Bible Commentaries
Ephesians 6

Verses 1-2

OBEDIENT CHILDREN

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Ephesians 6:1

Here we have one of the foundational truths of all societies. Children must respect and obey their parents (cf. Colossians 3:20). There is the old adage which says that the parent is the child's first god. There is some truth in this. If the child does not respect the parent, there is every probability that the child will not respect God either.

The family is the nucleus of society. There can be no healthy state or healthy church unless there is a healthy family.^(F1) Stott remarks that "virtually all civilizations have regarded the recognition of parental authority as indispensable to a stable society."^(F2)

We can immediately see the radical nature of Paul's teaching here. Children in the ancient world had no status. They would normally not be addressed. Yet, we see the apostle addressing them first of all. This is remarkable.^(F3) Paul exhorts, "'Honor your father and mother' – which is the first commandment with a promise – " (6:2). Some have objected that the second command also has a promise. However it seems that the second commandment only makes a statement or a declaration regarding all the commands of God, and is not a specific promise for any one command.^(F4)

The responsibility of honoring parents seems to be part of the natural law and is applicable everywhere and in every time. However we see that to this natural law there is added the revealed law of God. It would include the moral law of Exodus 20:12, plus all the spiritual applications made in the rest of the Bible.

It has been customary for Christians to divide the Ten Commandments into two tablets, one of four commands directed toward God and the other of six commands directed toward man. However the Jewish people insist on dividing them into two tablets of five commands each. This indicates that the command to honor parents is a duty more directed toward God than toward man.^(F5)

Verse 3

THE BLESSING OF OBEDIENCE

so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Ephesians 6:3

The child that does not obey its parents will likely run amok of other authorities sooner or later. This may well end in much heartache for the child or perhaps even an early death at the hands of authorities or others. In Proverbs 30:17, the author presents a gruesome picture of the end result for such disobedience, "The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures." We also remember that in the Law of Moses it was permitted for parents to actually have a rebellious child stoned to death (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). This indicates that God views disobedience in a child as a very serious matter.

Barnes remarks concerning this subject, "Obedience to parents is connected with virtuous habits that are conducive to long life. It will make a child industrious, temperate, sober; it will lead him to restrain and govern his wild passions; it will lead him to form habits of self-government which will, in future life, save him from the snares of vice and temptation."^(F6)

Verse 4

FRUSTRATING OUR CHILDREN

Fathers, do not exasperate your children… Ephesians 6:4a

In the Roman society of ancient times a father had absolute authority over his wife and children. Under the patria protestas the father could sell his children as slaves; he could work them in chains; he could even inflict the death penalty upon them. He could expose the newborn child if it was not to his liking. Child exposure was, in fact, a very common thing. Certainly sickly or deformed children were often killed as well.^(F7)

It was with this cruel background of the Roman culture that Paul advises fathers to show mercy toward children. We can thank God for the teachings of Jesus that turned the cruel world upside down in regard to the proper treatment of women and children.

Here fathers are told not to exasperate their children. How is it possible to exasperate children? We can do so with unreasonable demands or needless severity. We can do so by forcing our own unfulfilled dreams upon our children, by making petty rules, or by showing favoritism.

Paul says, "instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (6:4b). Instead of cruel treatment; and instead of ignoring children; Paul advises parents to bring children up in the Lord's nurture. This was very much a part of the teaching of Judaism with which Paul was well acquainted. Still to this day Jewish people regularly recite the Shema found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. It states in verses 6-9:

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

The Jewish parent is very insistent upon teaching children a trade as well as thoroughly teaching them about their faith. This is not left to others. The word "teach" is the Hebrew word "ya-rah." It has the basic meaning of "shooting an arrow." Thus the parent has the task of helping aim the child in the right direction. The very word "parent" is the Hebrew "horeh," and is taken from the same root.^(F8) All this is likely what Proverbs 22:6 has in mind, although the precise word is not used. It says, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." We see that the Greek words Paul uses also convey these ideas. The word paideia (start or nurture) has the meaning of "upbringing or training" and the word "nouthesia" has the idea of imparting to the child practical skills.^(F9)

How tragic it is that we moderns and postmoderns have virtually lost this important aspect of biblical instruction. We do not realize that if we fail to teach our children the truth, then others will surely teach them error.^(F10)

We also see in the Bible that God is careful to discipline his children. Proverbs 3:12 states, "…the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in" (cf. Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 3:19). It is clear in the Bible that natural fathers are to follow this pattern and to discipline their children. In Proverbs 13:24 we read, "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." The disciplining of children has become a thing passé for our age. In fact, there are countries already where extending the rod of correction to children can result in stiff fines or worse for the parents.

We have become so much wiser than God it seems. Some years ago, the Duke of Windsor made this remark, "Everything in the American home is controlled by switches – except the children!"^(F11) In the Bible we see some very sad examples of children who were not disciplined by their parents. We realize how King David pampered his son Absalom, and that the same son rose up in a nation-wide rebellion against his father. The old priest, Eli, somehow failed to discipline his priestly sons and they later brought great disgrace and defeat to all Israel.^(F12)

Verses 5-8

A WORD TO SLAVES

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Ephesians 6:5

Slavery was a very big problem in ancient times. It is said that in the Roman world there were sixty million slaves. This would have amounted to about a third of the total population.^(F13) While some slaves were in the upper positions of society, such as teachers and even doctors, many slaves had a grim and terrible life. Aristotle had said much earlier that a slave was a living tool. The scholar, Varo, had divided agricultural instruments into these three classes: the articulate, the inarticulate and the mute. By articulate he meant the slaves, by inarticulate he meant the cattle and of course, the mute comprised the vehicles.^(F14)

Masters had absolute control over their slaves. It is reported that Augustus once executed a slave because the slave had killed his pet quail. Pollio is reported to have thrown a slave into the fish pond to be eaten by savage lampreys because the slave had dropped and broken a crystal goblet. It was quite customary for slaves to have cheeks torn, hair pulled out by cruel masters.^(F15)

Against this setting of stark cruelty Paul brings his teaching of love and compassion for slaves. In writing to Philemon he calls the slave Onesimus a "dear brother" (Philemon 1:16). Here he lays down sensible rules for slaves in respect to their masters, "Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people," (6:6-7).

In the ancient world slaves often disobeyed; many were lazy and sometimes they stole from their masters. Here Paul makes clear that the real master for those believing slaves was to be Christ. Slaves must not work to please men but to please the Lord himself.

This advice for slaves can well apply to all kinds of employees in our modern setting. If we could only see ourselves as laboring for Christ and having to please him with our work it would surely change the way we look at our employment. Even as far back as the Old Testament we see that this concept was understood. In Ecclesiastes 9:10 we read, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…" The Bible makes clear that there is really no division between sacred and secular. In Colossians 3:17 we also read, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

In the Old Testament we have a tragic example of a slave or servant that operated very differently when his master happened not to be present. Elisha's servant, Gehazi, although exemplary in his master's presence turned out to be very greedy and self-seeking person when his master was absent (2 Kings 5:26-27). This brought the curse of leprosy upon him.^(F16)

The Englishman, Peter Pett, remarks that we should work cheerfully and gladly for the Lord and that "Genuine work is as much a spiritual service as worship."^(F17) Along this line, it is interesting in the Hebrew language that the word for "work" (avodah) is the very same word for "worship."

The slave should not look to the master for his reward because the Lord himself will reward everyone for the good that has been done, regardless of whether the person is a slave or free (6:8).

Verse 9

A WORD TO MASTERS

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Ephesians 6:9

Thus we see that Christianity introduced revolutionary changes in the relationship between slaves and masters. As Barnes says, "a slave is not to be regarded as a 'chattel,' or a 'thing,' or as 'property.' He is a man; a redeemed man; an immortal man."^(F18) Both slaves and masters are now considered servants or slaves (douloi) of the heavenly Master (Romans 6:17-18). This word doulos (slave) is consistently used in the New Testament to describe the believer.

Some may object that Christianity did not immediately proclaim freedom to all slaves. Of course, such a move would have spelled economic disaster for the ancient world. We must remember that Christianity was a brand new religion and not well accepted in the Roman Empire. "For the early church to advocate revolt would have been the death of the Christian movement."^(F19)

On the other hand, the teachings of the Bible and Christianity regarding slavery were the death knell of the institution. We see even as far back as Deuteronomy 23:15-16, that an escaping slave could find refuge in Israel. He must not be oppressed.

This whole matter could be compared to cutting down a very large tree in the forest. We can take a chain saw, cut it down and watch it crash, destroying the other trees and saplings in the process, or we can do it in a more gentle fashion. We can take an axe and cut a narrow ring around the tree. In either case the tree is doomed. The latter may be the more civil way of doing things.

Verse 10

READY FOR THE GREAT BATTLE

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10

There is no question that the church is entering into a time of great spiritual conflict. This is the final and important message of Ephesians. Unfortunately it seems that few of us are prepared for such conflict. It is almost as if we were going out to fight the giant, Goliath, with Saul's ill-fitting armor. We are in fact already facing mighty spiritual powers and we wield but fleshly weapons. In the face of all this God wants us to "put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12), and then, here in 6:10-18, Paul describes in detail the spiritual armor that will protect us and help us to be victorious. We must become familiar with this armor and get it into place as quickly as possible, for the sounds of battle are all around us.

To some, this advice may seem in sharp contrast to the first three chapters of Ephesians. There we were told that we were chosen before the world began and that our salvation is complete in Jesus. Here we are told to get ready for the mother of all battles. How can these passages possibly fit together? Once more we must resort to the understanding of the "already" and the "not yet" that we have previously discussed.^(F20) Already the final battle is won because Jesus defeated all principalities and powers at Calvary. But we do not yet enjoy all the benefits of this great victory. Until the "mopping up operations" are completed we must stand our ground and be good soldiers. The scripture makes clear that in the final stage of this battle the church will almost be overcome. After all, a serpent does the most flopping around after its head has been cut off

Martyn Lloyd-Jones in his exposition of Ephesians 6 gives stern warning against what might be called Christian passivity. He says:

Paul has not handed it all over to become a sitting spectator passively "abiding"…We do not just sit back and "look to Jesus" to do it all for us. That is false doctrine…David's greatest sin, his most terrible fall, in a way resulted from the fact that he was doing nothing. His armies were fighting great battles, but he was at home in Jerusalem with very little to do…There is no such thing as a holiday in the spiritual realm…(1 Corinthians 10:12).^(F21)

We see clearly in scripture that we are "God's fellow workers" (1 Corinthians 3:9). God has chosen to fight the battle of the ages with us, not just for us and certainly not without us.

Verse 11

THE FULL ARMOR

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11

The word for "full armor" or "whole armor" is panoplian. It has the meaning of being complete. It is interesting that this armor seems to be primarily of a defensive nature. The only weapon that could possibly be termed offensive is the sword. It is of note that Paul omits a common Roman offensive weapon, the long lance or pilum.^(F22) Paul seems to be getting us ready for a final defense against the devil, as the latter thrashes about in his death throes. We are to have the blessed challenge of "holding the fort;" "taking our stand;" or "defending the faith" on the last great day of battle.

We should note here that we ourselves must put on the armor and that it is God's armor that we are putting on, not ours. This is in agreement with previous pictures that we have discussed from scripture. Earlier we had the picture of the wedding guests, who had the responsibility of putting on the wedding garments provided. We also saw the picture of the bride who had the responsibility of clothing herself with the beautiful God-given garments of salvation. In putting on the full armor of God we are once again putting on Jesus Christ. We are making no provision for fleshly thinking and living, as Paul also says in Romans 13:14, "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."

It is said that we are to take our stand against the "wiles" of the devil. The word "wiles" used here is methodeias, and it has to do with Satan's method, skill or cunning.^(F23) Guzik remarks here that just as God loves us and has a wonderful plan for our lives so it is that Satan hates us and has a terrible plan for our lives.^(F24) The Bible tells us that in order to accomplish his plan, "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). We absolutely must not be ignorant of his devices lest he outwit us (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Verse 12

OUR SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

We have noticed already in Ephesians that our struggle is against spiritual rulers in heavenly realms (1:21; 3:10). Paul speaks of this in other places such as 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."

These world-rulers are called "kosmokratōr" in the Greek. They are the cosmocrats of the darkness and they include Satan and his demons.^(F25) Hoehner calls them a spiritual "Mafia."^(F26) We probably get a better idea of their workings in Daniel than in any other book of the Bible. We observe in Daniel that there is a spiritual princes over the nations of Persia and Greece (Daniel 10:13,20). The angel of God had to battle with them merely to deliver a message to Daniel. The Bible does little to publicize the activities of the devil or his minions. We are left to guess about their organization and their exact plan of attack.

Verse 13

PREPARED FOR THE EVIL DAY

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

The Bible speaks often of a final evil day of history. This time period is also known as the "Day of the Lord." While this time could also refer to any time of judgment or testing in a generic sense, this passage is accepted by some scholars as a reference to the intense time of tribulation at the end of the age (cf. Daniel 12:1; Romans 8:22-23).^(F27)

We see the playing out of this time period in some detail in the Book of Revelation. During the last years of this awful period the Antichrist will assume power throughout the whole earth. He will bitterly attack the people of God and actually succeed in defeating them for a short period (Daniel 7:21). During this time there will be many martyrs for Jesus but some will also fall away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). At last, with the appearing of the Lord, the Antichrist will be overcome. Both he and Satan will be judged and confined to an eternal punishment. At that time God's faithful saints will receive the kingdom forever (Daniel 7:27).

In light of these coming events the scripture challenges us to put on our complete armor.^{John 14:6), and He is our righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21 ) and our peace (Ephesians 2:14). His faithfulness makes possible our faith (Galatians 2:20 ); He is our salvation (Luke 2:30 ); and he is the Word of God ( John 1:1,14 ). ">(F28)} I once heard of a lady who had the practice of putting on this spiritual armor each day. She carefully put it on piece by piece with prayer, before she entered into her daily activities. No doubt, this would be a good practice for us all. This passage challenges us to be good soldiers and to endure hardship; to focus on the coming battle and not just on our civilian affairs (cf. 2 Timothy 2:3-4).

Although suffering is not a popular theme in the western church today, such suffering is a legacy bequeathed us from Christ himself. The scripture says, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him" (Philippians 1:29). So, suffering is God's gift to us. The scripture also says in 2 Timothy 2:12, "if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us."

Several of the earliest church fathers comment upon this awful time of warfare and tribulation coming upon the church at the end of the age. Hermas (c. AD 150) says, "Happy are you who endure the great tribulation that is coming. And happy are they who will not deny their own life."^(F29) Hippolytus (c. AD 200) speaks of the tyrant who will "reign and persecute the church, which flees from city to city, and seeks concealment in the wilderness among the mountains."^(F30) Irenaeus (c. AD 180) says, "For this is the last contest of the righteous, in which they are crowned with incorruption – when they overcome."^(F31)

The picture of the Roman soldier used here was a very familiar one to Paul. The Roman soldier was a common scene throughout the empire. Paul even had a much closer connection with Roman soldiers. He was actually chained to one (Ephesians 6:20) and no doubt spent a great deal of time reflecting on the armor of his close military companions.

The Roman armor was undoubtedly the best in the ancient world, as the Romans gained a military dominance throughout the whole known world and kept it for centuries.

Verse 14

THE BELT OF TRUTH

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist… Ephesians 6:14a

Just as Roman soldiers wore the belt (cingulum militare), we must wear our belt of truth. It literally holds everything else in place. Without it our sword will surely fall off and our trousers may even slip down in the day of battle, leaving us utterly undone. Indeed, the scripture tells us that we must love the truth if we are to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:10). If we do not love the truth we will be sent a strong delusion and will end up believing a lie (v.11).

Today in our postmodern world people are prone to make light of truth. It is a cardinal doctrine of Postmodernism that all truth is relative and that there is no universal standard of truth. Postmoderns say that the pagan's truth is just as true as the Christian's truth. It seems that about the only sin, according to the postmodern camp, is for someone to question another's "truth."^(F32)

All this of course is utter nonsense and this type thinking needs a good reality check. Those who propose such fantasies would think differently if pagan cannibals were about to boil them and devour them for lunch. At that point they might tend to seriously and anxiously question the pagan's concept of "truth."

It seems that many today have done exactly what Paul said they would do in Romans 1:25, "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator."

Jesus says "I am…the truth" (John 14:6). Thus the truth is a person. Truth is part of the very nature of the Messiah; part of the nature of God. Truth is not relative and truth will not change or pass away. When we put on truth we really put on Christ. It is for good reason that we put on this belt first of all.

Verse 14

THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

…with the breastplate of righteousness in place… Ephesians 6:14b

Next we must have something to protect us from the deadly darts of Satan. In Roman times this piece was known as the lorica segmentata and was essentially a segmented armor plate around the shoulders, chest and sides. For us Christians this item is known as the breastplate of righteousness. Obviously this piece of armor secures our vitals and shelters our heart. Proverbs 4:23 exhorts us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

We must not think that we ourselves are righteous for we are not. We learn in Jeremiah 23:6, that one of Messiah's names is this, "The LORD Our Righteousness" (NAS). So in essence, Jesus is our breastplate of righteousness just as he is our belt of truth.

However, God not only wants to declare us righteous but he wants to make us righteous through Jesus. He wants us to put on Jesus Christ as we mentioned, and literally wear him into battle. We all know how vulnerable we are when this piece of armor is not in place and we thereby allow some particular sin to pierce our hearts. The idea for this piece of armor has no doubt come from Isaiah 59:17.

Verse 15

FEET SHOD WITH THE GOSPEL

and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15

From history we know that Roman soldiers wore the caligae or half-boot sandal. This item provided them fleetness of foot, plus excellent traction with its hob-nail cleats. Obviously the feet were very important to foot soldiers. If the feet were injured in any way the soldiers could neither march nor fight. It was not unusual for Roman armies to do a quick-march of fifty miles in a single day. By doing so they could capitalize on the element of surprise and show up in an area where they were not expected.^(F33)

Sometimes we see Greek soldiers ideally pictured as fighting naked and barefoot. While this may have happened on some limited scale it was generally not the case. Soldiers of every nationality both in ancient and modern times have needed sturdy foot protection plus all their other armor. We can understand how it would be impossible for a soldier to run across a cactus patch or sharp rocks without good shoes.

Here we see that feet should be shod with readiness of the gospel. There are several things that might be involved in this "readiness." First of all there needs to be a readiness to witness for Christ. The prophet Isaiah speaks of those who witness particularly in Israel as having beautiful feet, "How beautiful on the mountainsare the feet of those who bring good new…who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" (Isaiah 52:7).

Probably another part of this foot preparation is an instant readiness to obey the Master. In 2 Timothy 4:2 it is said, "…be prepared in season and out of season…" The idea of being prepared or "instant" as some translations have it, is the idea of standing ready for service (cf. Matthew 24:44; 25:10; Luke 12:40; 1 Peter 3:15).

There is another area of foot preparation. It is a readiness to take up his cross and suffer for Jesus. Actually the soldier's life was never meant to be an easy one. There was always the very real threat of injury or death in battle. The same is true for the Christian soldier today and we must be ready to walk in suffering or even death if Christ so wills.

Verse 16

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16

We are told that the Roman shield (scutum) was about 2 by 4 feet (60 cm. x 1.2 m.). It was made of wood that was very similar to today's plywood and reinforced with metal. It was a sure dart stopper. In fact, after the siege of Dyrachium, a soldier named Sceva counted some 220 darts still sticking into his shield.^(F34) Apparently, soldiers sometimes dipped their shields into water so as to quench the sizzling incendiary arrows of the enemy.^(F35) It is of note that Roman soldiers often placed their shields closely together to make an impenetrable line of defense against the enemy.

In comparison to this, our Christian shield is said to be of faith. This faith is in God's Son, Jesus, and in God's word, the Bible. Jesus and his word act much like the Roman shield. They stop the darts of doubt, fear and accusation launched at us by the evil one (6:16). Also, we stand together as the body of Christ we too can make in impenetrable shield against the enemy.

As we have said, our faith is placed first of all in Jesus. Here is his word to us in Acts 16:31, "…Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…" There is another excellent word in Romans 10:17, "…faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." So, the word of Christ or the Bible is the basis of our faith. We see that the word of God is also the basis for our defense.

Now we want to examine some "dart quenching" words from the Bible. These words of God can be a mighty shield for us when we are under attack by the devil. In Romans 8:1 we see a verse that stops the fiery arrow of condemnation. It reads, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." What a wonderful shield is this verse from the devil's attacks and slanders. Let us look at some more dart-stoppers. One famous arrow the devil tries to shoot at us is the arrow of guilt over our past sins. We need to remember 1 John 1:9 when we come under this attack, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Often the devil also questions the eternal life that God has so freely granted to us. We need to remember Philippians 1:6 when we feel this attack coming, "…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (cf. Hebrews 7:25). When fear strikes us we can remember 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJ), "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Verse 17

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17b

The Roman sword (gladius) was two feet (60 cm.) in length, the perfect size to be wielded quickly and efficiently against the enemy.^(F36) The Bible makes plain that our sword is the word of God and we take note that it is the only offensive weapon we possess. With this sword we can not only defend ourselves but we can put the devil on the run. Perhaps this is what James 4:7 is speaking of when he advises, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Actually, the word of God is the true "weapon of mass destruction" for the enemy. When wielded properly it can send thousands of demons screaming.

We note how Jesus used this sword of the Spirit very effectively against the devil during the time of his own temptation (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13). Over and over Jesus said "It is written" in answer to Satan's attacks. At this, the devil fled and angels came to minister to him. We see in Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…"

Unfortunately for us and for the whole church, we live in a time when the word of God has been discounted and cheapened. Many theologians tell us that we cannot depend upon the word. For them it is no more reliable than some myth. If we are to be effective soldiers today and defend our lives and the lives of our families, we must regain a biblical respect for the word of God. We find this kind of respect in Isaiah 40:8: "The grass withers and the flowers fall,but the word of our God endures forever." Unlike some theologians of our day, Jesus once said in John 10:35, "the Scripture cannot be broken."

Verse 17

THE HELMET OF SALVATION

Take the helmet of salvation… Ephesians 6:17a

In this end-day battle it is imperative that we know who Jesus is as well as who we are in him. It is very important that our minds be settled concerning our salvation. The Roman helmet, called the galae, covered the head and extended down to cover the sides of the face. This metal helmet was also adorned on its top with colored horse hair as a form of identification. Allen Turner remarks that these soldiers with their helmets and crests may have looked seven feet tall when observed from a distance.^(F37)

Our helmet of salvation not only identifies us as being in the Lord's army but it is also a much needed mind-protector. Today many minds are being invaded by Satan and unfortunately a lot of these are Christian minds. One tragic example of this was reflected in a recent Newsweek report showing that 40 percent of the clergy now admit to visiting sexually explicit websites.^(F38) If this is what the shepherds are doing we might wonder what in the world the sheep are doing!

There is much preparation needed in regards to our minds. The scripture says, "Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:13 NET). In 2 Peter 3:18 we read, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…" We have the sacred responsibility as Christians of growing in the knowledge of Jesus and of becoming like him. In 2 Peter 1:5, we are instructed to add knowledge to our faith as a part of our mind protection. We are told also that we are to let the mind of Christ be in us (Philippians 2:5; 1 Corinthians 2:16). Then and only then are we prepared for battle.

Verses 18-22

PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Ephesians 6:18

Last of all the Christian warrior is to be clothed in and protected by prayer. We read here that we should "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." We see that we have the responsibility of praying in the Spirit. This assumes that we have a Holy Spirit filling and that we can exercise spiritual gifts. There is a limit to our natural language just as there is a limit to our natural strength. We are to pray with a variety of spiritual prayers and this assumes a spiritual prayer language.

As Paul began this passage he warned us with these words, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). Since we must fight in the spiritual realm we need not only to put on spiritual armor but we need to pray in the Spirit. We need to pray at all times and in all places; we need to pray with all kinds of prayer; and we need to pray urgently for God's people who are often in the thick of battle. We need to remember the words of Zechariah 4:6: "'…Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."

We see this combination of warfare and prayer in the case of Moses who went up the mountain to pray, and Joshua who fought the battle against Amalek in the valley (Exodus 17:8-16). It took both aspects of warfare to defeat the ancient enemy.^(F39)

Paul asks, "Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel," (6:19). We will probably not fully understand the extent to which prayer was used in the early church to expand the ministry of the gospel. As the early gospel soldiers moved out into hostile territory they asked their fellow soldiers to "cover them." Their concern was not for their personal safety. It was not for their deliverance from suffering or danger. It was for boldness in proclaiming the gospel.^(F40)

He then adds, "for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should" (6:20). An ambassador in chains is an interesting paradox. Such a thing in the natural realm would not normally become the lot in regard to this prestigious position. Paul's chains are more closely defined in Acts 28:20. The word here and in these passages is halusis, and it means a short chain which was used to fasten the wrist of a prisoner to a soldier. We see in Philippians 1:12-13, that the whole palace guard had become acquainted with Paul and his message. Perhaps it was because one by one they had all been chained to him. They had to listen to his prayers, to his witness to others, to his talk to the believers. We can see how all this was an encouragement to the church (Philippians 1:14). The palace guard was the Praitorion. It was the Imperial Guard of the Roman Empire, and it numbered about 10,000 strong. In time, the Praitorion became very influential and its members became the "kingmakers" in Rome.

Paul gives his final instructions, "Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you" (6:21-22).

It is of note that the instructions relating to Tychicus are almost verbatim to those in Colossians 4:7-8. This section might be the best evidence of the relationship between the two letters.^(F41) We know that Tychicus was from Asia and that he accompanied Paul with the offering sent by the churches to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4). He was a faithful servant and messenger of Paul (Titus 3:12; 2 Timothy 4:12). In all probability, the three letters of Colossians, Ephesians and Philemon, were all carried by Tychicus.

Verses 23-24

BENEDICTION

Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Ephesians 6:23-24

This benediction is unlike all others in Paul's letters. We have already mentioned that there are no individual greetings or blessings. Other letters of Paul do not have "peace" or "love from God" as part of the benediction.^(F42) The ending expression "with an undying love" is also unique. The Greek expression "en aphtharsiāi," seems to mean "incorruptness" or "a never diminishing love."^(F43) It is not an earthly love but, in line with the whole teaching of Ephesians, it is a heavenly, undying and eternal love.