[1][2] This chapter is a part of Paul's exhortation (Ephesians 4–6), with the particular section about how Christians should live in their responsibilities as households (5:21–6:9) and in the battle against spiritual forces (6:10–20),[3] with a final benediction to close the epistle (6:21–24).

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter are: Commencing from 5:21, this part is built on "the tabulated framework of the rules for good household management rules", as the health and stability of the society depend on the "basic relationships within the household: "husband and wife", "father and children", "master and slaves".

[6] Citation from the Ten Commandments, in particular Exodus 20:12 or Deuteronomy 5:16 Citation from: Deuteronomy 5:16 Note that the original Greek text uses the term "δοῦλοι" (translated in the NKJV as "Bondservants"), which is generally translated as "slave",[11] and which, in the context of first-century Greece under Roman rule, referred to chattels.

[12] This exhortation is the most vivid portrayal of the Christian spiritual struggle, in a metaphor of warfare, with detailed list of equipment of the Divine Warrior.

[18][19] Paul's benediction in this epistle contains the "two great Pauline words—love and faith", with the balance between "divine enabling ('from [both] God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ') and human response ('all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ')".