Ephesians 6:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."

NIV: "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."

NASB: SO THAT IT MAY TURN OUT WELL FOR YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.

CSB: so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land.

NLT: If you honor your father and mother, 'things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.'

KJV: That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

NKJV: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

Paul continues his reference to Exodus 20:12 here. Honoring one's parents included promises in two areas. For the Israelites, this commandment claimed obedience would cause it to "go well" with them. This is a general blessing rather than a specific one. The idea is that honoring parents is something God both commands and rewards. This blessing was originally given to Israel, yet the application of blessing upon those who honor their parents clearly extends to believers today, according to Paul's teaching in verses 1¬ through 3.

Second, the Israelites were promised that they would "live long in the land." This particular promise is specific to Jews living under the Mosaic law. Christians have no "land" in the way the Jews did when the Ten Commandments were written. Instead, the Christian's obedience leads to heavenly rewards in a kingdom not of this world.

In a more general sense, it's easy to see how learning respect for legitimate authority, as opposed to learning rebellion, has a profound impact on a child's chances in life.

Ephesians 6:1–4 gives instructions for children to obey their parents, and for parents to be careful in how they raise their children. Children who learn respect for proper authority will have a better chance at success in life. And, obedience to parents is the morally right way to behave. Parents, however, are to be careful not to antagonize their children. Instead of pushing them towards anger or frustration, Christian parents should give their children loving, God-centered teaching and discipline.

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.

Accessed 11/21/2024 10:07:51 AM