Children, Fathers and Masters
Children, parents, slaves and masters each get a word, with masters reminded they have a Master too. Then our Father's armor: truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, the word — because the real opponents are not the people in front of you. Paul asks prayer for his own boldness.
6 1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2"Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."
4Fathers, don't provoke your children to anger; raise them in the Lord's discipline and instruction.
5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as you would Christ. 6Not only to please people while watched, but as Christ's slaves doing our Father's will from the heart, 7serving with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to people, 8knowing each will receive back from the Lord whatever good he does, slave or free.
9Masters, treat them the same—stop threatening—knowing your Master and theirs is in heaven, showing no favoritism.
The Father's Full Armor
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11Put on our Father's full armor, so you can stand against the devil's schemes. a a v11 The armor described here is not the soldier's own — it is our Father's own armor, given to his children for the day of battle. 12Our fight isn't against flesh and blood, but against the rulers and authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, and against evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realms. 13Put on our Father's full armor, then, so you can withstand in the evil day, and stand firm once you've done everything. 14So stand, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In every situation, take up the shield of faith, able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—the word of our Father. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every prayer and request. Stay alert to this with all perseverance, interceding for all the saints, 19and for me—that words be given when I open my mouth, to boldly make known the gospel's mystery, 20for which I'm an ambassador in chains, to speak it boldly as I ought to speak.
Final Greetings
21So you too may know my situation and what I'm doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and trustworthy servant in the Lord, will tell you everything. 22I sent him to you for this reason: so you'll know how we are, and he may encourage your hearts.
23Peace and faith-filled love to the brothers and sisters, from our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love.
