Devotion on Ephesians 6:15

Ephesians 6
English Standard Version

Children and Parents
6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honour your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Bondservants and Masters
5 Bondservants,[a] obey your earthly masters[b] with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master[c] and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
The Whole Armour of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish 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 praying 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 words may be given to 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.
Final Greetings
21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus 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 brothers,[d] 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 incorruptible.

1. Ephesians 6:5 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 6; likewise for bondservant in verse 8
2. Ephesians 6:5 Or your masters according to the flesh
3. Ephesians 6:9 Greek Lord
4. Ephesians 6:23 Or brothers and sisters

The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.

Ephesians 6:15. 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Central truth: Christ has secured peace with God for his people. This gospel equips believers to stand firm together, resist evil, and live as people of peace.

1. Exegesis

• The context: Paul concludes his letter by calling the church to depend on the Lord’s strength, not its own resources. Ephesians 6:10–20 follows instructions about everyday relationships in Ephesians 6:1–9. Spiritual resistance belongs within ordinary obedience, not a separate world of extraordinary experiences.
• The footwear: The image is practical: properly equipped feet enable a soldier to remain steady and ready. The English Standard Version wording presents readiness as something the gospel gives. The emphasis is therefore not on manufacturing courage but on receiving and acting upon the good news.
• The readiness: The repeated commands to stand in Ephesians 6:11–14 favour readiness to hold one’s ground. Readiness to proclaim the gospel is also a plausible association, particularly alongside Isaiah 52:7 and Ephesians 6:19–20. However, evangelism should not replace the passage’s immediate emphasis on steadfast resistance.
• The peace: Ephesians 2:13–18 supplies the letter’s clearest explanation: Christ reconciles sinners to God through his cross and brings formerly divided people into one body. Peace is therefore more than a calm feeling. It is reconciliation accomplished by Christ, with consequences for life together.
• The wider biblical picture: Isaiah 52:7 connects good news with peace, while Isaiah 59:16–17 depicts God’s own saving armour. Paul’s imagery directs attention to God’s provision rather than human heroism. Ephesians 1:19–23 establishes Christ’s supremacy over the powers opposed to God.

2. Theological teaching

• Grace precedes obedience: God saves by grace through faith, not by moral achievement. Readiness to resist evil is a fruit of salvation, never its purchase price (Ephesians 2:8–10).
• Peace rests on Christ’s work: Justification is God’s declaration that the believer is righteous on account of Christ, received through faith alone. Peace with God rests on this accomplished reality, not on the strength of today’s feelings (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 1:7).
• God preserves through active dependence: Christian theology holds together God’s preserving grace and the believer’s responsibility to persevere. The armour commands call for real obedience, sustained by God’s power and expressed through Scripture, prayer, worship, and mutual encouragement (Ephesians 1:13–14; Ephesians 4:11–16; Ephesians 6:10–18).
• The church stands together: These instructions address the Christian community. Gospel peace opposes bitterness and division; resistance to spiritual evil does not authorise hostility towards people (Ephesians 2:19–22; Ephesians 4:1–3, 31–32; Ephesians 6:12, 18).

3. Practical application

• When guilt unsettles you: Confess actual sin, seek forgiveness, and make appropriate amends. Then return to Christ’s sufficient redemption rather than repeatedly trying to earn acceptance (Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:8–10).
• When conflict arises: Refuse contempt, speak truth with love, and take a concrete step towards peace. Peacemaking does not mean concealing wrongdoing or abandoning appropriate boundaries (Ephesians 4:15, 25–32).
• When pressure compromises obedience: Prepare before the difficult conversation, online exchange, or ethical decision. Recall the gospel, pray for help, and choose truthful, patient conduct over retaliation or approval-seeking (Ephesians 4:25–29; Ephesians 6:18).
• When an opportunity for witness comes: Explain Christ’s saving work simply and respectfully. Gospel-given steadiness supports courageous witness without making every conversation an argument (Ephesians 6:19–20).
• When you feel spiritually depleted: Stay connected to the local church and ask trusted believers to pray with you. Distress is not proof of defective faith, and persistent anxiety may also warrant professional care. Paul calls for dependence on the Lord, not pretended self-sufficiency (Ephesians 4:16; Ephesians 6:10, 18).

4. Meditation guide

1. Read: Read Ephesians 6:15 slowly,
   15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
   then Ephesians 6:10–20.
   10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish 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 praying 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 words may be given to 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.
   Notice who supplies strength and how often Paul stresses standing.
2. Consider: Read Ephesians 2:13–18.
   13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
   What has Christ accomplished that remains true even when your feelings fluctuate?
3. Examine: Where are guilt, fear, resentment, or the desire for approval making you unsteady? Distinguish sin needing repentance from suffering needing care.
4. Respond: Choose one faithful action today: apologise honestly, refuse a dishonest shortcut, encourage a fellow believer, or prepare to explain the gospel.
5. Pray: Father, thank you for reconciling me to yourself through Jesus Christ. By your Spirit, steady me in the gospel. Help me resist evil without treating people as enemies. Make me truthful, patient, and ready to share your good news. Sustain your church in faith and peace. Amen.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. Used by permission. All rights reserved.