Meaning of Ephesians 6:1

This verse, Ephesians 6:1, establishes a foundational principle for familial relationships within the Christian faith: the imperative for children to obey their parents. The phrase "in the Lord" is crucial, indicating that this obedience is not absolute or blind but is to be exercised within the framework of God's will and commands. It signifies that parental authority is itself derived from and subordinate to divine authority. Therefore, children are to obey their parents as a reflection of their obedience to Christ, and this obedience is deemed "right" or fitting, aligning with God's established order and moral rectitude.

Context and Background

Ephesians 6:1-3 is part of a larger section in Paul's letter to the Ephesians (chapters 4-6) that deals with practical Christian living and the implications of the gospel for various relationships: husbands and wives, parents and children, and masters and slaves. Within the Greco-Roman culture of the 1st century, children were generally expected to obey their parents, and this obedience often extended well into adulthood, especially concerning marriage and property. However, Paul's instruction is not merely a cultural accommodation but a theological imperative rooted in Christian discipleship. The preceding chapter (Ephesians 5) emphasizes mutual submission and love within marriage, setting a tone of godly conduct in all spheres of life.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes are obedience, authority, and righteousness. The obedience commanded is not merely external compliance but an internalized respect and willingness to follow parental guidance. The authority of parents is recognized as divinely sanctioned, mirroring God's authority over believers. The justification for this obedience, "for this is right," points to the inherent moral goodness and appropriateness of such a relationship in God's design. This instruction is given to children, implying a responsibility that is active and ongoing as they grow.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, obeying parents "in the Lord" is an exercise in faith and submission to God's order. It teaches children to honor the structures God has put in place for their well-being and development. This obedience is a training ground for submitting to spiritual authorities and ultimately to God Himself. For parents, this verse implies a responsibility to lead their children in a way that is consistent with God's commands, so that their children's obedience is genuinely "in the Lord." The application involves fostering a respectful relationship characterized by communication, love, and a shared commitment to godly principles.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This instruction resonates throughout Scripture. The Old Testament law includes the commandment to "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16), which is one of the Ten Commandments and carries a promise of blessing. Jesus Himself upheld the importance of honoring parents, though He also cautioned that loyalty to God could, in specific, rare instances, take precedence over familial obligations when those obligations conflicted with God's clear commands (Matthew 15:3-6). The principle of honoring and obeying divinely appointed authorities, including parents, is a recurring theme in God's covenantal relationship with His people.

Analogies

One analogy for children obeying their parents "in the Lord" is that of a young sailor learning to navigate by the stars. The experienced captain (parent) guides the ship (child's life) using established charts and celestial bodies (God's Word and will). The sailor's obedience to the captain's commands, especially when they align with the principles of navigation, ensures a safe and purposeful journey. Another analogy is that of a student following the instructions of a teacher in a laboratory. The teacher provides the guidelines for a safe and effective experiment (life), and the student's adherence to these instructions leads to a successful outcome and learning, rather than harm.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 20:12 / Deuteronomy 5:16: "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." This foundational commandment directly supports and expands upon the instruction in Ephesians 6:1, emphasizing the importance and blessing associated with respecting parental authority.
• Colossians 3:20: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." This verse is nearly identical in its message and emphasis, reinforcing the Pauline teaching on this subject.
• Matthew 15:4: "For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must put to death.’" Jesus quotes the Old Testament commandment, highlighting its divine origin and seriousness.
• Hebrews 12:9: "Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?" This verse draws a parallel between earthly fathers and God as the Father of spirits, suggesting that our respect for earthly authorities should be a precursor to our submission to God.