Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5 emphasizes the believer’s conduct in their relationship with God and others. Paul calls Christians to live as children of light, reflecting God’s holiness in their behavior, and urges them to walk in love, purity, and wisdom. The chapter also discusses relationships in marriage, comparing the union between husband and wife to the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Ephesians 5:1 (NKJV):
"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children."

Paul begins with a call for believers to imitate God in their actions and character. Just as children reflect the nature of their parents, Christians are to reflect God’s love, mercy, and holiness. This imitation is not based on obligation but on the intimate relationship we have with God as His beloved children, living out His qualities in our daily lives.

Ephesians 5:2 (NKJV):
"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."

Paul continues by urging believers to live a life of love, following Christ's example. Jesus' sacrificial love is the highest model, and Paul highlights His selfless act on the cross, describing it as a pleasing sacrifice to God. Believers are to exhibit this same love, characterized by selflessness and service to others.

Ephesians 5:3-4 (NKJV):
"But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks."

Paul contrasts godly love with behaviors that are inappropriate for Christians, specifically sexual immorality, impurity, and greed. These actions are unworthy of those called to holiness. Additionally, he warns against vulgar or harmful speech, advocating instead for language that is uplifting and thankful. The focus is on maintaining purity in both actions and words, reflecting a life transformed by Christ.

Ephesians 5:5 (NKJV):
"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."

Paul stresses that those who live in ongoing sin, such as sexual immorality, greed, and idolatry, will not inherit God’s kingdom. These behaviors are incompatible with a life dedicated to Christ. The warning is clear—persistent indulgence in these sins shows a rejection of the transformative power of the gospel and God's call to holiness.

Ephesians 5:6-7 (NKJV):
"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them."

Paul warns against being deceived by false teachings that downplay the seriousness of sin. Those who live in disobedience are subject to God’s judgment, and believers are called to separate themselves from such practices. This separation is a mark of being children of light, rejecting sinful influences and embracing the truth of the gospel.

Ephesians 5:8-10 (NKJV):
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord."

Paul reminds the believers of their past state—living in spiritual darkness—and their present reality as children of light. Having been transformed by the Lord, their lives should now reflect goodness, righteousness, and truth, which are fruits of the Spirit. The Christian life involves discerning and living out what pleases God, growing in spiritual understanding.

Ephesians 5:11-12 (NKJV):
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret."

Paul instructs believers not only to avoid participating in sinful actions but also to expose them. The works of darkness, which produce no lasting good, must be confronted with the light of truth. Paul emphasizes that such sins are shameful, highlighting the contrast between the believer’s holy walk and the secret, dishonorable deeds of those living in darkness.

Ephesians 5:13-14 (NKJV):
"But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: 'Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.'"

Paul explains that when sin is exposed to the light of truth, its true nature is revealed. Light brings clarity and understanding, enabling repentance and change. He quotes a call to awaken from spiritual sleep and death, emphasizing that Christ's light gives life and guidance to those who respond to His call.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV):
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Paul urges believers to live with careful attention, making wise choices and making the most of their time. Given the evil in the world, Christians must be intentional about living in a way that reflects God's wisdom and makes a difference. Every moment is an opportunity to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

Ephesians 5:17 (NKJV):
"Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Paul calls believers to reject foolishness and instead seek to understand God's will. Spiritual wisdom comes from knowing and applying God's desires for our lives. Living according to His will leads to a life that is fruitful and aligned with His purposes.

Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV):
"And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit."

Paul contrasts being drunk with wine, which leads to reckless and sinful behavior, with being filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers believers to live righteously, guiding them in wisdom and self-control. Rather than seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures, Christians should seek the fullness of the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:19-20 (NKJV):
"Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Paul encourages believers to engage in worship and mutual edification through music and thanksgiving. Singing and giving thanks are expressions of a heart filled with the Spirit. Gratitude to God should be a continual part of the Christian life, flowing from a deep relationship with Him.

Ephesians 5:21 (NKJV):
"Submitting to one another in the fear of God."

Paul calls believers to mutual submission, respecting and serving one another out of reverence for God. This submission is a mark of humility and unity within the body of Christ, as believers honor God by putting the needs of others above their own.

Ephesians 5:22 (NKJV):
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord."

Paul instructs wives to submit to their husbands in the same way they submit to the Lord. This submission is an expression of respect and honor, reflecting the God-given order in the marriage relationship. It’s important to note that this submission is voluntary and done out of love, not as an act of inferiority, but as part of a partnership that mirrors the relationship between Christ and His Church.

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

Paul expands on the idea of submission by comparing the husband's role in marriage to Christ’s role as the head of the Church. Christ leads with sacrificial love, and the Church willingly follows. In the same way, wives are called to respect their husbands' leadership in a relationship that is marked by love, care, and mutual responsibility.

Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV):
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her."

The command to husbands is equally profound—Paul calls them to love their wives with the same sacrificial love Christ showed for the Church. Christ’s love was demonstrated through His ultimate sacrifice, and husbands are called to reflect that same level of selfless, unconditional love and care for their wives.

Ephesians 5:26-27 (NKJV):
"That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 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."

Paul explains that Christ’s love for the Church includes her sanctification and cleansing, preparing her to be holy and pure. In the same way, a husband’s love should contribute to the spiritual growth and well-being of his wife. This love is not just about emotional care but also about fostering an environment where spiritual maturity and holiness can flourish.

Ephesians 5:28-29 (NKJV):
"So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church."

Paul urges husbands to love their wives as they love their own bodies, nourishing and caring for them. Just as people naturally care for their own needs, husbands are to care for their wives with the same diligence and concern. This reflects how Christ cherishes the Church, continually nurturing and supporting her growth and well-being.

Ephesians 5:30 (NKJV):
"For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones."

Paul reminds believers that they are intimately united with Christ, being part of His body. This union emphasizes the closeness and care Christ has for His people, just as He cherishes His own body. The same sense of unity and closeness should be reflected in the marriage relationship, where both husband and wife are one flesh.

Ephesians 5:31 (NKJV):
"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

Paul quotes from Genesis 2:24, affirming the profound union between a husband and wife. This “one flesh” relationship points to a deep, intimate bond where two individuals come together in a lifelong covenant. The marriage relationship is exclusive and committed, symbolizing the unity and love shared between Christ and the Church.

Ephesians 5:32 (NKJV):
"This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church."

Paul reveals that marriage is a reflection of the profound mystery of Christ’s relationship with the Church. The love, unity, and mutual commitment seen in marriage serve as a living illustration of the spiritual connection between Christ and His followers. This elevates marriage to a divine symbol of Christ’s covenant with the Church.

Ephesians 5:33 (NKJV):
"Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."

Paul concludes by reinforcing the core principles for husbands and wives: husbands are to love their wives with the same care they show for themselves, and wives are to respect their husbands. Love and respect form the foundation of a healthy, God-honoring marriage, reflecting the roles within Christ’s relationship with the Church.