FocusHoliness and exposure of darkness
Connection to the wholePaul grounds loving conduct in Christ's self-giving while warning that sexual immorality and covetousness are incompatible with inheritance in the kingdom.
interpretation Ephesians 5:1
KJVBe ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Read it in context
Exhortations to Walk in Love, Light, and Wisdom
Start reading at Ephesians 4:17 (Ephesians 4:17 to Ephesians 5:21).
This section transitions from general principles of Christian conduct to specific applications, emphasizing imitation of God, walking in love and light, and being filled with the Spirit, before moving into household codes.
- 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
- 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
- 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
- 4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
- 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
- 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
- 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
- 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
- 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
- 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
- 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
- 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
- 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
- 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
- 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
- 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
- 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
- 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
- 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
- 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
- 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
- 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
- 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
- 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
- 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
- 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
- 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
- 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
- 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
- 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
- 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
- 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
- 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
- 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
- 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
- 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
- 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 4:1–5:33): Paul instructs the believers about unity and conduct, then speaks particularly to wives and husbands. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the exhortation for believers to imitate God's character, specifically His love, and to live as His beloved children, walking in holiness. stated in the text
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His desire for His children to reflect His nature, particularly His love and holiness, in their daily lives, just as a child imitates a parent. stated in the text
- What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by direct exhortation and instruction. book background
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 60 to 62. book background
- When does the event take place? The call to follow God and walk in love is an ongoing command for believers in the present age. interpretation
Where
- Where did it happen? The instructions are applicable to believers wherever they are, urging them to live out their faith in their daily lives. interpretation
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Rome, writing from prison. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Exhortations to Walk in Love, Light, and Wisdom (Ephesians 4:17 to Ephesians 5:21). Start reading at Ephesians 4:17. This section transitions from general principles of Christian conduct to specific applications, emphasizing imitation of God, walking in love and light, and being filled with the Spirit, before moving into household codes.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse serves as a foundational exhortation, building upon the previous chapter's call to unity and putting off the old man. It transitions into specific commands for Christian conduct, emphasizing love and holiness as the defining characteristics of those who are "dear children" of God, contrasting with the "children of disobedience" (Ephesians 5:6). stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The command to "walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2) immediately follows, presenting Christ as the ultimate example and standard for how believers are to follow God and express love. His sacrificial love is the pattern for all who would imitate God. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to consciously and intentionally imitate God's character, especially His love, forgiveness, and holiness, in all aspects of their lives. This means actively choosing to live in a way that reflects their identity as His beloved children, rather than conforming to worldly patterns. interpretation
Cited: Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 4:32, Ephesians 5:1, Ephesians 5:2, Ephesians 5:6
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Ephesians 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question Pauline authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- followers Eph 4:32 Lev 11:45 Matt 5:45,48 Luke 6:35-36 1 Pet 1:15-16 1 John 4:11
- as Jer 31:20 Hos 1:10 John 1:12 Col 3:12 1 John 3:1-2
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 5
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 2:19 Ephesians 4:1
Walk wisely
Ephesians 5:15–21FocusThe Spirit, worship, and mutual submission
Connection to the wholeThe appeal to wise use of time moves into being filled with the Spirit and the resulting worship, gratitude, and submission.
interpretation Husbands and wives
Ephesians 5:22–33FocusLove and the marriage relationship
Connection to the wholePaul applies the preceding appeal to marriage, using Christ's love for the church to define the husband's self-giving responsibility.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 2:19 Ephesians 4:1
Blessing and prayer
Ephesians 1:1–23FocusGod's purpose in Christ
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
interpretation A people brought together
Ephesians 2:1–3:21FocusGrace, reconciliation, and revealed purpose
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
interpretation Walking worthy in one body
Ephesians 4:1–16FocusUnity and growth
Connection to the wholeThe practical appeal begins with maintaining unity and receiving the ministries that equip the body toward maturity in Christ.
interpretation FocusHoliness, love, and responsibility
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
interpretation Stand in the Lord
Ephesians 6:10–24FocusSpiritual conflict and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.