The father’s control over the son was for life. He could imprison his son, scourge, shame and punish him, sell him into slavery up to three times, or have him killed. The son’s position in the community was of no consequence; for instance, though he might be a magistrate, he was still under his father’s authority. The father had more power over his son than a master had over his slaves. It would be unfair, however, to suggest that there was no tender loving care within families in the Roman times. Nevertheless, in this milieu Paul writes instructions to the believing fathers in Ephesus.
Ephesians, An exegetical commentary
Harold Hoerner:
El control del padre sobre el hijo era de por vida. Podía encerrar a su hijo, azotarlo, avergonzarlo y castigarlo, venderlo como esclavo hasta tres veces, o mandarlo matar.
La posición del hijo en la comunidad no tenía ninguna importancia; por ejemplo, aunque fuera un magistrado, seguía estando bajo la autoridad de su padre.
El padre tenía más poder sobre su hijo que un amo sobre sus esclavos.