Ephesians 6:1-4 speaks to children and fathers in a way that was revolutionary in the first century. The overarching principle of mutual submission (5:21) governs the exercise of authority in the three relational instructions that follow (wives and husband, children and fathers, slaves and masters). Paul addresses children as responsible members of the covenant community and encourages fathers to use their authority for training and instructing their children in the ways of the Lord.