Ephesians Chapter 5

Summary

Chapter 5 is a continuation of Paul’s exhortation that believers are to walk in a manner worthy of their calling (4:1). After contrasting the lifestyle of the old nature to the transformed lifestyle of the new nature Paul says “Therefore we are to be imitators of God” (1). We will imitate God as we walk in love (2), walk in the light (v.9), and walk in wisdom (v.15). Paul gives a contrasting picture of each of these three lifestyle changes with examples of how one lives according to the old nature versus how one will now live as a transformed child of God who is actively following Christ’s example. He also tells the believers that they are not to be partakers or co-participants with those who engage in the works of darkness.

Having passed from darkness to light in coming to Christ, we should also "walk as children of light". This includes producing the fruit of the Spirit such as goodness, righteousness and truth, thereby demonstrating what is acceptable to the Lord. 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. 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. In the course of such instructions Paul takes the opportunity to reveal the Lord's desire to present to Himself a glorious church, holy and without blemish, which is why He gave Himself for it (22-33).[1]

[1]This summary is adapted from Executable Outlines, Mark A. Copeland, 2001, Ephesians, executableoutlines.com/pdf/ep_se.pdf