Ephesians 6 — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

Overview of Ephesians

- C. WALKING WORTHILY AS A UNIFIED CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION (4:1–6:20)
  - 1. God provides all necessary things for unity in Christ (4:1-16)
    - There is one spirit, hope, faith, baptism, and body under one Lord and one God and Father (4:1-6)
    - “Gifts in men” contribute to unity in faith and maturity of the congregation (4:7-16)
  - 2. Putting on the new personality promotes unity (4:17–5:20)
    - Do not walk as the nations walk (4:17-19)
    - New personality reflected in conduct of Christians who are made new in their dominant mental attitude (4:20-32)
    - Become imitators of God (5:1, 2)
    - Speech and conduct free from immorality and uncleanness (5:3-5)
    - Walk as children of light (5:6-14)
    - Keep perceiving what Jehovah’s will is, and keep getting filled with spirit (5:15-20)
  - 3. Proper subjection in personal relationships contributes to unity (5:21–6:9)
    - Husband-wife relationship like that of Christ and congregation (5:21-33)
    - Parent-child relationship (6:1-4)
    - Master-slave relationship (6:5-9)
  - 4. How Christians can be victorious against wicked superhuman forces (6:10-20)
    - “The complete suit of armor from God” needed to stand firm against the Devil’s crafty acts (6:10-13)
    - The different parts of the suit of armor explained (6:14-17)
    - Use all forms of prayer and supplication on every occasion (6:18-20)
- D. CONCLUDING REMARKS (6:21-24)
  - Paul sends Tychicus to Ephesus (6:21, 22)
  - Paul wishes the Ephesians peace and love from God (6:23, 24)

Ephesians 6:1

in union with the Lord: Although some manuscripts omit “in union with the Lord,” the longer reading has strong manuscript support.

+Pr 1:8; 6:20; Lu 2:51; Col 3:20

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
2/15/2007, pp. 23, 26
4/1/2001, p. 30
6/15/2000, p. 15
4/15/1993, p. 18
10/15/1992, p. 12

Awake!,
2/8/2005, p. 12

Teacher, p. 44

Knowledge, p. 136
Publications Index
w07 2/15 23, 26; g05 2/8 12; lr 44; w01 4/1 30; w00 6/15 15; kl 136; w93 4/15 18; w92 10/15 12;

w81 10/15 18-19; fl 108; g75 10/22 27; w73 318; w73 671; w72 164; te 32, 137-138; w70 148; g70 9/22 27; w65 31; w64 249, 415; g64 10/22 5; w63 123, 365, 445; w62 249, 464, 685, 740; w61 282, 365; w56 564; w54 60; w53 408; w46 278; w38 119; w36 373

Ephesians 6:2

Honor your father and your mother: By quoting the fifth of the Ten Commandments, Paul shows that honoring, or respecting, one’s parents was not only a requirement of the Mosaic Law but also an obligation for Christians. (Ex 20:12; De 5:16) This was the first command with a promise because it specifically promised well-being and a long life to those who obeyed.—Eph 6:3.

+Ex 20:12; De 5:16; Pr 20:20; 23:22; Mt 15:4

Ephesians 6:3

*
Or “That you may prosper.”

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
2/15/2007, pp. 23-24
4/1/2001, pp. 30-31

Teacher, p. 44
Publications Index
w07 2/15 23; lr 44; w01 4/1 30-31; yp 11-13, 16-17;

gh 49-50; g75 10/22 27; w74 265; w72 164; g70 9/22 27-28; w63 365

Ephesians 6:4

do not be irritating: The Greek verb for “to irritate” could literally be rendered “to provoke to wrath; to make angry.” It does not necessarily refer to the minor irritations a parent might unwittingly cause his child because of imperfection. One reference work states that this irritation could be caused by “the hasty, rough, moody treatment of children, so that . . . they are repelled and enticed to opposition, defiance and bitterness.”—Compare Col 3:21.

the discipline and admonition of Jehovah: Jehovah God is the ultimate authority on how to raise children. When Moses told the Israelites that they “must love Jehovah” with all their heart, soul, and strength, he also instructed them to inculcate Jehovah’s words in their children. (De 6:5-8) Jehovah is described as the one disciplining his servants.—De 11:2; Pr 3:11, 12; Heb 12:6; for the use of the divine name here, see App. C3 introduction; Eph 6:4.

discipline: The Greek word for “discipline” (pai·deiʹa) is related to a word for “child” (pais). Therefore, one aspect of the Biblical term “discipline” involves what is needed when bringing up children—instruction, education, correction and, at times, firm but loving chastisement. One lexicon defines this term as “the act of providing guidance for responsible living, upbringing, training, instruction.”

admonition: Or “instruction; guidance; training.” Lit., “putting mind in.” The Greek word used here (nou·the·siʹa) is a compound word composed of the word for “mind” (nous) and the word for “to put” (tiʹthe·mi). In this context, the word indicates that Christian fathers are to help their children to understand God’s thoughts on matters. They are, in effect, to put the mind of Jehovah God in their children.

+Col 3:21
+Pr 13:24
+Ge 18:19; De 6:6, 7; Pr 3:11; 19:18; 22:6

Research Guide

The Watchtower (Study),
7/2021, p. 21

Enjoy Life Forever!, lesson 50

The Watchtower,
9/15/2013, p. 3
7/15/2012, pp. 30-31
8/1/2011, pp. 6-7
5/1/2009, p. 12
11/1/2006, p. 6
7/1/2006, pp. 27-28
4/1/2005, pp. 15-16
1/1/2005, pp. 25-26
6/15/2004, p. 5
6/15/2000, pp. 20-21
7/1/1999, p. 12
6/1/1998, pp. 20-21
4/1/1998, pp. 17-18
12/1/1996, p. 11
10/15/1996, p. 22
10/1/1995, p. 14
7/15/1994, pp. 15-16
5/15/1993, pp. 18-19
10/15/1992, p. 15
10/1/1991, pp. 29-31
12/1/1989, pp. 18-19
10/1/1989, p. 28
9/1/1988, p. 30
8/1/1988, pp. 10-15
10/1/1987, p. 17

Awake!,
2/8/2005, pp. 12-13
11/8/2004, pp. 26-27
3/8/1997, p. 27
4/22/1991, p. 8
7/22/1987, p. 27

Book for All, p. 24

Live Forever, p. 245
Publications Index
w21.07 21; lff lesson 50; w13 9/15 3; w12 7/15 30-31; w11 8/1 6-7; w09 5/1 12; w06 7/1 27-28; w06 11/1 6; w05 1/1 25-26; w05 4/1 15-16; g05 2/8 12-13; w04 6/15 5; g04 11/8 26-27; w00 6/15 20-21; w99 7/1 12; w98 4/1 17-18; w98 6/1 20-21; ba 24; g97 3/8 27; w96 10/15 22; w96 12/1 11; w95 10/1 14; w94 7/15 15-16; w93 5/15 18-19; w92 10/15 15; w91 10/1 29-31; g91 4/22 8; w89 10/1 28; w89 12/1 19; pe 245; w88 8/1 10-15; w88 9/1 30; w87 10/1 17; g87 7/22 27;

w85 3/15 26; w81 7/15 10; tr 174; g81 4/8 11; w80 12/15 10; hp 94; km 10/80 2; w79 4/1 4; w79 6/1 15; yy 74; g76 7/22 9-10; w75 156; w74 82; g74 2/8 8; w73 561; w72 114-115, 164; w72 164; w72 259-260; w72 633-634; g72 9/22 27-28; w71 205; g69 6/8 6; w66 572; w65 206; w64 493; g64 3/22 28; g64 10/8 22; g64 10/22 6; w63 77, 383, 433, 492, 496, 662, 666, 708; ln 46; g63 5/8 4; g63 5/22 4; g63 6/22 7; g63 8/22 15; w62 80, 210, 249, 330, 458, 582; g62 3/8 6; g62 3/22 18; g62 4/8 19; w61 88, 152, 173, 323, 732; w60 687; w57 182; w54 55; w52 43, 50, 382; el 252; w46 280; w41 53; ci 258, 274; w38 120

Ephesians 6:5

your human masters: Paul here urges Christian slaves to be obedient to their “human [lit., “fleshly”] masters.” Christian slaves as well as their earthly masters needed to keep in mind that they had a higher Master in the heavens.—Eph 6:9.

Common Duties of a Slave

+1Ti 6:1; Tit 2:9, 10; 1Pe 2:18

Publications Index
w78 6/1 26-27; w72 598; g64 10/8 23; g64 10/22 6; w62 656, 685; w53 413; w44 206

Ephesians 6:6

not only when being watched, just to please men: Lit., “not with eye-service as men pleasers.” A slave who was also a Christian was not to try to make an impression by being obedient or working hard only when his master was present. Instead, he was to serve “whole-souled,” with fear of Jehovah.—Eph 6:5-8; Col 3:22-25.

whole-souled: The Greek expression rendered “whole-souled” occurs twice in the Christian Greek Scriptures, here and at Col 3:23. In this expression, “soul” refers to the entire person, including the physical and mental abilities; some Bibles thus render it “wholeheartedly.” Therefore, serving whole-souled means that a person serves with his whole being or his whole life, using all his faculties and strength to the fullest extent possible.—De 6:5; Mt 22:37; Mr 12:29, 30; see Glossary, “Soul.”

+Col 3:22
+Lu 10:27

Publications Index
w78 6/1 26-27; w74 536; w62 656; w59 266; w53 413

Ephesians 6:7

as to Jehovah and not to men: In this context, Paul encourages literal slaves who have become Christians to be obedient to their “human masters.” (Eph 6:5) They are to render service to them “as Christ’s slaves doing the will of God whole-souled.” (Eph 6:6) Paul emphasizes that they should remember their relationship with Jehovah God in whatever work they were doing. When they obeyed and honored their earthly masters, or owners, they would not bring reproach on “the name of God.” (1Ti 6:1) Paul gives very similar counsel to literal slaves in his letter to the Colossians, written about the same time as the letter to the Ephesians.—Col 3:22-24; see “Introduction to Ephesians”; for the use of the divine name in this verse, see App. C3 introduction; Eph 6:7.

+1Co 10:31

Publications Index
w78 6/1 26-27; w62 656; w53 413

Ephesians 6:8

he will receive this back from Jehovah: Throughout the Bible, Jehovah God is described as the one who rewards the good deeds of those faithfully serving him. Some examples are found at Ru 2:12; Ps 24:1-5; Jer 31:16. Jesus also describes his Father in that way.—Mt 6:4; Lu 6:35; for the use of the divine name in this verse, see App. C3 introduction; Eph 6:8.

a freeman: See Glossary, “Freeman; Freedman.”

+Col 3:23, 24

Publications Index
w62 656

Ephesians 6:9

*
Or “Lord.”

+Le 25:39, 43
+1Co 7:22; Col 4:1

Publications Index
w62 656

Ephesians 6:10

+1Co 16:13; Eph 3:16

Publications Index
or 185; w68 356; w62 308; w50 84; w41 346

Ephesians 6:11

complete suit of armor: This phrase translates the single Greek word pa·no·pliʹa that refers to the defensive and offensive military equipment used by foot soldiers in combat. Paul likely based his detailed illustration on the Roman soldier. (Eph 6:13-17) Paul could have seen Roman soldiers wearing such armor in various parts of the Empire but certainly in the Praetorian camp, where he was likely taken on his arrival in Rome. (Ac 27:1; 28:16) Christians need a spiritual kind of armor that comes only from God because they are engaged in a spiritual struggle rather than a physical one.—Eph 6:12; see Glossary, “Armor,” and Media Gallery, “Roman Soldier’s Suit of Armor.”

the crafty acts: Or “the schemes.” The Greek word here rendered “crafty acts” occurs only two times in the Christian Greek Scriptures, both in a negative sense. Here it describes the cunning tricks and tactics that Satan the Devil uses to ensnare Jehovah’s servants. At Eph 4:14, it is rendered “schemes.”

Roman Soldier’s Suit of Armor

+Ro 13:12
+2Co 11:14; Re 12:9

Ephesians 6:12

a struggle: The Greek word rendered “a struggle,” used only here in the Christian Greek Scriptures, originally referred to “a wrestling,” as in a sports contest. Here the word conveys the idea of a personal fight against wicked spirits. Because the context refers to the spiritual war of Christians and the figurative suit of armor, some suggest that Paul may have had two types of struggles in mind, that of a wrestler and that of a soldier. (Eph 6:11-18) Combining the images was natural, since ancient warfare could involve hand-to-hand combat and well-equipped soldiers were often skilled wrestlers. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul also combined a military image with an athletic one.—2Ti 2:3-5.

the world rulers of this darkness: Paul calls these “world rulers” the wicked spirit forces, that is, Satan and his demons. (See study note on Joh 12:31.) Their intention is to keep mankind in spiritual darkness, alienated from the light of Jehovah God. The Greek word ko·smo·kraʹtor, rendered “world rulers,” occurs only here in the Christian Greek Scriptures, though it is used in ancient Greek writings in reference to such mythological gods as Hermes.

in the heavenly places: Here this expression refers to the invisible spirit realm from which Satan, “the ruler of the authority of the air,” influences mankind.—Eph 2:2.

+2Ti 4:7
+2Pe 2:4
+Ro 8:38, 39

Research Guide

The Watchtower (Study),
5/2018, p. 27

Insight, Volume 1, pp. 172, 726, 733-734

Insight, Volume 2, pp. 826, 1018-1019, 1068, 1169, 1209-1210

Remain in God’s Love, p. 216

Teach Us, p. 112

Bible Teach, p. 104

“God’s Love,” pp. 59-60, 186

The Watchtower,
9/15/2013, p. 3
9/1/2011, p. 7
3/15/2007, pp. 27-28
9/15/2004, pp. 10-11
7/1/2002, p. 9

Worship God, pp. 70-78
Publications Index
w18.05 27; it-1 172, 726, 734; it-2 826, 1018-1019, 1068, 1169, 1209; lvs 216; bhs 112; bh 104; lv 59-60, 186; w13 9/15 3; w11 9/1 7; w07 3/15 27-28; w04 9/15 10-11; w02 7/1 9; wt 70-78;

w83 1/15 23; w83 8/15 25-26, 29; uw 62-69; w81 5/1 13-14; w80 11/1 23-24; w79 2/15 13; w79 9/1 5; w75 655; w74 560-561; g74 2/22 4; w73 511-512; tp73 54-55; g73 5/22 14-15; w72 653; w71 479-480; w71 511; ad 1542; g68 6/22 7; im 30, 378; w64 46; w63 186, 681; bf 570; g63 3/22 19; w62 677, 722; w61 433; w60 460; w57 294; w56 108, 133; w54 697; nh 107, 258; lg 64; w51 380; w49 21; na46 11; ow 20; wl 318; w41 346; w40 40; w39 325; w37 182; an 46; w33 39

Ephesians 6:13

*
Or “withstand; stand your ground.”

+2Co 6:4, 7

Ephesians 6:14

the belt of truth: Soldiers of ancient times prepared themselves for battle by fastening a belt around the waist. (Isa 8:9, ftn.) Therefore, “putting on the belt,” or “girding oneself,” was an idiom that meant “prepare for action.” (See study notes on Lu 12:35; 17:8.) Appropriately, then, this is the first part of the armor that Paul mentions in his list. The Roman soldier wore a wide belt of leather with metal plates attached to decorate and stiffen it. With his belt fastened tightly, the soldier was better able to stand firm in battle. He suspended an armored apron from the belt, so that his midsection was protected. Just as a belt can provide support and protection for the soldier, an unbreakable attachment to divine truths can strengthen a Christian to remain firm in the face of trials. The Roman soldier’s sword was usually suspended from his belt and attached by rings. (See study note on Eph 6:17.) Paul’s illustration suggests that Christians need to use the truths of God’s Word as a constant protection against spiritual attack. Christians who clearly understand those truths are protected from false teachings.—Eph 4:13, 14; 1Ti 2:3-7.

the breastplate of righteousness: Roman soldiers of the first century C.E. used a variety of body armors. One type of breastplate was made of overlapping iron strips attached to leather pieces by means of hooks, straps, and buckles. Such a breastplate offered protection for the vital organs, the heart in particular. In fact, Greek historian Polybius of the second century B.C.E. described this breastplate as “the heart-protector.” Paul saw that Christians have a need to protect their figurative heart. (Compare 1Th 5:8.) Just as that metal armor prevented arrows and swords from piercing the soldier’s heart, so love for God’s righteous principles and standards protects the Christian’s figurative heart. (Ps 119:97, 105; Pr 4:23) Because of sinful inclinations, an imperfect human is always in urgent need of such protection. (Jer 17:9) In the Hebrew Scriptures, Jehovah himself is described as wearing righteousness like armor.—Isa 59:15, 17.

Breastplate Armor

+Isa 11:5
+Pr 4:23; Isa 59:17

Ephesians 6:15

feet shod in readiness: “In readiness,” or “in preparedness,” could also be rendered “with the equipment.” A soldier prepared to march into battle by binding on the equipment for his feet. Paul uses this image to explain that a Christian needs to be ever prepared to share “the good news of peace.” (Isa 52:7; Ro 10:14, 15; 1Pe 3:15) First-century Roman soldiers typically wore sandallike boots made of three layers of leather fastened together. The soles were studded with metal nails. This durable footwear gave them an excellent foothold even on difficult terrain.

Christians Preach on a Street in Ephesus

+Isa 52:7; Ro 10:15

Research Guide

The Watchtower (Study),
3/2021, pp. 27-28

The Watchtower (Study),
5/2018, p. 29

Insight, Volume 1, pp. 172, 847

The Watchtower,
3/15/2007, p. 29
9/15/2004, pp. 16-17
5/15/1992, pp. 21-22

Worship God, p. 77
Publications Index
w21.03 27-28; w18.05 29; it-1 172, 847; w07 3/15 29; w04 9/15 16-17; wt 77; w92 5/15 21-22;

w84 10/15 17; uw 68; w79 9/1 5-6; w79 12/15 5-6; km 12/79 4; w66 743; w63 189; w56 367; w51 380; w43 157; rg 219; w39 236; w37 173

Ephesians 6:16

the large shield of faith: The Greek word for “large shield” that Paul here uses was derived from the word for “door.” A Roman soldier used a curved, rectangular shield that was large enough to cover his body from the shoulders to the knees. Such a shield was commonly made of a kind of plywood covered with leather. The edges were bound in metal, and a metal boss was in the center. The soldier used his shield to ward off blows and arrows of various kinds. Paul’s illustration shows that a Christian could meet a wide variety of challenges because he had strong faith, that is, a deep-seated confidence and trust in Jehovah and his promises.—Heb 11:1.

burning arrows: The Greek word for “arrows” might also be rendered “missiles; darts.” It was a common practice in ancient warfare to set arrows or other projectiles ablaze, sometimes using burning naphtha, before shooting them at the enemy. A Roman soldier may have used his shield to fend off such an attack. Paul’s illustration suggests that the faith of a Christian will enable him to ward off all the wicked one’s, or Satan’s, “burning arrows,” his spiritual attacks. Paul had seen Christians “overreached by Satan,” and he knew that Satan’s designs were many. (2Co 2:11) Satan’s figurative arrows include the temptation to commit immorality, the lure of materialism, and the emotional pressure caused by fear and doubt. (Ro 8:15; Col 3:5, 6) Strong faith in Jehovah can thwart every attack, extinguish every burning missile.—1Pe 5:8, 9.

Burning Arrows

+1Jo 5:4
+1Pe 5:8, 9

Ephesians 6:17

the helmet of salvation: A Roman soldier’s helmet protected his head, face, and neck. Paul uses the helmet to symbolize a Christian’s hope for salvation by God. (1Th 5:8) As a helmet protects the head, so the Christian’s hope of salvation protects his mind, his thinking faculties. Satan subtly promotes such poisonous influences as selfishness, hatred, and disloyalty. By focusing on the Christian hope—figuratively wearing hope like a helmet—the Christian rejects any negative influence on his thinking. (Mr 7:20-22; 2Co 4:4; Re 12:9) Satan also promotes direct persecution, but the hope of salvation helps a Christian maintain his joy even under dire circumstances. (Isa 12:2; Mt 5:11, 12) In the Hebrew Scriptures, Jehovah is said to wear salvation, or victory, as a figurative helmet. (Isa 59:17; ftn.) God keeps ever in mind his intent to save his people and to gain victory.—Jer 29:11.

the sword of the spirit: The sword, one of the most important weapons used by Roman soldiers, is the only offensive weapon mentioned in Paul’s illustration. (Eph 6:14-17) The Greek word translated “sword” in this verse could refer to a short weapon with at least one sharp edge. The sword used by Roman soldiers was double-edged and designed for close combat. It varied in length but was typically about 60 cm (24 in.) long, and the handle was often fitted with a knob at the end to help the soldier keep hold of his sword. (See Media Gallery, “Roman Sword.”) Many soldiers practiced daily with the sword to become adept at its use. Christians make similar use of “God’s word,” their main weapon for waging spiritual warfare. (2Ti 2:15) Paul was not suggesting that Christians use God’s word to harm others. (Compare 1Pe 3:15.) Rather, they tactfully use Scriptural truths to expose false teachings that mislead people and enslave them spiritually. (Joh 8:32; 17:17; 2Co 10:4, 5) Just as a soldier uses his sword defensively to parry, or block, an enemy’s blows, so Christians use God’s word to protect their minds and hearts against the deceptions of false teachers and against temptations to do wrong.—Mt 4:1-11; 2Ti 3:16.

Roman Helmets

+Isa 59:17; 1Th 5:8
+Heb 4:12

Research Guide

The Watchtower (Study),
3/2021, p. 29

The Watchtower (Study),
5/2018, pp. 30-31

Insight, Volume 1, pp. 171-172

Insight, Volume 2, p. 1022

The Watchtower,
2/15/2010, p. 21
3/15/2007, p. 30
9/15/2004, pp. 19-20
12/1/2002, pp. 22-23
4/15/1999, p. 21
1/1/1996, p. 31
5/15/1992, pp. 22-23
9/1/1988, pp. 17-18

Worship God, p. 78
Publications Index
w21.03 29; w18.05 30-31; it-1 171-172; it-2 1022; w10 2/15 21; w07 3/15 30; w04 9/15 19-20; w02 12/1 22-23; wt 78; w99 4/15 21; w96 1/1 31; w92 5/15 22-23; w88 9/1 17-18;

w84 10/15 18; w83 1/15 25; uw 69; w79 9/1 5-7; km 12/79 1, 4; ad 126, 129-130; w66 492, 743; li 292; w63 189; w62 407; w61 191, 687, 719; w56 368; w54 507, 701; w51 380; w43 156, 158; w41 347; w40 291-292; rg 219; w39 236; w37 174

Ephesians 6:18

every form of prayer: Paul adds an essential element to “the complete suit of armor” that he has been discussing. (Eph 6:11, 14-17) The Greek word for “prayer” is a general term for any worshipful address to God, and the expression rendered “every form of” suggests different forms of prayers, such as prayers of thanksgiving, of praise, or of repentance. Supplication is an intense, earnest request or plea addressed to God. (See study note on Ac 4:31.) The various forms of prayer and supplication may be employed according to need and circumstance.

on every occasion: Some occasions for prayer might be public; others are private and personal. They might include regular occasions, such as at mealtimes, and occasions when the need arises for spontaneous prayer. Such regular prayer strengthens the bond between Jehovah and his worshippers.

+Col 4:2
+Mt 26:41; Ro 12:12; Jude 20

Research Guide

Teach Us, p. 113

Bible Teach, pp. 104-105

The Watchtower,
11/15/2013, pp. 3-4
9/15/2004, p. 20
4/15/1999, pp. 21-22
5/15/1992, p. 23
9/1/1988, p. 18

Awake!,
7/22/2000, p. 8
Publications Index
bhs 113; bh 104-105; w13 11/15 3-4; w04 9/15 20; g00 7/22 8; w99 4/15 21-22; w92 5/15 23; w88 9/1 18;

w84 10/15 20; w80 6/1 21-22, 24-26; w79 9/1 7; w76 469; w76 548; g75 1/22 27; w66 744; g66 12/22 27; w65 752; w63 114, 189; w56 368; w54 701; w51 380; w41 347; w37 174

Ephesians 6:19

+Ac 4:29; Col 4:3

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
5/15/2006, p. 14
Publications Index
w06 5/15 14;

w63 189; w54 701

Ephesians 6:20

I am acting as an ambassador in chains: Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesians when he was imprisoned in Rome, which explains why he called himself “an ambassador in chains.” (Eph 3:1; 4:1) In Biblical usage, an ambassador is an official representative dispatched by a ruler on a special occasion for a specific purpose. As one of God’s spirit-anointed ambassadors, Paul bore a message to the people of his day about being reconciled to God through Christ.—See the study notes on 2Co 5:20.

I may speak . . . with boldness: Or “I may speak . . . with freeness of speech.” Paul was a prisoner in Rome, and here he asks his fellow believers to pray for him so that he “may speak . . . with boldness [a form of the Greek verb par·re·si·aʹzo·mai].” (Eph 6:19) The account in Acts reveals that while imprisoned, Paul continued preaching the Kingdom of God “with the greatest freeness of speech [a form of the related Greek noun par·re·siʹa], without hindrance,” indicating that the prayers made in his behalf had been answered. (Ac 28:30, 31) Boldness was an identifying mark of the preaching done by the early Christians.—Ac 4:13, 29; see study note on Ac 28:31.

Paul’s Prison Bonds While He Was Under House Arrest

+2Co 5:20
+Eph 3:1

Research Guide

Insight, Volume 1, pp. 88-89
Publications Index
it-1 88-89;

w76 750; ad 63; li 307

Ephesians 6:21

+Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:12; Tit 3:12
+Col 4:7, 8

Publications Index
w81 3/15 26

Ephesians 6:22

Publications Index
w61 306

Ephesians 6:23

Publications Index
g65 3/8 7

Overview of Ephesians

Ephesians 6:1

Marginal References

Indexes

Ephesians 6:2

Marginal References

Indexes

Ephesians 6:3

Footnotes

Indexes

Ephesians 6:4

Marginal References

Indexes

Ephesians 6:5

Media

Marginal References

Indexes

Ephesians 6:6

Marginal References

Indexes

Ephesians 6:7

Marginal References

Indexes

Ephesians 6:8

Marginal References

Indexes

Ephesians 6:9

Footnotes

Marginal References

Indexes

Ephesians 6:10

Marginal References

Indexes

Ephesians 6:11

Media

Marginal References

Indexes

Ephesians 6:12

Marginal References

Indexes

Ephesians 6:13

Footnotes

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Indexes

Ephesians 6:14

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Marginal References

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Ephesians 6:15

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Marginal References

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Ephesians 6:16

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Ephesians 6:17

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Ephesians 6:18

Marginal References

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Ephesians 6:19

Marginal References

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Ephesians 6:20

Media

Marginal References

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Ephesians 6:21

Marginal References

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Ephesians 6:22

Indexes

Ephesians 6:23

Indexes

Parallel Translations

Quotation

General