EXEGETICAL PAPER ON EPHESIANS 5:1-6

Exegetical Paper on Ephesians 5:1-6

Ephesians 5:1-6

Introduction

This paper explains the interpretations of Ephesians 5:1-6. Paul continues to exhort Christians to walk in a manner worthy of their calling (cf. 4:1). Having described the need to walk in unity and in purity, he now urges them to imitate God and "walk in love" with Christ as their example. Such love requires that all forms of immorality and filthy speech not even be named among them. Since the wrath of God is to come upon the sons of disobedience, Christians must not be deceived by nor partake with those who engage in such evil deeds (1-6). Having passed from darkness to light in coming to Christ, we should also "walk as children of light" (www.bridgewaybiblechurch.com).

This includes producing the fruit of the Spirit such as goodness, righteousness and truth, thereby demonstrating what is acceptable to the Lord (www.ccel.org). We cannot participate in the shameful works of darkness, but instead must expose them. This we do by letting Christ's light shine in us, for such light will naturally make the darkness manifest by way of contrast (7-14). As the days are evil and the time is short, Christians must "walk as wise" and make the best use of their time. This requires an understanding of the Lord's will (www.gnpcb.org). Christians are also to be filled with the Spirit, as evidenced by singing together, praying with thanksgiving, and submitting to one another in the fear of God (15-21). The chapter ends with what we might describe as a call to "walk in matrimonial harmony". Wives are exhorted to respect their husbands, submitting to them as to the Lord. Husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and even as they love their own bodies (executableoutlines.com).

Discussion on Ephesians 5:1-6

"1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. 3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an 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." (Ephesians 5:1-6)

Salvation is the great rescue where certain people have been purchased in Christ, thus attaining forgiveness of sins. In salvation, people are transferred by miracle out of the domain of darkness and into the current aspect of the kingdom of God's beloved Son, in Light (executableoutlines.com). Peter puts it this way,

"But you are an elect race, A royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for ...