Ephesians Chapter 6 verse 2 Holy Bible

Pulpit Commentary

Pulpit CommentaryVerse 2. - Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise). The exhortation, based on natural morality (ver. 1), is here confirmed from the Decalogue. "Honor" is higher than obedience (ver. 1); it is the regard due to those who, by Divine appointment, are above us, and to whom our most respectful consideration is due. Father and mother, though not quite on a footing of equality in their relation to each other (Ephesians 5:22), are equal as objects of honor and obedience to their children. It is assumed here that they are Christians; where one was a Christian and not the ether, the duty would be modified. But in these succinct verses the apostle lays down general rules, and does not complicate his exhortations with exceptions. The latter part of the verse contains a special reason for the precept; it is the first commandment with a promise attached. But obviously the apostle meant more than this; for as in ver. I he had affirmed the duty to be one of natural religion, so here he means to add that it is also part of the revealed will of God - it is one of the commandments; but still further, it is the first commandment with a promise. It may, perhaps, be said that this is appealing, not to the higher, but to the lower part of our nature - to our selfishness, not our goodness; but it is not an appeal to one part of our nature to the exclusion of the rest; it is an appeal to our whole nature, for it is a part of our nature to expect that in the end virtue will be rewarded and vice punished. In the case of children it is difficult to look far forward; the rewards and the punishments, to be influential, must be within the ken of vision, as it were; therefore it is quite suitable that, in writing to them, the apostle should lay emphasis on a promise which had its special fulfillment in the life that now is.

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(2) The first commandment with promise.--It is, indeed, in the Decalogue "the only commandment with promise" distinctly attached to it. But it is still the first; the Decalogue being itself the introduction to the Law, in which similar promises are repeated again and again.(2) (18) Praying always with all prayer and Supplication.--In this verse the metaphor gives place to direct exhortation, unless, indeed, in the word "watch" there still lingers some reference to the soldier on guard. "Prayer" is the general word for "worship," appropriated to God alone; "supplication," used also towards man, is one element of such worship--the asking what we need from God. In Philippians 4:6 we have first the general word "prayer," and then the two chief elements of worship, "supplication with thanksgiving." It is by prayer that all the heavenly armour is put on.In the Spirit.--That is, "in the Spirit of God" (as in Ephesians 6:18). Compare the relation of prayer to the inspiration of the Holy Ghost in Romans 8:26-27.And watching thereunto with all perseverance.--These words in themselves obviously supply the other part of our Lord's command, "Watch and pray," naturally apposite to the consideration of the Christian warfare. "Perseverance" implies exertion, holding out against fatigue and difficulty. The corresponding verb is used in relation to all kinds of spiritual labour (see Acts 2:42; Acts 6:4; Acts 8:13); but especially in connection with prayer (Acts 1:14; Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2). Perhaps from this frequent connection St. Paul is induced to add to it "supplication," and this time "for all saints," so leading on to his usual request for the prayers of his brethren. For this he is willing to sacrifice some part of the perfect appropriateness of idea; since the whole picture hitherto has been of the fight, waged by each for himself (although side by side with others), in the combined power of watchfulness and prayer for God's help. . . .