Ephesians 6:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

NIV: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

NASB: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

CSB: Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.

NLT: A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

KJV: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

NKJV: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Verses 10 through 20 are a famous and well-used portion of Scripture. Paul wraps up his practical teachings with a series of analogies, comparing aspects of the Christian faith to the equipment carried by a soldier.

This verse introduces the overall motivation for Paul's instructions. Namely, this is strength, through the Lord, and of the Lord. Paul opened his letter with a prayer for the Ephesian Christians to receive wisdom and knowledge (Ephesians 1:15-23). Here, after discussing the real-world application of that wisdom, Paul notes that the believer does not rely on his or her own strength, but on the power of God to win victory in life's battles.

The following verses will offer an outline of each part of the metaphorical armor of God. Each piece connects to an area of spiritual life important for reliance upon God's strength. Paul's depiction of these components will conclude with a focus on prayer (Ephesians 6:18–20), again asking God for strength and success in battle. Only by relying on God, through these spiritual tools, can we overcome spiritual evil and succeed at living out God's will.

Paul personally saw himself as a spiritual warrior as well. In fact, he was often a prisoner of war, in a sense (Ephesians 6:20), yet still involved in the battle to reach others with the good news of Jesus.

Ephesians 6:10–20 concludes Paul's practical application of Christianity with a famous series of metaphors. Here, he describes the ''armor of God.'' In this passage, Paul uses the allegory of a Roman soldier's basic equipment to show how the components of Christianity work together as we strive to serve God. The soldier's tools include a belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. In parallel, the Christian's implements are truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Christians are also given prayer. Just as a soldier's equipment is designed for their earthly battle, a Christian's equipment is meant for spiritual warfare.

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.

Ephesians opens with three chapters of doctrine, followed by three chapters of practical application. This final chapter of Paul's letter focuses on specific ways Christians should live. It also summarizes the spiritual tools we are given by God, imagining them as a suit of armor. Paul pulls the same basic ideas from the rest of letter together, showing how Christians should live out their knowledge of what salvation in Christ really means.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.