How this washing takes place is significant. It happens “by the washing of water with the word” (ῥῆμα, Eph. 5:26). This phrase by itself is odd at best. Paul used the analogy of marriage to talk about the church, which…
Eucharist
“giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” —Ephesians 5:20 When Paul directed Christians to give thanks always and for everything, he used the word Eucharist (εὐχαριστέω). The word is…
Foolishness
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. –Ephesians 5:17 The usual contrast to foolishness is wisdom, but here Paul contrasts foolishness with knowing God’s will. This contrast then suggests that wisdom is equated…
Redemption
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. –Ephesians 5:15-16 Christ redeems us (Galatians 4:5, Titus 2:14) and we are to redeem the time…
The Call to Culture War
But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” –Ephesians 5:13-14 In verse 14…
Leadership Vision
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. –Ephesians 5:11 Paul’s solution to the sin problem is exposure to the light of Christ. The Authorized Version translated it as reprove (ἐλέγχω, v. 11), and elsewhere…