6 1 Children, 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."
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as you would Christ, 6 not only when they are watching, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of our Father from the heart, 7 serving with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to people, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive it back from the Lord, whether slave or free.
9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and he shows no favoritism.
The Father's Full Armor
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of our Father, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. b b v12 Paul reminds believers that their ultimate struggle is not against people, but against spiritual evil. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of our Father, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of our Father, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with every kind of prayer and request. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, praying for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that when I open my mouth, words may be given to me to boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Final Greetings
21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23 Peace be with the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love.