What does Ephesians 5:17 mean?

Explanation

The verse Ephesians 5:17, "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is," serves as an admonition to the readers to live with purpose and discernment in understanding and executing God's desires.

The word ‘unwise’ suggests a lack of spiritual insight or discernment, while the phrase ‘understanding what the will of the Lord is’ underscores the importance of gaining knowledge about God's intentions and character.

In essence, the Apostle Paul is encouraging believers to avoid thoughtless living and to actively seek divine guidance and align their actions with God's will.

Historical Context

Ephesians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul, likely while he was imprisoned in Rome around AD 60-62.

The audience was primarily the Christian community in the city of Ephesus, a major urban center in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey).

The church in Ephesus was composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts to Christianity.

This verse is part of a broader section in which Paul is instructing the Ephesians on how to live as followers of Christ, contrasting the former way of pagan life with their new identity in Christ.

Theological Insights

Theological viewpoints surrounding this verse often focus on the concept of God's will.

From a Calvinist perspective, God's will is sovereign and meticulous, guiding all events. They may emphasize the need for individuals to seek alignment with God's predetermined plan.

In contrast, Arminian theology might stress the individual's responsibility to choose to align with God's will, which is seen as desirous of but not coercing human actions.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can be applied to daily life by encouraging individuals to make wise decisions that reflect their faith.

This could involve personal disciplines such as regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, seeking godly counsel, and being involved in a community of believers to better discern God's will.

It can also mean being proactive in aligning one’s life with Christian values and ethics, rather than passively going along with societal norms that may conflict with those values.

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."
• Colossians 4:5, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."
• Proverbs 2:6, "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word translated as ‘unwise’ is "ἄσοφοι" (asophoi), which implies a lack of wisdom or prudence.

The term for ‘understanding’ is "συνίετε" (synieté), suggesting an active comprehension or putting together of pieces. ‘Will’ translates from the Greek "θέλημα" (thélēma), which refers to what one wishes or has determined shall be done; in the context of the Lord, it represents His desires and intentions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, wisdom was highly valued and often personified as a deity or an attribute of a deity, such as Athena in Greek mythology or Ma'at in Egyptian religion. In Judaism, the wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) emphasizes seeking and living by wisdom.

Christianity, originating in this milieu, continued valuing wisdom but anchored it in the revelation of God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly correlate with scientific concepts, the encouragement to not be 'unwise' can be seen as an exhortation to engage in thoughtful and well-informed actions.

This aligns with the scientific method's ideals in making observations, gathering data, and forming evidence-based conclusions.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries emphasize the imperative nature of this verse, highlighting that understanding God's will is not optional but essential for Christian living.

Matthew Henry’s commentary reflects on the foolishness of not knowing God's will, given that it is revealed in Scripture.

The Expositor's Greek Testament notes the stark contrast between living as 'unwise' versus living in an understanding of God's will, highlighting the moral and spiritual transformation expected in believers.

Contemporary scholars may also note the individual and communal aspects of discerning God’s will in the context of the modern church.