Study Desk

Children, obey^(a) your parents as you would the Lord,^[a] because this is right.

Honor your father and mother , which is the first commandment^[b] with a promise,

so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. ^[c](b)[d]

Fathers, don't stir up anger^(c) in your children, but bring them up in the training^(d) and instruction of the Lord.

Slaves, obey your human^[e] masters^(e) with fear and trembling,^(f) in the sincerity^(g) of your heart, as to Christ.

Don't work only while being watched, in order to please men, but as slaves of Christ, do God's will^(h) from your heart.^[f]

Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men,⁽ⁱ⁾

knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord.

And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening^(j) them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism^(k) with Him.^(l)

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.^(m)

Put on⁽ⁿ⁾ the full armor^(o) of God so that you can stand against the tactics^[g] of the Devil.

For our battle is not against flesh^(p) and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,^(q) against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil^(r) in the heavens.^(s)

This is why you must take up the full armor^(t) of God, so that you may be able to resist^(u) in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.

Stand,^(v) therefore, with truth^(w) like a belt around your waist, righteousness^(x) like armor on your chest,^(y)

and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.^[h]

In every situation take the shield^(z) of faith,^(aa) and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^(ab)

Take the helmet^(ac) of salvation, and the sword^(ad) of the Spirit,^(ae) which is God's word.

Pray^(af) at all times in the Spirit^(ag) with every prayer and request, and stay alert^(ah) in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness^(ai) the mystery of the gospel.

For this I am an ambassador^(aj) in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.

Tychicus,^(ak) our dearly loved brother and faithful servant^[i] in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed.

I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage^(al) your hearts.^(am)

Peace to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father^(an) and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.^[j][k]