Ephesians 5
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1Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. 2Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance. 3But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; 4nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks. 5Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7Therefore don’t be partakers with them. 8For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, 10proving what is well pleasing to the Lord. 11Have no fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them. 12For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of. 13But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light. 14Therefore he says, “Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; 16redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father; 21subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ. 22Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body. 24But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything. 25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it; 26that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, 27that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without defect. 28Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. 29For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly; 30because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones. 31“For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh.” 32This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly. 33Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
Ephesians 5:1
Summary
Ephesians chapter 5 encourages believers to imitate God and walk in love, highlighting the importance of living as children of light. Paul urges the Ephesians to engage in behaviors that reflect God's holiness, avoiding impurity, greed, and foolish talk. He contrasts the 'fruit of the light', which includes goodness, righteousness, and truth, with the 'works of darkness' that should be avoided. The chapter also discusses the significance of being wise and making the best use of time, advising against drunkenness and instead being filled with the Spirit. A significant portion of the chapter focuses on Christian households, especially the relationship between husbands and wives. Paul likens the marriage relationship to that between Christ and the Church, emphasizing love and submission, where husbands are called to love their wives self-sacrificially, as Christ loved the Church, and wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. This mutual respect and love reflect the spiritual unity that believers are to have with Christ. Overall, the chapter outlines the ethical dimensions of a Christian's walk, focusing on purity, mutual submission, and living in the Spirit. It serves as a guide for both individual conduct and communal relationships within the body of Christ, underscoring the transformative power of living in the light.
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Chapter outline
How Ephesians 5 unfolds
Ephesians 5:1–2 Imitating God in Love
Paul encourages believers to imitate God and walk in love, reflecting Christ's self-giving love in their lives.
Ephesians 5:3–7 Avoiding Immorality and Deceit
The chapter warns against behaviors like sexual immorality and greed, emphasizing that such actions are incompatible with being saints.
Ephesians 5:8–14 Walking as Children of Light
Believers are called to live in the light, producing fruit that reflects goodness and truth, and to reprove darkness.
Ephesians 5:15–21 Living Wisely and Spiritually
Paul instructs readers to act wisely, making the best use of time, and to be filled with the Spirit instead of being drunk.
Ephesians 5:22–33 Husbands and Wives Relationships
The chapter presents a model for marital relationships, highlighting mutual love and respect, paralleling Christ's relationship with the Church.
Key verses
Ephesians 5:1Ephesians 5:1 encapsulates the chapter's call to reflect God's character in love and ethical living.
Main themes in Ephesians 5
Imitating God
The theme of imitating God emerges prominently in Ephesians 5, particularly in verse 1, where believers are called to be imitators of God. This call encourages a lifestyle characterized by love and holiness that reflects God’s nature and attributes. As the chapter unfolds, this foundational principle undergirds ethical living among believers, serving as a guide for their interactions and moral decisions within the Christian community.
Living in Love
The theme of living in love is underscored in Ephesians 5, especially in verses 2 and 21, where Paul highlights love as an essential aspect of self-sacrifice. He emphasizes that love should be the governing principle in all relationships, including the sacred union of marriage, shaping the dynamics among believers. This focus on love illustrates the transformative impact of Christian community, encouraging deeper connections rooted in mutual respect and affection.
Christian Marriage
Christian marriage is emphasized in verses 22-33, presenting a model grounded in mutual respect and sacrificial love. Paul draws parallels between the marriage relationship and that of Christ and the Church, elevating the spiritual significance of marriage. This theme reinforces the idea of unity and love within the body of Christ.
Walking in the Light
Walking in the light is a central theme in Ephesians 5, notably in verses 8-14, where believers are called to embody goodness, righteousness, and truth. The chapter contrasts the concepts of light and darkness, illustrating the moral and ethical choices that Christians are required to make in their daily lives. This theme encapsulates the chapter's overall message, which urges believers to align their lives with God’s will and reflect His character in the world.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Ephesians 5
- Colossians 3Colossians 3 connects by urging believers to put away earthly behaviors and live in a manner reflecting their new identity.
- Romans 12Romans 12 echoes the call for transformed living, emphasizing love and mutual respect within the community.
- 1 Thessalonians 51 Thessalonians 5 connects with its exhortation to live in the light, encouraging believers to remain vigilant and morally upright.
- Isaiah 60Isaiah 60 develops the theme of light, presenting a vision of God's glory illuminating the lives of His people.
- Colossians 1Colossians 1 echoes the idea of reconciliation and transformation, emphasizing believers’ new status in Christ.
- Matthew 5Matthew 5 connects by teaching about being the light of the world, paralleling the call to live righteously.
Study questions
Questions for studying Ephesians 5
- What does Paul mean by being 'imitators of God' in verse 1?
- How does the call to walk in love shape the believer's conduct?
- What specific behaviors does Paul instruct believers to avoid?
- How does being filled with the Spirit change interpersonal relationships?
- In what ways does the relationship between husbands and wives reflect Christ and the Church?
- What does it mean to walk as children of light in today's context?
- How does the chapter's guidance reflect the larger theme of unity in Ephesians?
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