Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5 discusses Christian behavior, focusing on relationships in marriage, family, and daily living. Paul instructs believers on how to walk in love, light, and wisdom, contrasting the characteristics of a Godly lifestyle with those of the worldly, and emphasizes the sanctity of marriage as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the Church.

Ephesians 5:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

This passage calls believers to imitate God as beloved children by walking in love, just as Christ demonstrated self-sacrificial love through His offering for humanity. The passage warns against engaging in sinful behaviors, such as immorality, greed, and corrupt speech, which are incompatible with a holy life. Instead, believers are urged to pursue righteousness, goodness, and truth, living as children of light. Paul emphasizes that such a lifestyle honors God and exposes the emptiness of sinful practices. By avoiding fellowship with darkness and striving to discern what is pleasing to the Lord, believers reflect God's holiness and stand as witnesses to His transforming grace.

Ephesians 5:11-14 (NKJV)
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

This passage urges believers to have no fellowship with the works of darkness but rather expose them. This means that Christians should not only avoid sinful practices but also shine the light of truth to reveal their harmful nature. Living as children of light involves confronting evil, not with harshness, but by living a life of purity and integrity that naturally exposes sin. The passage highlights that sin thrives in secrecy, but when brought into the light of Christ, it loses its power. The call to "awake, you who sleep" is an appeal for spiritual awakening, encouraging believers to rise from spiritual complacency and live in the light of Christ, who transforms and gives life. In practical terms, this can mean lovingly addressing injustice, offering gentle correction when needed, and living in a way that reflects the righteousness and grace of Christ, prompting others to leave darkness behind.

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NKJV)
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

This passage calls believers to live wisely and purposefully in a world filled with spiritual danger. To "walk circumspectly" means to live with careful attention to one’s actions and choices, avoiding carelessness or distractions that lead away from God’s purpose. "Redeeming the time" urges believers to make the most of every opportunity to do good, recognizing that life is short and the world is filled with evil influences. Instead of living aimlessly or according to human desires, believers are called to seek and understand God’s will, which can be found through prayer, study of His Word, and a daily commitment to follow Christ's example. This passage reminds believers that true wisdom comes from aligning their lives with God’s plan and using their time for eternal purposes rather than temporary pursuits.

Ephesians 5:18-21 (NKJV)
18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

This passage encourages believers to live a Spirit-filled life rather than being controlled by worldly influences like drunkenness, which leads to reckless behavior. Instead of seeking fulfillment through temporary pleasures, believers are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit, resulting in lives marked by joy, worship, and gratitude. This includes speaking to one another in uplifting ways—through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs—and having an attitude of thankfulness to God for all things. Additionally, Paul emphasizes the importance of mutual submission out of reverence for Christ, which means showing humility, respect, and love in relationships, putting others’ needs before self. This passage highlights that a Spirit-led life produces harmony, praise, and unity in the church and daily life.

Ephesians 5:22-24 (NKJV)
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

This passage teaches about the relationship between wives and husbands within the context of mutual respect and God’s design for marriage. Wives are called to submit to their husbands "as to the Lord," which means honoring and respecting their leadership in the same way they honor Christ. This submission is not about inferiority but reflects the divine order where the husband is entrusted with the role of spiritual headship, just as Christ is the head of the church. The comparison between the husband-wife relationship and Christ's relationship with the church highlights the importance of trust, love, and unity. When this principle is embraced with love and humility, it fosters a marriage where both partners support each other in fulfilling God’s purpose.

Ephesians 5:25-29 (NKJV)
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.

This passage calls husbands to love their wives with the same selfless, sacrificial love that Christ has for the church. This love is not about control or superiority but about a deep, self-giving commitment that prioritizes the wife’s well-being above self-interest. Just as Christ gave Himself to sanctify and purify the church, husbands are called to nurture, protect, and cherish their wives in a way that fosters her growth and flourishing. Paul compares this love to caring for one’s own body—emphasizing tenderness, respect, and intentional care. This passage challenges husbands to mirror Christ’s love by building a relationship grounded in sacrifice, service, and unity, ensuring their wives feel secure, valued, and supported in every aspect of life—physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Ephesians 5:30-33 (NKJV)
30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.
31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

This passage highlights the sacred unity of marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and His church. Believers are described as members of Christ’s body, emphasizing the intimate connection between Him and His people. Similarly, marriage is a "one flesh" union where a husband and wife are inseparably joined, echoing God’s original design at creation. Paul calls this a "great mystery," revealing that marriage represents more than just a human bond—it points to the covenantal relationship between Christ and the church, marked by sacrificial love and faithful unity. Husbands are called to love their wives as their own bodies, demonstrating selfless care and protection, while wives are called to respect their husbands, fostering a relationship grounded in love, respect, and unity. This profound truth reminds us that marriage is not only a partnership but also a living testimony of Christ’s redeeming love for His people.