[1][2] This chapter is a part of Paul's exhortation (Ephesians 4–6), with the particular section about how Christians should live in the world (4:17–5:20) and in their responsibilities as households (5:21–6:9).

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter are: This section provides an antithesis between the old and new life in three contrasts: Therefore He says "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.

[5] The health and stability of the society (and also the state) depend on the "basic relationships within the household: "husband and wife", "father and children", "master and slaves".

[5] The good ethics in the Christian households, unlike in non-Christian ones, "have to be lived 'in the Lord', patterned after the unselfish, sacrificial love of Christ".

[15]Scholar David deSilva notes that in this instance, Paul modifies the Aristotelian household code by adding a preface that each should submit to one another (Verse 21).