Ephesians 5

Commentary on Ephesians Chapter 5

Overview

Ephesians Chapter 5 continues the exhortations regarding the Christian life that began in Chapter 4, presenting practical teachings on how to live a 'new life in Christ' in specific areas of a believer's life. It particularly emphasizes 'imitating God' (vv. 1-2), 'walking in the light' (vv. 3-14), and 'walking wisely' (vv. 15-21), and then addresses the order and love within family life (vv. 22-33). This is an important exhortation from the Apostle Paul, urging believers to live lives worthy of God's people.

Structure of the Text

Verses 1-2: Imitating God

The command to imitate God and its reason (God's love and forgiveness)

The exhortation to walk in love, imitating Christ's love

Verses 3-14: Walking in the Light

Warning against sinful speech and conduct such as sexual immorality, impurity, and greed

Exhortation to walk in holiness and with thanksgiving

Living a life that bears the fruit of light

Verses 15-21: Walking Wisely

Exhortation to abandon foolish living and walk wisely

Emphasis on redeeming the time and understanding God's will

Exhortation to be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and giving thanks

Verses 22-33: Order and Love in Family Life

The relationship between wives and husbands (likened to Christ and the Church)

The relationship between children and parents

The relationship between slaves and masters (this continues into Chapter 6)

Key Themes

Imitation of God: As children of God, believers must emulate God's character, especially His love, forgiveness, and holiness.

Walking in the Light: Believers must abandon the deeds of darkness and live in holiness and truth.

Wise Living: Believers must discern the times and understand God's will to live wisely.

Christ-Centered Love: Just as Christ loved the Church, believers must love one another, especially practicing order and love within the family.

Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Verses 1-2: Imitating God

Verse 1: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children."

Reformed Tradition: "Therefore (οὖν)" emphasizes the logical conclusion based on the teachings of Chapter 4, particularly the fact that God has forgiven us in Christ (4:32). 'Imitators' (μιμηταί) signifies not mere mimicry, but an active effort to resemble God's essential attributes, especially love, forgiveness, and holiness. It states that because we are 'beloved children' (ἀγαπητὰ τέκνα) of God, this imitation is possible and a necessary duty.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: 'Imitators' is understood as a practical command to resemble God's attributes, especially love, forgiveness, and holiness. This is seen as impossible through human effort alone but achievable through the help of the Holy Spirit. The phrase 'as beloved children' emphasizes that as God's beloved children, we must emulate our Father's character.

Lutheran Tradition: The command to be 'imitators of God' is understood not as a legalistic act but as a response of gratitude for grace received. Since God has made us holy in Christ, we must manifest that holiness in our lives.

Puritan Tradition: This verse emphasizes the practical duty arising from a deep understanding of God's love and forgiveness. As children of God, it is natural to resemble our Father's character, particularly in terms of love and forgiveness.

Baptist Tradition: The term 'imitators' (imitators) is seen as uniquely applied to the relationship with God in the New Testament, forming the core of Christian character and conduct. Emulating God is the sum of all duties, and the closer we get, the more complete we become.

Anglican Tradition: The expression 'imitators' (imitators) is considered very unique and primarily means to emulate God's essential attribute of love. This aligns with Jesus' words, "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt. 5:48), and is interpreted as an imitation of God's mercy.

Greek Exegesis: 'Imitators' (μιμηταί) means 'those who imitate,' indicating a willingness to actively follow God's character. The phrase 'beloved children' (ἀγαπητὰ τέκνα) emphasizes that as God's beloved children, we must emulate our Father's character.

German Pietist Tradition: 'Followers' is more accurately translated as 'imitators,' understood as a command to practically live out God's love, forgiveness, and holiness.

Verse 2: "and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Reformed Tradition: Christ's self-sacrificial love demonstrates the concrete model we should follow in imitating God. Christ's death serves as a 'fragrant offering' (ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας) and 'sacrifice' (θυσίαν) to God, having the efficacy of atoning for our sins.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Christ's love is the source and model of our love. Just as He gave Himself up for us, we must walk in love. Christ's sacrifice is the most precious offering to God.

Lutheran Tradition: Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate expression of God's love for us sinners and the motivation for us to love God and our neighbor.

Puritan Tradition: Christ's sacrificial love is the most important example for us to follow. Just as He gave Himself for us, we must walk in love, which is a fragrant offering pleasing to God.

Baptist Tradition: Christ's self-sacrifice clearly shows why we should imitate God. His love is a 'fragrant offering and sacrifice' for us, fully given to God.

Anglican Tradition: Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the clearest demonstration of God's love and the supreme model of love for us to follow. It is a 'fragrant offering' to God for our salvation.

Greek Exegesis: 'Fragrant offering' (ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας) and 'sacrifice' (θυσίαν) indicate the perfection of Christ's atoning work. It is a holy sacrifice that God receives with pleasure.

German Pietist Tradition: Christ's self-sacrifice is a perfect sacrifice offered to God and the supreme model of love for us to follow.

Verses 3-14: Walking in the Light

Verse 3: "But sexual immorality and all impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper for saints."

Reformed Tradition: 'Sexual immorality' (πορνεία), 'impurity' (ἀκαθαρσία), and 'greed' (πλεονεξία) are sinful behaviors that must be completely excluded from the lives of believers. These sins are factors that prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God. 'As is proper for saints' (ἀνῆκεν τοῖς ἁγίοις) refers to a way of life fitting for holy people.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: These sins must be eradicated from the lives of believers. 'Must not even be named' signifies extreme caution and separation from such sins. Believers must pursue holiness and purity.

Lutheran Tradition: Sinful behaviors sever the relationship with God and damage the identity of a believer. Believers must turn away from such sins and live holy lives.

Puritan Tradition: Sexual immorality, impurity, and greed stem from the lusts of the flesh and the desires of the world; believers must strictly guard against and distance themselves from them. This is a life proper for the holiness of believers.

Baptist Tradition: These sins are clear obstacles to inheriting the kingdom of God. Believers must distance themselves from such sins and live holy lives.

Anglican Tradition: 'Sexual immorality' (porneia), 'impurity' (akatharsia), and 'greed' (pleonexia) are sins unfitting for the holiness of believers. These must be so far removed that they are not even named.

Greek Exegesis: 'Sexual immorality' (πορνεία) refers to sexual immorality, 'impurity' (ἀκαθαρσία) refers to moral and physical uncleanness, and 'greed' (πλεονεξία) refers to excessive desire for possessions. All of these must be removed from the lives of believers.

German Pietist Tradition: These sins must be completely removed from the lives of believers and are unfitting for those pursuing a holy life.

Verses 15-21: Walking Wisely

Verse 15: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,"

Reformed Tradition: 'How you walk' (πῶς δεῖ περιπατεῖν) refers to a specific way of life. 'Look carefully' (ἀκριβῶς σκοποῦντες) is a command to examine diligently and meticulously. 'As unwise' (ὡς ἄσοφοι) warns against living foolishly without discerning God's will.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Believers must walk carefully and wisely in all areas of life. This means living by discerning God's will, not by the ways of the world.

Lutheran Tradition: Believers must live not by worldly wisdom but by the wisdom gained through God's Word. A foolish life distances one from God.

Puritan Tradition: It is important to walk wisely in every moment of life, discerning God's will. A foolish life is not fitting before God.

Baptist Tradition: 'To walk' (περιπατεῖν) refers to one's overall manner of life, and 'carefully' (ἀκριβῶς) is a command to examine precisely and accurately. Walking wisely means following God's will.

Anglican Tradition: 'Walk wisely' refers not merely to worldly wisdom but to spiritual wisdom that discerns God's will and lives accordingly.

Greek Exegesis: 'To walk' (περιπατεῖν) means 'to walk' and is a metaphor for one's overall manner of life. 'Unwise' (ἄσοφοι) refers to those who cannot discern God's will.

German Pietist Tradition: Believers must carefully examine their way of life and walk not by worldly wisdom but by God's wisdom.

Verse 16: "redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Reformed Tradition: 'Redeeming the time' (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι τὸν καιρόν) means not wasting time but actively utilizing it. 'Because the days are evil' (ὁ καιρὸς πονηρός) emphasizes that the current era is full of sin and it is easy to miss opportunities for salvation.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: Time is a precious gift from God and should not be spent in vain. Living in an evil age, we must especially redeem the time and use it profitably for God.

Lutheran Tradition: Time is under God's sovereignty, and we must use the time given to us for God's glory.

Puritan Tradition: 'Redeeming the time' is a strong exhortation to focus on what pleases God without wasting time. This is especially true because we live in an evil age.

Baptist Tradition: Time is very precious, and because we live in an evil age, we must redeem the time even more. This is a command not to waste time but to use it profitably for God.

Anglican Tradition: 'Redeeming the time' means not wasting time but actively using it to accomplish God's will. This is especially true because we live in an evil age.

Greek Exegesis: 'Redeeming the time' (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι τὸν καιρόν) means 'buying up the time,' signifying actively utilizing time without wasting it. 'Because the days are evil' (ὁ καιρὸς πονηρός) emphasizes the evil of the current era.

German Pietist Tradition: Time is precious, given by God, and should not be wasted; especially living in an evil age, time must be redeemed.

Verses 22-33: Order and Love in Family Life

Verse 22: "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord."

Reformed Tradition: The wife's submission to her husband is explained as analogous to the submission of the Church, the body of Christ, to Christ. This is not merely a subordinate relationship but reflects the order and love manifested in the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition: A wife's submission to her husband is likened to the relationship where Christ loved the Church and the Church follows Christ. This is an order based on mutual respect and love.

Lutheran Tradition: Order in the family is according to God's created order, and a wife's submission to her husband is explained through the relationship where Christ loved the Church and the Church follows Christ.

Puritan Tradition: Order in the family is an order established by God, and wives must submit to their husbands. This reflects the relationship where Christ loved the Church and the Church follows Christ.

Baptist Tradition: A wife's submission to her husband is likened to the relationship between Christ and the Church, which is an order based on love and respect.

Anglican Tradition: A wife's submission to her husband is likened to the relationship where Christ loved the Church and the Church follows Christ. This is God's will for order in the family.

Greek Exegesis: 'As to the Lord' (ὡς τῷ Κυρίῳ) does not mean to regard the husband as Lord, but implies that submission to the husband is in the same vein as submission to the Lord.

German Pietist Tradition: Order in the family is God's will, and wives must submit to their husbands. This is likened to the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Original Language Insights

μιμηταί (mimētai): (vv. 1-2) 'Imitators.' This signifies not mere mimicry but a willingness to actively emulate God's character and actions.

ἀγαπητὰ τέκνα (agapēta tekna): (v. 1) 'Beloved children.' This emphasizes that because we are God's beloved children, we must imitate God.

πορνεία (porneia): (v. 3) 'Sexual immorality.' A comprehensive term for sexual immorality.

ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsia): (v. 3) 'Impurity,' 'uncleanness.' Refers to moral and physical uncleanness.

πλεονεξία (pleonexia): (v. 3) 'Greed.' Refers to excessive desire for material possessions or wealth.

πῶς δεῖ περιπατεῖν (pōs dei peripatein): (v. 15) 'How one ought to walk.' Refers to a specific way of life.

ἀκριβῶς σκοποῦντες (akribōs skopountes): (v. 15) 'Looking carefully,' 'examining meticulously.' Means to carefully and accurately examine one's way of life.

ἄσοφοι (asophoi): (v. 15) 'Unwise.' Refers to those who cannot discern God's will.

ἐξαγοραζόμενοι τὸν καιρόν (exagorazomenoi ton kairon): (v. 16) 'Redeeming the time,' 'buying up the time.' Means to actively utilize time without wasting it.

ὁ καιρὸς πονηρός (ho kairos ponēros): (v. 16) 'The time is evil.' Emphasizes that the current era is full of sin and it is easy to miss opportunities for salvation.

Theological Perspectives — Comparison by Tradition

The key themes of Ephesians 5—'imitating God,' 'walking in the light,' 'wise living,' and 'Christ-centered love'—are commonly emphasized across most theological traditions.

Reformed, Puritan, and Baptist Traditions emphasize God's sovereignty and grace, while also highlighting the holiness and obedience of believers' lives as a response to this grace. They particularly stress the active effort to emulate God's attributes in the expression 'imitators.'

Wesleyan/Methodist Tradition emphasizes complete sanctification and the practice of love, made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit, asserting that imitating God is achieved through being filled with the Spirit.

Lutheran Tradition clearly distinguishes between law and gospel, emphasizing that believers' good works are not the fulfillment of the law but expressions of gratitude and love for grace already received.

Anglican Tradition, based on traditional church teaching and biblical interpretation, emphasizes that imitating God must manifest in the practice of love and mercy.

Greek Exegesis aids theological understanding by examining the nuances of key words and phrases in the text through their original language meanings.

German Pietist Tradition emphasizes personal piety and practical living, asserting that imitating God must be demonstrated through concrete actions.

Overall, Ephesians 5 addresses the practical ethics of a believer's life beyond doctrinal teachings, and it is accepted by all theological traditions as an important guide for Christian maturity and holy living.

Cross-References

Imitating God: Matthew 5:48 ("You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect"), 1 John 4:7-8 ("Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God... God is love.")

Walking in the Light: John 8:12 ("I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not... but will have the light of life."), 1 John 1:7 ("but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another")

Wise Living: Proverbs 2:6 ("For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."), Colossians 1:9 ("And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you...")

Order and Love in Family Life: Genesis 2:24 ("Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."), Colossians 3:18-21 (Exhortations to wives and husbands, children and parents, slaves and masters)

Sermon / Application Points

Responsibility as Children of God: We are beloved children of God. Therefore, we must also emulate our Father's character, especially His love, forgiveness, and holiness. How much does our lives reflect God's character?

Separation from Sin: Sexual immorality, impurity, and greed are sins that distance us from God. We must thoroughly distance ourselves from such sins, to the point of not even naming them, and pursue a holy and pure life.

The Preciousness of Time and Wise Use: The exhortation to redeem the time because 'the days are evil' applies equally to us today. We must not waste time but discern God's will and use our time for spiritually beneficial purposes.

Practicing Christ-like Love: Just as Christ loved the Church, we must love one another. Especially within the family, husbands should regard their wives, and wives their husbands, in the context of Christ and the Church, relating to each other with love and respect.

Living a Life Bearing the Fruit of Light: When we abandon the deeds of darkness and walk in the light, we bear the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth. We must strive to live lives full of the fruit of light.