What does Ephesians 6:23 mean?
Paul offers his concluding words over verses 23 and 24, including another mention of peace. This verse uses the Greek word adelphois, which literally means "brothers" and generally refers to males. In context, however, it seems to mean both men and women, as "brothers and sisters" in Christ. Earlier in Ephesians, Paul made reference to Christians in terms encompassing all people, regardless of gender (Ephesians 4:8). Paul's wish for peace extends to all believers in Ephesus.In addition to peace, Paul offered "love with faith." These traits are acknowledged as "from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Paul opened the letter with a dual emphasis on Father and Christ and concludes with them together. In Paul's mind, he understood the Father and Son are one God.
Interestingly, a special symmetry is provided in this verse. Peace is to the men and women of the church, with faith and love, from God the Father and Jesus Christ (Brothers/sisters, love/faith, Father/Son). Some of Paul's other letters end with similar statements (2 Corinthians 13:11–14).
Ephesians 6:21–24 completes Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus. He has just described our tools of spiritual warfare, using the analogy of a soldier's armor. He has also reminded Christians of the importance of prayer in our moment-by-moment discipleship with Christ. In these closing verses, Paul will explain his plans to send Tychicus, one of his long-serving assistants, to deliver both this letter and additional news.
Paul gives specific instructions to children and fathers, stressing obedience and patience, respectively. He also directs servants to serve with sincerity and good intentions, as if they were working for Christ. Masters are warned not to be harsh: the same God who judges all will not give them preference over those they supervised. All Christians are called on to use the tools given us by God for surviving the attacks of the devil. These are imagined as pieces of a suit of armor. Paul ends this letter in his typical style, with prayer, blessings, and news about his plans.
