As Paul takes us Into the next sphere of relational dynamics, he stays within the home, speaking next to the dynamic between children and parents.
He first includes the children in the family of God on mission by addressing their calling to obey their parents in the Lord out of reverence for Christ. Then he turns his attention to the parents by calling fathers to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Perhaps at face value, these verses seem to be simple commands. Yet, the wonder and beauty of the gospel is yet again displayed in this passage, which reminds us that our invitation is to harness these relationships in order to display our relationship with God, the perfect Father, to the rest of the world.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.