Reading for February 2nd

 Read Ephesians 5.15-6.9. In 5.15-6.9 Strengthening believers. Contrasts (5.15-18) clarify the believers walk; they are strengthened through worship with others (5.18-20) and mutual submission (5.21-6.9). In 5.20: On continuous thanks see 1 Thess 5.18; col 3.17. In 5.21-6.9: Household codes governed social relations within an extended family, See Col 3.18-4.1. Ephesians expands on relations between husband and wife. In verses 22-23: Col 3.18-19. For the writer, the unity of the  husband or wife, unlike the unity of Jews and gentiles, does not result in equality. In 6.1-4: Col 3.20-21. In verse 3: Deut 5.16. In verse 5-9: Col 3.22-4.1. On slavery, see introduction into Philemon. Comments or Questions..