What does Ephesians 4:24 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 4:24 calls for believers to take on a "new man," a term that symbolizes a renewed identity that aligns with the character and nature of God.

This new self is to be characterized by "righteousness and true holiness." The imagery suggests a transformation from an old way of life, one presumably marred by sin and spiritual decay, to a new, holy existence that reflects God’s own righteousness.

This concept extends beyond mere behavior modification to an entire inward change, a complete renewal of the believer's moral and spiritual nature.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Ephesians is one of the letters in the New Testament traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul.

Scholars believe it was written around A.D. 60-62, possibly during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.

The letter's recipients were likely a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians in Ephesus, a city that was a significant center of commerce and pagan worship in the Roman province of Asia.

In this period, the early Christian community was working to define its identity in contrast to the surrounding pagan culture and the Judaic tradition from which many had come.

Theological Insights

Different theological positions focus on aspects of this verse.

For Calvinists, the verse underscores the doctrine of sanctification, where the new man is seen as a product of God’s regenerative work in the believer.

Arminians might emphasize human response and cooperation with God's grace in the process of becoming the new man.

Meanwhile, Eastern Orthodox theology might see this "putting on" as part of theosis, the process of becoming more like God in holiness.

Catholic theology may discuss this verse in the context of conversion or second conversion, a continual turning away from sin and toward God throughout one's life.

Practical Applications

This verse emphasizes personal transformation for followers of Christ.

In practical terms, it means shedding past behaviors, attitudes, and sins to embrace a life that reflects divine attributes.

Believers are challenged to actively cultivate a life of honesty, integrity, compassion, and humility.

The "new man" metaphor encourages people to make conscious decisions that are in line with their faith, promoting a continuous spiritual growth and maturity.

Cross-References

• Colossians 3:10: "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."
• 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."
• Romans 6:4: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
• Galatians 3:27: "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

• "New man" (καινὸν ἄνθρωπον - kainon anthropon): This refers to the new nature or self, implying a transformation or renewal.
• "Created" (κτισθέντα - ktisthenta): This word signifies something that is made or established, implying divine craftsmanship.
• "Righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη - dikaiosyne): This term means justice or virtue, indicative of a state approved by God.
• "Holiness" (ὁσιότητι - hosiotes): Implies piety or sanctity, relating to a distinct separation from what is common or unclean, dedicated to God's purposes.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this to other ancient religious concepts, we see echoes in the idea of spiritual rebirth found in various mystery religions of the time, although in Christianity this rebirth is through faith in Christ and not through initiation rites.

The concept of discarding an old life for a new, more moral and spiritually aware existence is also found in other philosophies like Stoicism, yet the Christian understanding involves a transformation that is not only ethical but also relational, defined by communion with God.

Scientific Perspectives

While the language of this verse is theological and metaphorical, the concept of "putting on the new man" can be loosely paralleled in scientific discussions about neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout life.

This reflects the understanding that humans can indeed undergo significant transformation, not just spiritually or morally, but also physically, in the structures of their brains.

However, it's important to note that the scientific perspective discusses physiological changes, not spiritual or ethical renewal.

Commentaries

Experts on this verse have provided various insights:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary references the "old man" as the sin nature from Adam, and the "new man" as the transformed nature through Christ, casting light on the transformative power of Christian conversion.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses the "new man" as a corporate body of believers, not just an individual transformation, emphasizing the communal aspect of Christian sanctification.
• John Calvin in his commentaries saw this verse as calling Christians to resemble God, stating that righteousness and holiness are the two principal marks by which God's children are distinguished.
• Contemporary theologians like N.T.

Wright suggest that this ongoing renewal of the self is both personal and corporal, meaning that it is something experienced individually but also something that affects and involves the community.