January 20, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Ephesians Chapter 6
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 6 of the Letter to the Ephesians forms the concluding part of the Apostle Paul’s writing to the church in Ephesus. In this chapter, Paul provides practical instructions for living within family and society, and ultimately turns the focus to the spiritual battle of believers. He emphasizes the importance of obedience, respect, and responsibility in interpersonal relationships and introduces the powerful image of the “spiritual armor.” This armor is meant to equip Christians to withstand the temptations of evil. The chapter ends with personal greetings and a blessing, underscoring the unity of believers in Christ.
Commentary
Verses 1-4: Parents and Children
Paul begins with a call for family order. Children are instructed to obey their parents, which is not only morally right but also accompanied by a promise from God: a long and good life. At the same time, fathers (and thus all parents) are admonished not to provoke their children to anger but to raise them lovingly in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This highlights that Christian upbringing should be based on mutual respect and love.
Verses 5-9: Relationship between Slaves and Masters
Paul urges slaves to serve their masters sincerely, as if they were serving Christ Himself. He emphasizes that it is not about outward duty but about a heart that seeks God’s will. At the same time, masters are called to not abuse their power but to act justly, since they too are under God’s authority. This call emphasizes the dignity of every person and underscores the equality of all before God.
Verses 10-17: The Spiritual Armor
Paul introduces the well-known image of the “armor of God” to describe the spiritual battle of Christians against evil. Believers are to equip themselves with truth (belt), righteousness (breastplate), the gospel of peace (shoes), faith (shield), salvation (helmet), and the Word of God (sword of the Spirit). This imagery shows that Christians must be active and prepared to resist the attacks of the devil.
Verses 18-20: Exhortation to Prayer
Prayer is emphasized as an essential part of spiritual life. Paul urges believers to pray persistently — for themselves, for other Christians, and for him, so that he may boldly proclaim the gospel. This highlights the importance of spiritual fellowship and prayer as a source of strength.
Verses 21-24: Greetings and Blessings
In conclusion, Paul sends greetings through Tychicus, a faithful companion, and pronounces peace, love, and grace upon the believers. This shows his deep connection with the church and emphasizes the value of encouragement and fellowship among Christians.
Summary
Ephesians chapter 6 concludes the letter with practical instructions for Christian living. Paul emphasizes the importance of obedience and respect in family and societal relationships. A particularly notable part is the image of the “spiritual armor,” with which believers can stand firm against the powers of evil. Truth, righteousness, faith, peace, and the Word of God are essential components of this spiritual protection. Paul also encourages the church to engage in persistent prayer and ends the letter with blessings for peace, love, and grace. The chapter summarizes the central message: A life in Christ requires both spiritual preparation and active love for one’s neighbor.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 1—God’s Love for Man
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
The first chapter of the book The Way to Christ powerfully depicts God’s immeasurable love for humanity. It shows how this love is made visible through nature, revelation, and especially through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God is described as the source of life, joy, and truth, whose actions are always directed towards blessing and redeeming humanity. Even in a world marked by sin, His love remains visible, whether through the beauty of creation or through the redemptive work of Jesus, which clearly reveals God’s nature and His plan for salvation.
Commentary:
Chapter 1 offers a profound reflection on God’s love, which is evident throughout creation and in the redemption through Christ. A central theme is that God continues to love humanity despite their sin and strives to reconcile them with Himself. The depiction of nature as an expression of God’s care is particularly moving: every sunbeam, every flower petal, and every bird’s song is interpreted as a testimony to His immeasurable love. This reminds us that God’s care is not abstract, but tangible in every facet of life.
The chapter also addresses the dark reality of sin, which destroyed the world’s original state of perfection and freedom from suffering. Interestingly, the suffering that entered the world through sin is not portrayed as meaningless or arbitrary but as a tool that, within God’s salvation plan, serves an educational and restorative purpose. This perspective invites us to seek God’s intent even in difficult moments and to recognize that He does not abandon His children, even in suffering.
Another highlight of the chapter is the description of Jesus Christ as the perfect revelation of God’s love. Christ assumed human nature to show the world the true nature of God and to provide the way for human salvation. The chapter emphasizes that Jesus was not only a teacher or prophet but the living embodiment of divine love. His acts of healing, kindness to the weak, and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross demonstrate the depth of God’s compassion and selflessness.
At the same time, an important misconception is addressed: Jesus’ sacrifice was not meant to move God to love or forgive humanity, but it was the result of His pre-existing love for humanity. John 3:16 is highlighted here as a central theme: God gave His Son because He loved the world. This truth not only forms the foundation of the Christian faith but also serves as a call for readers to be transformed by this love.
The chapter is not only a theological discourse but also an invitation to personal reflection. It encourages readers to contemplate the depth and breadth of God’s love and to respond by turning to Him in trust and gratitude. Particularly striking is the depiction of how, through Christ, people can become “children of God” — a calling that carries both dignity and a special responsibility.
Overall, Chapter 1 serves as an encouraging and inspiring introduction, connecting the reader to the central message of the Christian faith: God’s love is infinite, it seeks us, and it desires to draw us to Himself, regardless of our faults and weaknesses. This love is the path to true joy, peace, and hope.
Summary:
Chapter 1 of The Way to Christ describes God’s immeasurable love for humanity, which is revealed through nature, revelation, and the life of Jesus Christ. Creation reflects God’s care, and even the suffering that came into the world through sin is understood as part of His salvation plan. Through Jesus’ life and sacrifice, God’s nature is made visible — a nature full of compassion, selflessness, and a will to redeem. Christ not only revealed God’s love but also made it possible, through His death on the cross, for people to become “children of God.” The chapter invites readers to reflect on this love and find in a personal relationship with God the hope, joy, and salvation He offers.
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