1 - 9 How those in Authority and under Authority Should Relate
Children, obey your parents - since "that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth." In turn, fathers must not provoke children, but train and instruct children of the Lord. Slaves (employees included, I suppose) must be obedient "as to Christ." In turn, Masters (those in authority) must not bully those under them. (Even the masters have a Master in heaven).
10 - 20 Courage and Prayer
My notes: Paul describes the Christian in terms of the dress and equipment of Roman soldiers. He observes, however, that the Christian's readiness for combat is not directed against human beings but against the spiritual powers of evil Unique importance is placed upon prayer.
21 - 24 Postscript
If Ephesians is addressed to several Christian communities, it is understandable that no greetings to individual members of these communities should have been included in it.
1 comment:
Paul tells children to obey their parents because it is the first commandment with a promise; resulting in "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." He also tells fathers not to exasperate your children. Notes put it: Fathers ut surrender any right they may feel they have to act unreasonably toward their children.
Slaves (or employees today) should obey their masters (employers) with respect, fear, and sincerity just as you would obey Christ. Masters should behave the same way toward workers for God watches us all the time and knows the motives of our hearts. That's who we're really serving, slave and master alike.
THE ARMOR OF GOD
Paul tells us to put on our armor daily to defend ourselves against "the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms".
belt of truth
breastplate of righteousness
sandals of the gospel of peace
shield of faith (extinguish flaming arrows of Satan)
helmet of salvation
sword of the spirit (word of God)
18 Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Pray for all the saints (those believers in service for the Lord).
19-20 Paul requests prayer for himself which is good for us today:
"Pray for me that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel and that I may declare it fearlessly."
THE END
a very short book
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