement God's sufficient provision.

▣ "you will be able to resist" This is an AORIST PASSIVE (deponent) SUBJUNCTIVE with an AORIST ACTIVE INFINITIVE. There is a spiritual battle before and after conversion. Some believers do not know there is an ongoing, spiritual battle; they do not take up God's armor and they do not resist. The terminology is similar to James 4:7 and 1 Pet. 5:9. Christians can lose or damage their peace, assurance, and gifted ministry through

1. ignorance
2. neglect
3. sin (cf. 1 Cor. 9:27; 15:2; Gal. 2:2; 3:4; Phil. 2:16; 1 Tim. 1:19)

This does not refer to heaven or hell, but effective kingdom service! I have met many damaged believers!

▣ "in the evil day" This is an OT idiom which could refer to

1. a day of temptation
2. the whole evil age in which we live
3. a day of adversity (cf. Ps. 49:5ff)

▣ "having done everything" This term had the connotation of one having done everything that was required. Paul uses this term more than eighteen times in his letters. In the spiritual realm

1. preparation
2. consistency
3. knowledge are crucial!

▣ "stand firm" This is an AORIST ACTIVE INFINITIVE meaning "to stand fast." The same term is used in Eph. 6:11 (PRESENT PASSIVE INFINITIVE) and 14 (AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE). Believers are commanded and encouraged to resist, overcome, and stand against the schemes of the devil (cf. Eph. 4:14). This is done by means of

1. the believers' knowledge of the gospel (the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, Eph. 6:17)
2. the believer's position in Christ
3. the believers' yieldedness to the indwelling Spirit
4. the believers' implementation of the armor provided by God
5. the believer's decisive choices and actions
6. prayer (cf. Eph. 6:18)

SPECIAL TOPIC: STAND

6:14 Three of the following four PARTICIPLES are taken from passages in Isaiah. They are all grammatically related to this AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE, "stand" in Eph. 6:13 (this structure is like Eph. 5:18, an IMPERATIVE followed by five PARTICIPLES, 5:19-21).

1. "having girded," AORIST MIDDLE PARTICIPLE (Eph. 6:14). This is a quote from Isa.11:5 where it was used of the Messiah
2. "having put on," AORIST MIDDLE PARTICIPLE (Eph. 6:14). This is a quote from Isa. 59:17, where it is used of God as a warrior on behalf of sinful Israel (cf. Isa. 59:12)
3. "having shod," AORIST MIDDLE PARTICIPLE (Eph. 6:15). This is a quote from Isa. 52:7, where the Lord comes to His people as a King bringing good news (cf. Isa. 61:1)
4. "taking up," AORIST MIDDLE PARTICIPLE (Eph. 6:16, cf. Eph. 6:13). This is implied in Isa. 59:17. God's provisions must be implemented in daily life

▣ "truth" There is not an ARTICLE in Greek, so it may be translated in the OT sense of "truthfulness" or "trustworthiness."

SPECIAL TOPIC: "TRUTH" IN PAUL'S WRITINGS

▣ "the breastplate" This is one of the pieces of armor listed in Isa. 59:17, as is the helmet of Eph. 6:17.

▣ "of righteousness" This refers to Christ's righteousness (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21). However, like the dialectical tension related to strengthening in Eph. 6:10, it is both Christ's imputed righteousness (positional justification and sanctification) and His followers' progressive Christlikeness (progressive sanctification) that brings victory in the daily spiritual struggle.

SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS

SPECIAL TOPIC: SANCTIFICATION

6:15 "having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace" This either refers to

1. readiness (cf. Isa. 52:7)
2. a sure foundation (cf. NEB translation)

Believers must be prepared for the spiritual struggle that will surely come.

6:16 "in addition" The KJV translates this as "above all," but it means in addition to the above mentioned military battle armor.

▣ "the shield" This term is related to the Greek word for "door." It refers to the large 4' x 2' full-body shield. It was made of wood with leather coverings surrounded by metal. It was soaked in water before battle so as to extinguish the fire-tipped arrows. It was a symbol of full protection. It had hooks on the side to link up with other shields.

▣ "flaming missiles" This refers to arrows dipped in pitch and lighted. This is imagery of spiritual attacks.

▣ "the evil one" There is an ambiguity (i.e., same grammatical form) as to whether it refers to evil in general (NEUTER) or Satan in particular (MASCULINE). This same ambiguity can be seen in Matt. 5:37; 6:13; 13:38; John 17:15; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 John 2:13-14. The form of the word in Greek is the same (therefore, the GENDER can only be ascertained from context). In Matt. 13:19; 1 John 5:18-19 it obviously refers to Satan.

SPECIAL TOPIC: SATAN

6:17 "take the helmet of salvation" This is an AORIST MIDDLE (deponent) IMPERATIVE. It is symbolic of believers' knowledge of the gospel and their hope in Christ (cf. 1 Thess. 5:8).

▣ "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" Paul specifically defines the believers' two offensive weapons (i.e., Bible knowledge and prayer, Eph. 6:18). This was an allusion to OT imagery for God speaking to His people (cf. Isa. 49:2; Hosea 6:5). God's revelation (both the living Word, Jesus Christ, and the written word, the Bible) is described in these same terms in Heb. 4:12. Although a different Greek term for "word" (rhēma versus logos) is used in Hebrews, the term for "sword" is the same (the small tongue-shaped Roman weapon worn in the belt).

It is dangerous to draw too sharp a distinction between parallel terms in Koine Greek (it was the language of commerce and the distinctions of Classical Greek were fading) like "logos" and "rhēma." This may refer to the use of the Scriptures during temptation, like Jesus did in Matt. 4:1ff. Believers' knowledge of the gospel will protect them in their daily spiritual struggles. This is why Scripture memorization and personal Bible study are so valuable (cf. Ps. 19:7-11; 119:105; Prov. 6:23). This is the first offensive weapon listed among the armor (although I think prayer in Eph. 6:18 is another). It is for protection. As in Eph. 6:18-20 it can be used for Kingdom advance!

÷EPHESIANS 6:18-20

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:18-20
 ¹⁸With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, ¹⁹and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

6:18 "With all prayer and petition, pray at all times" Notice the number of times the inclusive term "all" is used in Eph. 6:18. Prayer is another powerful weapon in the spiritual battle which is the Christian's daily life in this fallen age. Paul requested prayer for himself in Eph. 6:19 (cf. Col. 4:3-4; 1 Thess. 5:17). He did not ask for deliverance from his personal situation, but for clarity and boldness in gospel proclamation (cf. Col. 4:3-4). It is interesting to note that Paul does not discuss the spiritual battle in Colossians but he does emphasize the need for prayer (cf. Col. 4:2).

▣ "in the Spirit" The term "spirit" has no ARTICLE (ananthrous). This can be understood in different ways. It may refer to

1. the Spirit praying for believers ( cf. Rom. 8:26-27)
2. Christians praying in spiritual power (cf. Jude 1:20)
3. parallel to John 4:23 "in spirit and truth"
4. "spirit" as distinct from "mind" (cf. 1 Cor. 14:14-15)

Effective, fervent prayer is impossible without the Spirit's involvement!

Notice the aspects of spirit-led prayer:

1. at all times
2. in the Spirit
3. be alert with all perseverance
4. pray for all the saints

SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE NT

SPECIAL TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PRAYER

▣ "for all the saints" See SPECIAL TOPIC: SAINTS

6:19 "pray on my behalf" Paul asked for prayer, not for himself personally, but for the power to present the gospel clearly as he spoke during his trials before the Roman authorities (cf. Col. 4:3; 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1):

1. "that utterance may be given me" (Eph. 6:19)
2. "to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel" (Eph. 6:19 "freedom of speech," cf. Eph. 3:12; Heb. 4:16; 10:19,35)
3. "I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak" (Eph. 6:20; Col. 4:4)

SPECIAL TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PRAYER

SPECIAL TOPIC: INTERCESSORY PRAYER

▣ "with boldness" See SPECIAL TOPIC: BOLDNESS

▣ "mystery of the gospel" Paul uses this term in several different ways describing God's redemptive plan. Here it refers to the believing Jews and Gentiles being one body in Christ. This concept is clearly spelled out in Eph. 2:11-3:13. The term appears in Eph. 1:9; 3:3,4,9; 5:32.

SPECIAL TOPIC: MYSTERY

SPECIAL TOPIC: GOSPEL

6:20 "I am an ambassador in chains" Paul understood his Apostleship to the Gentiles as both

1. a stewardship (1 Cor. 4:1; 9:17; Titus 1:7)
2. an ambassadorship (cf. 2 Cor. 5:20)

He believed God sent him to prison to preach the gospel to the Roman authorities in Rome, as he had to the authorities in Judea (cf. Acts 9:15).

÷EPHESIANS 6:21-22

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:21-22
 ²¹But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. ²²I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.

6:21 "Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord" He is mentioned in Acts 20:4; Col. 4:7; Titus 3:12; 2 Tim. 4:12.

1. He was the bearer of the letter.
2. He probably carried the letters of Colossians and Philemon to Asia Minor and was accompanied by Onesimus.
3. He also possibly may have carried the letter of Ephesians to all the churches of Asia Minor.
4. He also may have functioned as Paul's scribe, like Tertius of Rom. 16:22.

6:21-22 These verses are the same in Greek as Col. 4:7-8, except Colossians adds "fellow bond servant," which shows that Paul probably wrote the two books close to the same time. Ephesians is followed by the basic outliine of Colossians, but not exactly.

6:22 Paul wanted the churches to know of his circumstances so that they could pray for him and not worry about him. He felt he was in God's plan for his life and ministry (cf. Acts 9:15).

▣ "hearts" See SPECIAL TOPIC: HEART

▣ One wonders if Paul himself did not pen this verse, as well as Eph. 6:23-24, to show its authenticity.

÷EPHESIANS 6:23-24

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: EPHESIANS 6:23-24
 ²³Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

6:23-24 These same themes opened the letter! Paul usually penned the closing thoughts himself to authenticate his letters.

This term usually means "incorruptible" (cf. 1 Cor. 9:25; 15:52; 1 Tim. 1:17). It had the connotation of something unchanging and eternal. This was an encouragement in light of the confusion and conflict caused by the false teachers and the personal spiritual battle.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Is there a personal force of evil in our world?
2. What is our responsibility in spiritual struggle?
3. Why does Paul use warfare as a description of the Christian life?
4. What does Paul ask for himself?

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