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Commentary
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 Ephesians Chapter 6 Paul instructs children to obey their parents according to the commandment - being the first commandment that has a promise attached; (v1-v3) For the habitually disobedient could fall under worldly justice easily. Likewise it is the responsibility of parents not to anger their children but to bring them up soberly and with a just upbringing. (v4) Paul requires servants to obey their masters as if they were obeying Christ (v5-v7) - not with lip service (v6) knowing that they are not free to minister the gospel, but are freed from the responsibility of apostleship - but that in serving well they have a reward of God. (v8) Likewise, Paul commands masters to be kind, just and forgiving even as they have been forgiven - for earthly masters are also Christ's servants, and there is no inequality within Him. (v9) Lastly Paul commands them to be strong in the truth of the gospel and mighty in the Spirit. (v10) Here is the renowned armour of God passage. In these things we can withstand every attack of the devil. For we wrestle not against mere men, but against governments (such as Rome, within which Paul was a prisoner awaiting coming before Caesar.) against fallen angels (powers) and those of false religions (the established priesthood, like that of Diana in Ephesus), and of spiritual wickedness in high places. (The infiltration of the faith by other cults, even also the jews.) which is the presence of false teachers. So Paul commands them to take to themselves the armour of God so that they may withstand that evil day that will come when they will be persecuted, or tested with the wiles of the devil. (v13) Taking truth (the most important item of armour!) wrapped as around our inward self, (v14) having righteousness (the clothing of Christ - with which we can approach God and be counted a Son or Daughter - having our prayers answered to stand in the truth confidently - shielding our heart) ready with the gospel (to correct others, and be corrected. shod on our feet - be prepared to leave, then severing relationships) (v15) Above all, taking the shield of faith, to quench all wiles of the devil. Lastly Paul lists the helmet of salvation then the sword of the Spirit, these two are also works of God. None of these items is the work of a man, even the readiness of the gospel is the ministry of the Holy Spirit - the ability of a believer to discern false teaching (and run like hell). All of them are prepared for us by God, hence the title of "Armour of God". Without a discussion of the uses of these items the section would be incomplete - but the bible they come from is good instruction as to the truth, the righteousness of Christ, the gospel, correct faith, salvation and itself the word. Paul has taught on the promises of God, the truth of the gospel, good behaviour, the purpose of God to salvation, charitable edifying of one another's faith, how to recognise false teaching, stability of marriage (how one can trust a relationship) and other things. Primarily Paul opened with promises that the Kingdom of God is come and is in effect from God over all human and earthly physical and spiritual authority, and the gentiles at Ephesus have a sure inheritance in God's plan. By commending these things to the faith of the believers, there is nothing in governments, of fallen angels, false priesthoods and false teachers that can sever them from the reward of their eternal life if they remain strong in all faith and thus mighty in the Spirit. Paul advises we resist the devil by praying and supplying in the Spirit the needs of other believers, (v18) Paul asks them to pray for him also for him to boldly utter the gospel before those in Rome, (19) For that is his purpose there, so he ought to speak boldly.(v20) Paul is sending a brother Tychicus to give them word of his progress and condition, for their comfort (v21,v22) Paul lastly blesses them with peace and for common faith with all the rest of the body of Christ, a blessing to come from the Father and Jesus, His Son. Lastly he commends them in the grace of the Spirit, thus closing with an allusion of the trinity. (v23,v24) |
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