Ephesians – Chapter 6

New Testament24 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is just." — so begins Ephesians 6. Across its 24 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and prayer. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is just.

2Honour thy father and thy mother, which is the first commandment with a promise:

3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest be long lived upon earth.

4And you, fathers, provoke not your children to anger: but bring them up in the discipline and correction of the Lord.

5Servants, be obedient to them that are your lords according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the simplicity of your heart, as to Christ.

6Not serving to the eye, as it were pleasing men: but, as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

7With a good will serving, as to the Lord, and not to men.

8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man shall do, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

9And you, masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatenings: knowing that the Lord both of them and you is in heaven. And there is no respect of persons with him.

10Finally, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord and in the might of his power.

11Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil.

12For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.

13Therefore, take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day and to stand in all things perfect.

14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of justice:

15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

16In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.

17And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).

18By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit: and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints:

19And for me, that speech may be given me, that I may open my mouth with confidence, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20For which I am an ambassador in a chain: so that therein I may be bold to speak according as I ought.

21But that you also may know the things that concern me and what I am doing, Tychicus, my dearest brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you all things:

22Whom I have sent to you for this same purpose: that you may know the things concerning us, and that he may comfort your hearts.

23Peace be to the brethren and charity with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption. Amen.

Important Verses in Ephesians 6

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is just.

Ephesians 6:1

And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).

Ephesians 6:17

But that you also may know the things that concern me and what I am doing, Tychicus, my dearest brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you all things:

Ephesians 6:21

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption. Amen.

Ephesians 6:24

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, Ephesians was written with the churches of Asia Minor, lifted to see God's cosmic plan in Christ in view. Chapter 6 of 6 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 24 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is just." The chapter ends with: "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption. Amen. " In terms of historical background, A majestic meditation on God's eternal plan 'to unite all things in Christ. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 60-62, from Roman captivity.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison

When It Was Written

About AD 60-62, from Roman captivity

Catholic Commentary

The apostolic author instructs the Church on doctrine, morality, and community life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is just." The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of the Church as Christ's body and bride. Ephesians grounds Catholic ecclesiology (CIC 772-776). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1604).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Ephesians 6 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

Reflection for Today

Ephesians Chapter 6 belongs to the New Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. Ephesians grounds Catholic ecclesiology (CIC 772-776). Here the believer is invited to ponder the beatitudes as a program of life.

May your reading of Ephesians Chapter 6 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ephesians Chapter 6 about?

Ephesians 6 contains 24 verses. It opens with "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is just." and closes with "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption. Amen. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Ephesians 6?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is just." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Ephesians and when?

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison. About AD 60-62, from Roman captivity.

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