Fathers

Ephesians 6

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Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ, not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same good again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free. You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him. Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace, above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state and that he may comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

Ephesians 6:10

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Finally," saith he, "be strong in the Lord." Whenever the discourse is about to conclude, he always employs this turn. Said I not well from the first, that every man's house is a camp in itself? For look, having disposed of the several offices, he proceeds to arm them, and to lead them out to war. If no one usurps the other's office, but every one remains at his post, all will be well ordered. "Be strong," saith he, "in the Lord, and in the strength of His might." That is, in the hope which we have in Him, by means of His aid. …

Homily on Ephesians 22 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

The household of each person is like an army: therefore, having already put all forces in order, he leads them out to war. For if each individual does not violate his own order, then military affairs will also be in good condition. And since he has already put in order much that seemed disordered, do not be afraid, he says, but be bold in the strength of the Lord. For He does not simply have strength, but "the power of strength," that is, He has strength ineffable and all-surpassing.

Commentary on Ephesians ↗

Fabian of Rome

"Finally, dearly beloved, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places (cœlestibus). Wherefore take unto you the armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and to stand perfect in all (omnibus perfecti). …

Decretals, Epistles of Pope Fabian, To Bishop Hilary, V ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

The Apostle has previously written down many general and particular instructions aimed at destroying the old man of sin and encouraging the newness of grace (1:1 & 4:17). Now he speaks of the power by which we must carry out these precepts, for we must trust in divine assistance. The inner reality we should have confidence in is the divine help, thus he states Finally, brethren, be strengthened. "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and the Lord shall be his confidence" (Jer. 17:7). …

Commentary on Ephesians ↗