RSV ~ Ephesians 6 Notes

Eph 6:2 | ISB Notes

Honor your father and mother: A citation from Deut 5:16.

• This is the fourth commandment of the Decalogue and the first of the ten directed toward loving our neighbor (CCC 2214-18). It comes with a blessing of happiness and longevity (Eph 6:3) for those who obey their parents and care for them in old age (Sir 3:1-16). Rebellion against parental authority was commonplace among the pagans (Rom 1:30) and a capital offense in ancient Israel (Ex 21:17; Deut 21:18-21).

Eph 6:4 | ISB Notes

Fathers, do not provoke: A warning not to discourage children by unreasonable discipline or restraint (Col 3:21). Parents must instead take responsibility for the moral (discipline) and intellectual formation (instruction) of their children in accordance with the gospel. Just as parents provide their children’s bodies with food, clothing, and shelter, so they must nourish their children’s souls with loving correction and Christian truth (Deut 6:6-7; Prov 13:24; Heb 12:7-11) (CCC 2221-30).

Eph 6:5 | ISB Notes

Slaves, be obedient: Slavery was widely accepted in the ancient world and was often cruel and inhumane. For this reason, Paul stresses the equal dignity of slaves and their masters before God (6:8) and seeks to improve the relationship between them (6:9). Slaves are summoned to serve their masters willingly and honestly, while masters are called to respect their servants and refrain from harsh treatment. Although Paul does not challenge the institution of slavery directly, the principles of his gospel work indirectly against it (Gal 3:28; Philem 16). See note on 1 Cor 7:21.

Eph 6:10-17 | ISB Notes

Paul warns readers of the spiritual warfare that rages unseen in the Church. For Christ’s kingdom does not spread free of opposition or enemies; rather, it is daily attacked by malevolent spirits under the command of Satan. Our first defense is the armor of God, i.e., the graces given to protect us in times of temptation. Our weaponry is both offensive (sword) and defensive (breastplate, shield, helmet, protective footwear), enabling us to ward off the powers of darkness and to guard ourselves from exposure to their tactics (2 Cor 6:7; 10:3-5; 1 Thess 5:8). Although the devil and his demons were defeated by Christ on the Cross (Col 2:15), they remain dangerous until he comes again to destroy them (1 Cor 15:24-25; Rev 20:10).

• Paul alludes to Wis 5:17-20 and Is 59:17. Both passages depict Yahweh as a warrior suiting up for battle against the ungodly. The Church joins him in this holy war as believers are enlisted among his troops and equipped with his divine armory. This OT background suggests that Paul’s imagery is more closely linked with Yahweh’s spiritual armor than with the military gear of a Roman soldier.

• To put on the armor of God is to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Called truth and righteousness, our Savior is our belt and our breastplate. Called the living Word of God, he is the sword who is sharp on both sides (St. Jerome, Commentary on Ephesians 3, 6).

Eph 6:12 | ISB Notes

flesh and blood: A Semitic idiom for what is merely human (Mt 16:17; 1 Cor 15:50). principalities … powers . . .rulers: Ranks of demonic spirits opposed to the Church. See note on Eph 1:21.

Eph 6:15 | ISB Notes

your feet … gospel of peace: An allusion to Is 52:7.

• Isaiah envisions Yahweh reigning on Mt. Zion after crushing his enemies and redeeming his people. News of his victory travels on foot as messengers bring “good tidings” of “peace” and “salvation” (Is 52:7) to the ends of the earth. Paul sees this prophecy unfolding in the lives of believers as they carry the gospel to the world. It is assumed that the steady advance of God’s kingdom means the steady retreat of all opposing forces.

Eph 6:18 | ISB Notes

Pray at all times: A command closely linked with Paul’s preceding instruction on spiritual warfare (CCC 2633, 2742). It indicates that our perseverance in prayer must match the relentless persistence of the devil (Lk 18:1; 1 Thess 5:17). We can expect no truce between God’s family and God’s enemies before the Day of Judgment (2 Pet 2:4).

Eph 6:20 | ISB Notes

ambassador in chains: Paul is likely writing as a prisoner under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16), where he was given freedom to preach to the crowds who came to him (Acts 28:23-31). This would explain why he asks readers to pray on his behalf for the grace of evangelical boldness (Eph 6:19).

Eph 6:21 | ISB Notes

Tychicus: The courier Paul assigned to deliver this letter and also Colossians (Col 4:7-8). If he is the same person from “Asia” mentioned in Acts 20:4, he would already be familiar with the cities of Ephesus and Colossae in Asia Minor (southwest Turkey).