How does Ephesians 6:1-3 expand on Exodus 20:12's commandment? Laying the Old Testament Foundation “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12) Paul’s Inspired Commentary “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3) How Ephesians 6:1-3 Expands the Commandment • Direct address to children – Paul speaks straight to boys and girls, showing they are moral agents expected to respond to God’s Word (cf. Colossians 3:20). • Adds the word “obey” – Honor is inward respect; obedience is the outward action. Paul unites both, confirming that genuine honor shows up in practical submission. • Qualifies the obedience “in the Lord” – Obedience is anchored in Christ’s authority, ensuring it never contradicts God’s higher commands (Acts 5:29). • Labels the precept “right” – Beyond being commanded, it is intrinsically righteous, woven into creation’s moral fabric (Romans 1:30-32). • Highlights it as “the first commandment with a promise” – Underscores God’s gracious incentive: obedience brings blessing, not merely duty. • Broadens the promise’s scope – “That it may go well with you” enlarges the original land-based blessing to a comprehensive quality of life wherever believers live, Jew or Gentile (Psalm 34:12-14; 1 Peter 3:10-12). • Universalizes the setting – By shifting from “in the land” to “on the earth,” Paul applies the commandment to the global church, not just Israel in Canaan. • Connects household order to gospel order – Ephesians 5–6 links Spirit-filled living with family roles; honoring parents mirrors the church’s submission to Christ. Practical Implications for Believers • Parents teach and expect obedience as part of discipleship, not mere social custom. • Adult children continue to honor by care, respect, and gratitude (Proverbs 23:22; 1 Timothy 5:4). • Society flourishes when family authority is upheld; rebellion erodes well-being (2 Timothy 3:1-2). • Believers trust God’s promise of well-being, knowing He rewards faithful obedience in His timing. Covenant Continuity and Fulfillment The same God who spoke at Sinai speaks through the Apostle Paul. The moral law stands; the promise is expanded in Christ, who perfectly honored His earthly parents (Luke 2:51) and His heavenly Father (John 8:29), enabling believers to do the same by the Spirit (Romans 8:4). |
    |