Ephesians 6:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),

NIV: Honor your father and mother'--which is the first commandment with a promise--

NASB: HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),

CSB: Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise,

NLT: Honor your father and mother.' This is the first commandment with a promise:

KJV: Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

NKJV: “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:

Paul again refers to the Torah, which is the first five books of the Old Testament. The commandment is originally found in Exodus 20:12, which states "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you."

Paul notes that, of the Ten Commandments, this instruction is the first which comes with an explicit consequence. The promise is that of a blessed, long life. Specifically, this is a promise to Israel. But, in a generic sense, this is a common sense truth which applies to everyone. Children who grow into disrespect and disobedience towards their parents usually have a much harder life. Learning to respect legitimate authority is key to personal success.

At the same time, Paul's instructions here will point out that parents have a responsibility to encourage obedience in their children, rather than frustrate them. Verse 4 will remind fathers that they need to raise their children with "discipline and instruction," but should be careful not to frustrate them by being petty or unfair.

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 5/8/2024 6:44:59 PM