Ephesians 6
—Simply Bible Readings

Master of the House

(Ephesians 6:1-9

¶“ 1Children, obey your parents in the Lord. This is the right thing to do. 2'Honour your father and mother' is the first commandment with a promise 3—'that things may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.'

¶“ 4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger. Instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4).

¶“ 5Slaves obey the masters of your flesh with fear and trembling. Serve them with a sincere heart, as you would Christ. 6Don't serve well only when the master is watching. Don't be people-pleasers. Be slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 7Serve with good will as to the Lord and not to man. 8Know that whatever good you do, this you will receive back from the Lord, whether you are slave or free.

¶“ 9Masters, do the same to your slaves, and stop your threatening. Know that they and you have one Master in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.” (Ephesians 6:5-9).

The Armour of God

(Ephesians 6:10-24)

¶“10Finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty strength. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against rulers, against powers, against the world forces of this present darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:10-12).

¶“13Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day —to stand firm having done all. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15As shoes for your feet, prepare yourselves with the gospel of peace“ (Ephesians 6:13-15).

¶“> 16That's not all: take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:16-17).

¶“ 18Pray and plead about everything. Pray in all seasons. Pray in the Spirit. To do that, keep watch with all your perseverance. Plead for all the holy people, 19 including me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel. 20 I am an ambassador in chains for the gospel. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as it behoves me to speak“ (Ephesians 6:18-20).

¶“ 21I will keep you informed about my welfare and work. Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. 23Peace be to the brethren, and love, with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” (Ephesians 6:20-24).