1Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right.
2“Honor your father and mother” (Ex.20:12, Deut.5:16). This is the first commandment with promise:
3That it may go well with you, and you may live long on the earth.
4And, you fathers, do not exasperate your children, or provoke them to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
5Servants (slaves), be obedient to those that are your earthly masters, with respect, fear and sincerity of your heart, as you would obey Christ;
6Not with eye-service, (just when they are watching you), but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
7With enthusiastic service, as if you were serving the Lord, and not people,
8Because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether slave (bond) or free.
9And, you masters, treat your slaves (servants) the same way, not with threats; knowing that your Master - and theirs - is in heaven; nor is there respect of persons (favoritism) with Him.
10Finally, my brothers and sisters, be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power.
11Put on the entire armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world - against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand firm, and having done everything, to stand firm.
14Stand, therefore, with your belt of truth around your waste, and with the breastplate of righteousness,
15And with your feet shod with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16Above all, take up the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to ward off and quench all the fiery darts of the devil.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18Praying always in the Spirit with your requests and supplications, remaining alert with all perseverance and with pleas for all saints;
19And for me, that whenever I speak, the proper words may be given to me, so that I may open my mouth boldly, and plainly explain the mystery of the gospel,
20For which I am an ambassador in bonds (chains); that I may speak without fear, as I ought to speak.
21But to also let you know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall update you in all those matters.
22I am sending him to you for that purpose, that you might know our affairs, and that he might be an encouragement to you.
23Peace be with all the brothers and sisters of the faith, and love from God, the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
24Grace be with all those that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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