[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor
your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), [3]
"that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth." [4]
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the
discipline and instruction of the Lord. [5] Slaves, be obedient to those
who are your earthly masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of
heart, as to Christ; [6] not in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers,
but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, [7]
rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to men, [8]
knowing that whatever good any one does, he will receive the same again
from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. [9] Masters, do the same to
them, and forbear threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and
yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. [10] Finally,
be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the
whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil. [12] For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against
the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this
present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly
places. [13] Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand
therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the
breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having shod your feet with the
equipment of the gospel of peace; [16] besides all these, taking the shield
of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which
is the word of God. [18] Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer
and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making
supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that utterance may
be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the
gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it
boldly, as I ought to speak. [21] Now that you also may know how I am and
what I am doing, Tych'icus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the
Lord will tell you everything. [22] I have sent him to you for this very
purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage 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 who love our Lord
Jesus Christ with love undying.
