Charles Ellicott Commentary Ephesians 6:2

"Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise)," — Ephesians 6:2 (ASV)

Praying always with all prayer and Supplication.—In this verse, the metaphor gives place to direct exhortation, unless, indeed, in the word “watch” there still lingers some reference to the soldier on guard. “Prayer” is the general word for “worship,” appropriated to God alone; “supplication,” used also towards people, is one element of such worship—asking God for what we need. In Philippians 4:6, we first have the general word “prayer,” and then the two chief elements of worship, “supplication with thanksgiving.” It is by prayer that all the heavenly armor is put on.

In the Spirit.—That is, “in the Spirit of God” . Compare the relation of prayer to the inspiration of the Holy Ghost in Romans 8:26-27.

And watching thereunto with all perseverance.—These words in themselves obviously supply the other part of our Lord’s command, “Watch and pray,” naturally appropriate to the consideration of the Christian warfare. “Perseverance” implies exertion, holding out against fatigue and difficulty. The corresponding verb is used in relation to all kinds of spiritual labor (Acts 6:4; Acts 8:13), but especially in connection with prayer (Acts 1:14; Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2).

Perhaps from this frequent connection, St. Paul is induced to add to it “supplication,” and this time “for all saints,” thus leading on to his usual request for the prayers of his brothers. For this, he is willing to sacrifice some part of the perfect appropriateness of the idea, since the whole picture up to this point has been of the fight waged by each for himself (although side by side with others), in the combined power of watchfulness and prayer for God’s help.