This is a profound mystery; but I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Nevertheless, do ye so that every one of you love his wife truly even as himself: And let the wife see that she fear her husband.

Children, as Christians obey your parents, for that is right.

"Honour thy father and mother," that is the first commandment that hath any promise,

that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

with good-will, as serving the Lord rather than men:

because you know that whatever good any man does, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be slave or free man.

And you masters, show the same spirit to your slaves, and stop threatening them; for you know that your masters and theirs is in heaven, and that there is no respect of persons with him.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.

Put on all the panoply of God, so that you may be able to stand your ground against the stratagems of the devil.

For our contest is not with human foes alone, but with the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark world; that is, with the spirit-forces of evil challenging us in the heavenly contest.

Therefore take up the panoply of God, so that when the evil day comes you may be able to withstand them, and having overthrown them all, to stand your ground.

by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace,

put on salvation as your helmet, and take the Spirit as your sword (that is, the word of God),

and pray always with all manner prayer and supplication - and that in the spirit - and watch thereunto with all instance and supplication for all saints,

and for me, that utterance may be given me to open my mouth boldly, and to make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador,

and in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it boldly as I ought to speak.

But that you also may know my affairs and how I do, Tychicus, my beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may cheer your hearts.

Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.