Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Read it in contextExhortation to Spiritual Warfare and Final Greetings
Start reading at Ephesians 6:10 (Ephesians 6:10 to Ephesians 6:24).
Ephesians 6:10 marks a distinct shift in the letter, introduced by 'Finally,' transitioning from instructions on household relationships to the crucial topic of spiritual warfare and concluding with final greetings.
6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
6:11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
6:13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
6:14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
6:15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
6:16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
6:17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
6:19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
6:20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
6:21But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
6:22Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
6:23Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
6:24Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 6:1–6:24): Paul addresses children, fathers, servants, and masters in turn, then instructs all the believers about spiritual resistance and prayer. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? Ephesians 6:10 serves as a concluding exhortation and a transition, commanding believers to find their strength in the Lord and His mighty power, in preparation for spiritual warfare.
What is God revealing? God is revealing that believers' strength for Christian living and spiritual battle does not come from themselves, but from Him, specifically 'in the Lord, and in the power of his might'.
What is the literary style? The literary style of Ephesians is an epistle (a letter).
When
When was it written? The Epistle to the Ephesians was written around A.D. 60 to 62. book background
When does the event take place? The writing of this epistle, including the giving of this command, occurred during Paul's imprisonment. book background
Where
Where did it happen? The command is addressed to the church at Ephesus, but it is a universal spiritual principle for all believers.
Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Rome, where he was imprisoned at the time of writing. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Exhortation to Spiritual Warfare and Final Greetings (Ephesians 6:10 to Ephesians 6:24).
Start reading at Ephesians 6:10. Ephesians 6:10 marks a distinct shift in the letter, introduced by 'Finally,' transitioning from instructions on household relationships to the crucial topic of spiritual warfare and concluding with final greetings.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Ephesians 6:10 acts as a pivotal transition. Following detailed instructions on Christian conduct within various relationships (children/parents, servants/masters in 6:1-9), it introduces the final major section of the letter: the call to spiritual warfare and the necessity of putting on the whole armour of God (6:11-20). It emphasizes that the strength for all these aspects of Christian living comes from the Lord. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The command to 'be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might' directly points to Christ as the ultimate source of all spiritual strength and power for believers. It is through union with Him and reliance on His divine might that Christians are enabled to live righteously and stand against evil, rather than by their own human capabilities. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Today, believers must recognize that their own efforts and willpower are insufficient to overcome sin, temptation, and the spiritual forces of evil. This verse calls us to consciously and continually draw strength from the Lord Jesus Christ, relying on His indwelling power through the Holy Spirit, rather than our own, to live a victorious Christian life and engage in spiritual battles. interpretation
Cited: Ephesians 6:10
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostleNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse. Ephesians 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question Pauline authorship on stylistic grounds.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 6
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholeThe household instructions continue by addressing both sides of each relationship and placing conduct under the Lord's authority.
Connection to the wholeThe church is called to stand against spiritual opposition through God's provision, remaining alert in prayer for the saints and gospel witness.
Connection to the wholeThe personal arrangements and blessing connect the exhortations to continuing care and fellowship among the churches.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.