Our End of the Bargain: Why Ephesians Tells Children to Obey

“Children obey your parents.” It is a familiar phrase for most. Ephesians 6: 1-3 encourages children to honor their parents not only because this is “the first commandment with a promise” but also because the act will result in the enjoyment of “long life on the earth.” Sounds good, right?

Though he was the minister to Gentiles, Paul also was “a Hebrew of the Hebrews (Phil. 3:5).” Due to his Jewish heritage, he was familiar with Hebrew scripture. In Ephesians 6:2-3, Paul is referencing Deuteronomy 5:16. His original audience would have recognized this connection to Jewish Law. Where Paul’s word has been translated as “earth”, the Hebrew in Deuteronomy is “land.” The NIV translates the end of this verse: “the land the Lord your God is giving you.” This was not an allusion to planet earth. This was not God’s wish that children might lead pleasant lives. This was a commandment for the Israelites through which they might participate in the Covenant.

By obeying their parents, Hebrew children would be learning respect, discipline, and loyalty to God. These characteristics could then be passed down to the next generation. As these admirable behaviors continued, future Israelites would have the opportunity to enjoy and prosper in the Holy Land; Canaan. This is the soil and dirt of Deuteronomy. Where is the connection between Ephesians 6 and Deuteronomy 5?

The answer to this question lies in an earlier section of the epistle. In chapter 2, Paul describes precisely what Christ’s death and resurrection mean for his audience. He begins by explaining how the grace of God removed individuals from their transgressions. Paul then shows that all are one in Christ. This passage, from verse 11 to 22, is crucial to understanding the verses found in chapter six.

The reader learns that Gentiles were once separated from Israel and the “covenants of the promise (2:12).” Yet, through Christ, Jew and Gentile have become one. Paul states that Christ “abolished in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations (2:15).” Which commandments? What promise? These questions are answered in Paul’s reference to Deuteronomy. It is part of the Jewish Torah, or “law.” This was a law imposed by God as a way of guiding His children with clear, tangible instructions. They would know if they were failing God by whether they were failing to follow these instructions.

Yet, Paul also mentions a promise. This is the promise made by God that his chosen people would inherit the land of Canaan, would prosper, and would represent Him to the world. These promises were made with the understanding that the Israelites would uphold their end of the bargain. By the time Paul wrote his letter, Christ had come and been crucified. This abolished the Law; opening the door for Gentiles and a new promise.

This new promise stated that salvation and redemption were no longer reserved for those who upheld the fullness of the Law; it was available freely to any who would believe in the redemptive power of Christ. By accepting that free gift from God, individuals also accept new responsibilities and are transformed in a novel way. Paul encourages believers to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received (4:1)” and to “no longer live as the Gentiles do (4:17).”

What about the children? Paul’s words encouraging children to obey their parents form more than a simple request of submission. Just as the Israelites were expected to obey, respect, and learn from their parents; so Christians should honor their parents. Why? This will ensure that future generations understand obedience, respect, and loyalty. They will be better equipped to uphold the New Covenant; aware of their need to put off the “old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (4:22-24).”

Here is the application. We have inherited a promise; that we can enjoy the land that God has given us. It is not the soil of a present-day location but real estate in the heavens and the New Earth. God does not desire for us to be obedient simply for the sake of submission. He sent a New Promise: Christ. Let us uphold our end of the bargain. Let us guarantee a positive future by teaching admirable behaviors to our children. Let us strive to respect one another, spread God’s word, teach our children, and ensure the future of our faith.