1Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord,6:1 Or Children, obey your parents who belong to the Lord; some manuscripts read simply Children, obey your parents. for this is the right thing to do.

2“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise:

3If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”6:2-3 Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16.

5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ.

6Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.

7Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

8Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

12For we6:12 Some manuscripts read you. are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

21To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work.

22I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.