How does Ephesians 6:1 connect with the Fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:12? Foundational Verses • Ephesians 6:1: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” • Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Shared Divine Authority • Both texts come as direct commands from God, not suggestions. • The apostle Paul roots his instruction in the Decalogue, showing that the moral law given at Sinai still stands for believers in Christ. • “In the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1) ties obedience to submission to Christ’s lordship; honoring parents is ultimately an act of honoring God. From Honor to Obedience • “Honor” (Exodus 20:12) is a broader heart attitude—giving weight, respect, and value to one’s parents. • “Obey” (Ephesians 6:1) is the concrete, practical expression of that honor in action and decision-making. • Paul begins with obedience because children best demonstrate honor through willing, prompt, and respectful compliance. The Promise Attached • Exodus 20:12 promises longevity and well-being in the land; Paul echoes this in Ephesians 6:2-3, calling it “the first commandment with a promise.” • God links societal stability and personal blessing to the structure of the family. When children obey, families flourish; when families flourish, communities thrive. Broader Biblical Echoes • Deuteronomy 5:16 restates the Fifth Commandment for the next generation, underscoring its permanence. • Proverbs 1:8-9; 6:20-23—wisdom literature affirms that listening to parents brings protection and honor. • Colossians 3:20—“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” • 2 Timothy 3:1-2—disobedience to parents marks societal decline in the last days, highlighting the enduring moral weight of the command. Practical Outworking in Daily Life • Speak respectfully—tone and words reveal whether honor is genuine. • Follow instructions promptly—delayed obedience is disobedience in disguise. • Seek parental counsel—valuing their input displays honor even into adulthood. • Support aging parents—honor does not fade when childhood ends; it shifts from obedience to care and provision (cf. Mark 7:9-13; 1 Timothy 5:4). Summary Connection Ephesians 6:1 is Paul’s Spirit-inspired application of the Fifth Commandment to Christian households. “Honor” becomes “obey,” and the original promise remains intact. In both Old and New Testaments, God’s design for family authority stands as a pillar of righteousness and blessing. |
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