The Trinity in Ephesians 6
As we conclude our study of the doctrine of the Trinity, in each of the chapters of Ephesians, we now come to chapter six. We have already considered biblical themes employed by the Apostle Paul, to describe the Christian life. Christianity is a walk, and it is light in the darkness. It is laying aside the old self, while putting on the new self. In chapter six, Paul explains it in terms of spiritual warfare (6:10–20).
Before looking at the additional theme, we will first consider the “household” theme that connects with Paul’s analogy of marriage (Eph 5). Christ and His bride the church are like husband and wife. As imitators of God, we are to behave in the manner of God, as exemplified by the God-man, Jesus Christ. In other words, Christianity is not just about our right relationship with God, but it includes our relationships with other people.
The union and communion of family (6:1–4) is followed by our workplace relationships (6:5–9). The key word is “obedience.” Obedience points us to humility and submission. Sinful flesh wants to rebel against authority, but at some point, we must all submit to a higher authority. Being subject to one another, in a spirit of love and respect, is pleasing to the Lord, not to mention His will for us.
This submission is seen in the union and communion of the Trinity, where each person is fully God and equal in essence. Yet, there is order in role and function, where the Son submits to the Father, and the Spirit submits to the Father and the Son. Therefore, to walk by the Spirit, walking wisely in faith, also means we are walking with God in all humility. We have our example in Jesus Christ, and we have His Spirit guiding us, in this way of waiting on the Lord.
Next, the theme of spiritual warfare grants us another view to understanding the Trinity. Christians are to put on the whole armor of God (6:11). Our adversary is the evil, rulers and powers, that is, world forces of this darkness. The objective of the armor is to resist the devil on the evil day (6:13).
A close look at each piece of God’s armor, to be put on, is a characteristic of Jesus Christ. He is truth (Jn 14:6). Jesus is our righteousness. He himself is the Gospel of peace. Our faith in Him is a gift of His grace given, as the Spirit is given to us (Rom 5:5; Phil 1:29). Jesus Christ is our salvation, for in Him, we have eternal life (Jn 3:36; 1 Jn 5:12). Finally, there is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (6:17). Jesus is the Word, incarnate (Jn 1:14).
King Saul’s armor failed the shepherd boy, David of Bethlehem. David’s faith in Yahweh did not fail, nor did the God to whom the battle belongs (1 Sam 17). God has provided everything, for His people in Christ, for living, ministry, and spiritual warfare with the enemy of our souls.
There is special focus on the Spirit, in that He is the wisdom and power in our day of trouble. We are to pray in the Spirit and fight the good fight of faith, wielding the sword of the Spirit, who brings to remembrance God’s Word.
The provision of God the Father, which is Christ the Son, is active in the work of the Spirit. Here is the Trinity in Ephesians chapter six.
In the closing salutation, we have our final example of the Trinity. God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are granting peace, love, and faith (6:23). These come to God’s beloved children, who love our Lord Jesus Christ. They come by grace, in the Holy Spirit, who pours out God’s love in our hearts (Rom 5:5), manifests peace that passes all understanding, and strengthens our faith through active prayer and the Word.
The order of God’s salvation is observable in Ephesians, as it is successfully worked by the three Persons of the Trinity. This work, from election to glorification, warrants our highest praise to God, for including us in Himself.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
September 20, 2022
