What does Ephesians 4:22 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 4:22 is a verse that implores Christians to reject their old sinful ways and embrace a new life in Christ.

The phrase "put off" conveys the idea of taking off clothes, suggesting that Christians should strip away their former corrupt behaviors like one would remove dirty garments.

"The old man" is a metaphor for the pre-Christian self, characterized by moral and spiritual decay influenced by "deceitful lusts," which can be understood as desires and urges that lead individuals away from God's truth and into sin.

The use of the term "conversation" in the King James Version refers not just to speech but to one's entire conduct or way of life.

Therefore, this verse is not only about changing how one speaks but about transforming one's entire behavior and character. The deeper meaning here pertains to a radical inner change that is reflected outwardly in one's actions.

Historical Context

Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul, possibly while he was imprisoned in Rome around AD 60-62.

The letter was addressed to the church in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) that was a hub of commerce, culture, and religion.

Ephesus was known for its temple to Artemis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Within this multicultural and polytheistic society, new Christian converts were surrounded by pagan influences and ethical challenges.

This verse is part of a broader section where Paul is instructing the Ephesians on how to live as followers of Christ. He is urging them to leave their past, with all its pagan customs and ethical compromises, and to live in a manner that is worthy of their calling as Christians.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on several key concepts:

• Sanctification: The process of becoming holy and set apart for God.

Paul is speaking about the believer's ongoing transformation.

• The Old and New Nature: There is a contrast between the sinful nature (the "old man") and the new nature in Christ (the "new man" discussed in the subsequent verses).

• Deceit: The word "deceitful" suggests that sinful desires give a false promise of satisfaction but ultimately lead away from truth and God.

Different theological traditions might emphasize various aspects of this transition from the old to the new self. For example, Calvinists may focus on the sovereignty of God in this transformation, while Arminians may emphasize human responsibility in cooperating with God's grace.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Ephesians 4:22 challenges individuals to examine their lives critically and to make conscious decisions to abandon sinful patterns. For Christians, this might mean:

• Re-evaluating habits, relationships, and practices that are incongruent with Christian values.
• Seeking personal development that aligns with Christian teachings.
• Being conscious of the influence that culture and society can have on one's values and behaviors.

Cross-References

• Romans 6:6: "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
• Colossians 3:9: "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;"
• 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Language Study

In the original Greek text:

• "Put off" (ἀποθέσθαι, apothesthai) carries the connotation of laying something down or aside, like a garment.
• "Old man" (παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον, palaios anthropon) refers to the former self or pre-conversion identity, with "palaios" implying something that is aged or worn out.
• "Corrupt" (φθειρόμενον, phtheirómenon) suggests a state of decay, ruin, or degradation.
• "Deceitful lusts" (ἐπιθυμίαις τῆς ἀπάτης, epithymiais tes apates) emphasizes desires (epithymiais) that are tainted by deception or falsehood (apates).

Understanding these terms in their original context helps to grasp the dramatic transformation that Paul is advocating.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural and religious landscape of Ephesus, Christianity was one among many religious expressions. Mystery religions often promised secretive knowledge and a pathway to a deeper spiritual experience.

In contrast, Paul's message to the Ephesians was about a public, community-based transformation through Christ, which stood in stark contrast to the solitary, secretive pathways of some pagan practices.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology and neuroscience can offer insights into the process of habit formation and change, supporting the idea of "putting off" certain behaviors.

Research into neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, parallels the concept of changing one's conduct and thought patterns as proposed in Ephesians 4:22.

commentaries

Various Bible commentators offer perspectives on Ephesians 4:22:

• Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary emphasizes that the old man is "corrupt according to deceitful lusts" and needs to be put off, as a proof of learning Christ.
• John Calvin highlights that the old man is naturally inherent in us, and therefore we must labor to put him off, noting that this corruption is "in accordance with deceitful desires," indicating that corrupt nature seduces us by flattering proposals.
• The Pulpit Commentary notes that the putting off of the old man is not a single act but a continuous effort, illustrating the need for constant vigilance and daily renewal in the Christian life.

These commentaries collectively underscore the necessity for an ongoing, intentional rejection of sinful behavior aligned with the transformation to new life in Christ.