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obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honour your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and you may live a long life on the earth”.
4 Fathers, do not stir frustrate your children to anger, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
5 Slaves, obey your earthly master with fear and trembling, and with sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not only while their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Give your service wholeheartedly, as to the Lord and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good each one does, he will receive the same back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, for your know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with Him.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the Devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that you may be able stand firm when the day of evil comes, and having done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, and the breastplate of righteousness on your chest, 15 and with sandals on your feet readied to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times with every prayer and request. With this in mind, stay alert and always persevere in praying on behalf of all the saints.
19 Pray also for me, so that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so I can boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I should speak.
21 Tychicus, our dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be to all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.