Q64. What is required in the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honour, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Ephesians 5:21–22
“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:1, 5
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. … Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;”
Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
Ephesians 6:9
“And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”
Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”
Commentary — Thomas Vincent (1674)
Question 1. What is the subject of this fifth commandment, or who are the persons of whom the duties of this commandment are required?
Answer. The subject of the fifth commandment or the persons of whom the duties of this commandment are required, are relations, especially children, and all inferiors in reference to their parents, and superiors, and inclusively superiors, in reference to their inferiors and equals, also in reference one to another.
Question 2. Whom are we to understand by inferiors?