Ephesians 6:10-20

This section:

• Ends the section began at 4:1 which concerns living the Christian life. The theme continues through out that section (chapters 4-6) and it includes this part
• Ends the book. More than being the end of chapters 4-6, these verses also connect the whole of the book. The “spiritual” (ch. 1-3) and the “application” (ch. 4-6) are combined in this portion.
• Final conclusion. These verses (6:10-20) can stand alone as the ultimate point of the book. Everything has been building up to this. These verses are more than just another section of the book, or, as some have described them, an extra thought or addition.

This section is the ultimate application of the truth presented in chapters 1-3 and the expectations of the Christian described in 4-6.

Concerning chapters 4-6:

• 6:10-20 describes the Christian walk and responsibility from a cosmic perspective.
• The moral issues are not simply legalistic requirements or social preferences but are part of a broader struggle between good and evil that goes back into eternity past.

The armor of God is the armor of Yahweh and his Messiah from Isaiah:

• Isaiah 11:4-5
• Isaiah 59:17
• Isaiah 49:2
• Isaiah 52:7
• Paul had previously written about this armor earlier in First Thessalonians 5:8

This armor that was worn by Yahweh and his Messiah has now been provided to his people who also find themselves engaged in this cosmic battle (if they know it or not; if they want to engage or not).

Concerning chapters 4-6

• 4:1 begins with “live a life worthy”. The verb “peripateo” (which is translated “walk” or “live”) has been used five times:
• Ephesians 4:1
• Ephesians 4:17
• Ephesians 5:2
• Ephesians 5:8
• Ephesians 5:15 (which included living wisely with family)

Concerning the Connections to chapters 1-6

Paul is not introducing new concepts in 6:10-20, but instead is building on them and making application with them here. These are the concepts have appeared through out the book:

1) The imperative in 6:10 "be strong in the Lord"

· 1:19-20 - power of resurrection

· 3:16 - strengthening through the Spirit

· 3:20 - praise that God's power is at work among them

· 1:21 - Christ has already triumphed over the powers

· 3:10 - (same)

2) The disobedient are still a problem

• 2:2
• 4:27
• 1:21
• 3:10
• 5:16

3) Heavenly Realm

• 3:10

4) Truth

• 1:13
• 4:15, 21, 24, 25
• 5:9

5) Righteousness

• 4:24
• 5:9

6) Peace

• 1:2
• 2:14-18
• 4:3

7) The gospel

• 1:13
• 3:6
• 2:17
• 3:8

8) Word of God

• 1:13
• 5:26

9) Salvation

• 1:13
• 2:5, 8
• 5:23

10) Faith

· 1:1, 13, 15, 19

· 2:8

· 3:12, 17

· 4:5, 13

11) Prayer

• 1:16

12) Mystery

• 1:9
• 3:3, 4, 9
• 5:32

13) Boldness

• 3:12

14) Imprisonment

• 3:1
• 4:1