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Ephesians 5

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

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.

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

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.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

What does Ephesians 5:10 mean?

Explanation

The verse Ephesians 5:10, "Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord," advises believers to test or discern what is pleasing to God in their behavior and choices.

In a literal sense, this verse implies that Christians should be actively evaluating their actions to ensure they align with God's will and what He has declared to be right and good.

On a deeper level, it suggests a life of reflection and continuous spiritual growth, where one's faith is not static but is lived out through choices that reflect God's character and commandments.

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul approximately in A.D. 60-62 while he was imprisoned in Rome.

The church in Ephesus was experiencing growth and was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

This mix of cultural backgrounds required instruction on how to live as one body in Christ.

In chapter 5, where the verse is located, Paul is providing specific instructions on Christian living, promoting a lifestyle distinct from the immorality and idolatry prevalent in the surrounding Greco-Roman society.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse connects with the concepts of sanctification and discipleship.

Sanctification is the process by which Christians become more like Christ in their thoughts, desires, and actions, and this verse embodies that transformative journey.

Commentary on this passage often emphasizes the importance of active discernment in a believer's life, a core tenet in Christian doctrine that encourages personal responsibility in one's spiritual growth and moral decisions.

Practical Applications

Practically, "Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord" can guide daily decision-making and behavior for Christians.

Whether it concerns business ethics, personal relationships, or entertainment choices, this verse urges believers to reflect on whether their actions would be pleasing to God.

It calls for an intentional and sometimes countercultural stance in a world with divergent moral standards.

Cross-References

Romans 12:2 - "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 - "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil."

Colossians 1:10 - "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"

Language Study

The key word in this verse is "proving" (Greek: δοκιμάζοντες, dokimazontes), which means to test, examine, or discern. It involves not a casual glance but a careful determination.

The phrase "what is acceptable" (Greek: τὸ εὐάρεστον, to euareston) refers to that which is well-pleasing or satisfactory. Together, these words express a deliberate and thoughtful process to identify what meets God's standards.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the broader cultural and religious landscape of the ancient world, many religions had prescribed rituals and practices intended to please their deities.

In contrast, Christianity, as depicted in Ephesians, emphasizes an individual's moral and spiritual discernment according to divine principles. This notion contrasts with the idea of appeasing gods through external rites, which was common in many ancient religions.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly engage with scientific themes, the principle of testing and proving aligns with scientific methodology's emphasis on evidence and verification.

The idea of examining what is acceptable to the Lord mirrors the process of hypothesizing and experimenting to discover truths in the natural world, though, in the context of Ephesians, the focus is on moral and spiritual truths.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries emphasize that Ephesians 5:10 is a call to live with discernment in a complex world.

Matthew Henry's commentary highlights the need for Christians to not only abstain from evil but to question what is truly virtuous.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary notes that this discernment comes not through human wisdom but through being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

John Stott, in his commentary, argues that this verse emphasizes how Christian ethics are not determined by societal standards but by what is pleasing to God.

Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5

What does Ephesians 5:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Ephesians 5:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?