Ephesians

Children and Parents

6 Children, obey  your parents as you would the Lord, A because this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment B with a promise, 3 so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. C ,  4 Fathers, don’t stir up anger  in your children, but bring them up in the training  and instruction of the Lord.

Slaves and Masters

5 Slaves, obey your human D masters  with fear and trembling,  in the sincerity  of your heart, as to Christ. 6 Don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will  from your heart. E 7 Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men,  8 knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. 9 And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening  them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism  with Him. 

Christian Warfare

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.  11 Put on  the full armor  of God so that you can stand against the tactics F of the Devil. 12 For our battle is not against flesh  and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,  against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil  in the heavens.  13 This is why you must take up the full armor  of God, so that you may be able to resist  in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand,  therefore,

with truth  like a belt around your waist, righteousness  like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readinessfor the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take the shield  of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguishall the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet  of salvation, and the sword  of the Spirit, which is God’s word.

18 Pray  at all times in the Spirit  with every prayer and request, and stay alert  in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness  the mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador  in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.

Paul’s Farewell

21 Tychicus,  our dearly loved brother and faithful servant G in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed. 22 I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage  your hearts. 

23 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father  and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.