“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (which is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.’” – Ephesians 6:1–3 (BSB)
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.” – Proverbs 1:8–9 (BSB)
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.” – Colossians 3:20 (BSB)
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.” – Romans 13:1 (BSB)
This commandment forms the foundation for ordered family life and, by extension, all of society. Fr. Allen Hughes (AMiA, Church of the Redeemer, GA) explains, “The family is the first school of love and discipline. When we fail to honor parents, we unravel the very fabric of a just and godly community.” (Commandments for Everyday Life, 2017)
Honor is not limited to childhood. Adult children are called to care for aging parents with dignity and compassion. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) says, “The Fifth Commandment reminds us that love costs something. To honor our father and mother in old age is a sacred duty, not a social burden.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)
This commandment also speaks more broadly to honoring all rightful authority—teachers, elders, church leaders, magistrates, and rulers—as long as they do not contradict God’s law. Gerald Bray (ACNA-affiliated, Beeson Divinity School) teaches, “Obedience to authority is not blind allegiance, but willing order. It reflects our submission to God’s providential rule.” (The Christian Mind, 2012)
Fr. Jon Shuler (AMiA, New Anglican Mission) reminds us, “To keep this commandment is to cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility. We did not give ourselves life—so we honor those through whom it came.” (Ten Words for the Church, 2015)
“To despise parents is to despise the order of creation. God has made the home His first temple.” – Augustine of Hippo, Confessions, c. 398 AD
“Let children obey their parents, and let parents teach their children in holiness. This is the harmony of love and law.” – Cyprian of Carthage, Letter to the Families of Carthage, c. 250 AD
“He who honors father and mother sows righteousness. It is not only law but blessing, for long life and peace follow.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
