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 6:13

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Wherefore," saith he, "take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand." By "evil day" he means the present life, and calls it too "this present evil world", from the evils which are done in it. It is as much as to say, Always be armed. And again, "having done all," saith he; that is, both passions, and vile lusts, and all things else that trouble us. …

Homily on Ephesians 22 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

That is, in the present age, because he calls it an evil day from the evil deeds committed in it. He also encourages by pointing out that the time of struggle is brief. For, by calling it a day, he indicates its brevity. Having overcome all passions and shameful desires, that is, having conquered and put them to death. And since many have fallen even after victory, he says: "to stand." Even after victory, firmness is needed, so that the one defeated does not rise up in war again. …

Commentary on Ephesians ↗

Tatian the Assyrian

But now this they can by no means effect, for they have not the power; but they make war by means of the lower matter against the matter that is like themselves. Should any one wish to conquer them, let him repudiate matter. Being armed with the breastplate of the celestial Spirit, he will be able to preserve all that is encompassed by it.

Address of Tatian to the Greeks, Chapter XVI ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

The "evil day" may arguably signify the present time.… But the better interpretation is that "to stand in the evil day" is a reference to the final consummation and judgment. Then the devil, our enemy and our adversary, will struggle to keep us in his clutches. Who will be freed from him? …

Commentary on Ephesians 6:13 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

The Apostle explained the devil's snares previously (6:12), and here he advises us to take up arms. Thus he says: You have evil enemies who are powerful and most wicked, and the struggle is for an exacting object since it is for heaven. Therefore, take unto you the armour of God, that is, be armed with spiritual weapons. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to God unto the pulling down of fortifications, destroying counsels" (2 Cor. 10:4). And this that you may be able to resist. …

Commentary on Ephesians ↗