What does Ephesians 5:3 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 5:3 encourages believers to live a life that is markedly different from the immorality and greed often seen in the world.

In this verse, the Apostle Paul is clear in his command that followers of Christ should not only avoid engaging in sexual immorality, impurity, or greed but also avoid even speaking of such things in a way that suggests acceptance or endorsement.

The call is to a standard of purity and holiness in both action and speech that befits "saints," meaning the holy ones or those set apart for God.

This verse implores Christians to be distinct in their behavior, reflecting God's own nature, and to resist cultures of sin that might surround them.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul around AD 60-62 while he was under house arrest in Rome.

The letter was intended for the church in Ephesus, a major city of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), which was known for its commerce, pagan worship, and immorality synonymous with the worship of the goddess Artemis.

Paul's instruction comes amidst a society that normalized and even celebrated practices that were at odds with Christian teachings.

This verse, therefore, sought to remind the Ephesian Christians of their distinct identity in Christ and call them to a higher moral standard amid a non-Christian culture.

Theological Insights

The verse offers the theological insight that Christian ethics are grounded in the character of God, which is pure and holy.

The word "saints" refers to all believers, indicating that holiness is not just for a spiritual elite but all who follow Christ. It implies that ethics are not based on cultural norms but on God's own nature and requirements.

Some theologians argue that the avoidance of evil speech as well as deeds indicates the importance of shaping a community that encourages sanctification. The inclusivity of "all uncleanness, or covetousness" underscores the holiness of God as comprehensive, affecting every aspect of life.

Practical Applications

This verse inspires Christians today to examine their lifestyles and conversations, ensuring that they align with their professed beliefs.

It serves as a guide for personal behavior, community standards, and even the consumption of media and entertainment.

For many, it's a call to integrity and authenticity, living out faith even in contexts where such standards are counter-cultural.

It also underscores the need for accountability within Christian communities to uphold these standards collectively.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee fornication.

Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

• Colossians 3:5 - Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
• 1 Peter 1:15-16 - But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
• 2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Language Study

The key Greek terms in this verse include "porneia" (translated as fornication), which referred to any illicit sexual activity outside of marriage; "akatharsia" (uncleanness), implying impurity and possibly lustful living; and "pleonexia" (covetousness), suggesting greed or the desire to have more, often in a material sense, regardless of others' rights.

The command "let it not be once named among you" utilizes the Greek word "onomazeto," which means not only avoiding the act but not letting it be associated or identified with the Christian community.

The term "saints" is "hagios," indicative of being consecrated or set apart for God and therefore called to be different from the world.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Analogous exhortations to live a life of moral purity can be found in various religious traditions.

For instance, the concept of living a life set apart for the divine is seen in Hinduism's concept of "Brahmacharya," which literally means "conduct consistent with Brahman" and includes purity of thought and action.

In Buddhism, right action as part of the Eightfold Path includes refraining from sexual misconduct and greed.

These parallels underscore a broad recognition in many ancient religions of the significance of moral integrity.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology and sociology might intersect with this verse in understanding how establishing norms within a group affects behavior.

Scientific studies on the influence of communal standards and peer pressure could provide insight into Paul's insistence on not even naming such things among the believers.

Furthermore, research on addiction and behavioral patterns could offer a rationale for the complete avoidance of immoral behaviors, as even minimal engagement can lead to harmful patterns.

Commentaries

Commentaries typically acknowledge that Ephesians 5:3 describes a standard of conduct befitting those who profess to follow Christ.

For example, Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes how unbecoming these sins are to saints and how serious they should take the avoidance of even the mention of such behaviors.

John Calvin comments on the importance of not just avoiding the evil acts but also ensuring they do not taint the Christian community even through speech.

Modern commentators often stress the relevance of this verse in contemporary society, where such behaviors are frequently glamorized or normalized, encouraging Christians to be vigilant and counter-cultural in their ethical stance.