6:1 Children, listen to your parents because of the Master; it’s the right thing to do.

6:2 “Honor your father and mother” is the first precept with a promise:

6:3 that it may go well with you and you live long on the earth.

6:4 And fathers, do not exasperate your children! Instead, nurture them in the training and counsel of the Master.

6:5 Slaves, listen to your earthly masters with sincere concern and an open heart, as you would to the Anointed.

6:6 Don’t merely put on a show like sycophants, but as slaves of the Anointed, do God’s will from your soul.

6:7 Slave out of goodwill, as you would to the Master and not just to people.

6:8 Understand that if anyone does good they will be repaid for it from the Master, whether slave or free.

6:9 And masters, the same goes for you! Tone down the threats; keep in mind that the Master of both of you is in heaven, and he shows no partiality.

6:10 As for the rest of you, be empowered by the Master and his strong rule.

6:11 Put on the complete armor of God to enable you to stand against the strategies of the Slanderer.

6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, the demonic powers of darkness, the evil celestial spiritual forces.

6:13 Because of that, take up the complete armor of God so you are able to stand firm in the day of evil, to stand after having overpowered them. So stand firm:

6:14 wearing a belt around your waist by means of truth, putting on the torso armor of justice,

6:15 wearing the shoes of readiness to spread the Gospel of peace,

6:16 and taking up in front of them all the full-sized shield of the faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming projectiles of the evil one.

6:17 Having done all of that, accept the helmet of salvation and the sword of that spirit which is the declaration of God.

6:18 In your prayers, pray all the time in spirit, and be vigilant to persevere. Pray for all the holy ones,

6:19 and me too, that the word may be granted to me to speak boldly. Then I can make the secret known, the hidden Gospel

6:20 for which I am an envoy in chains. Pray that I will be bold as I must.

6:21 So that you also may be familiar with my habits, I am sending Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful attendant of the Master.

6:22 He will inform you of our concerns and soothe your hearts.

6:23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and Master Jesus the Anointed.

6:24 May undiluted favor be with all the loved ones of our Master Jesus the Anointed.