Ephesians 5: Walking in Love and Light – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary

✨Executive Summary✨

Ephesians 5, a cornerstone of Christian living, unfolds a profound call to emulate God’s love, walk in the light, and cultivate lives marked by holiness. This chapter delves into the transformative power of grace, urging believers to abandon darkness and embrace the radiant purity of Christ. It offers practical exhortations against immorality, greed, and foolish talk, emphasizing thanksgiving and Spirit-filled worship. The passage culminates in instructions for mutual submission within marriage, portraying the husband’s sacrificial love as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church, and the wife’s respectful obedience as a response to that divine love. Ultimately, Ephesians 5 paints a vivid picture of Christian maturity, characterized by love, light, and a harmonious relationship between husband and wife mirroring Christ and His bride, the Church. This chapter shows us how to **walk in love** everyday.

Ephesians 5 is a beacon illuminating the path to a life pleasing to God. It’s more than just a list of rules; it’s an invitation to transform our very being into a reflection of Christ. Let us delve into the depths of this chapter, exploring its rich theological tapestry and uncovering its practical wisdom for our lives today.

📖 Ephesians 5:1-2 – Imitators of God: Walking in Love 📖

(Ephesians 5:1-2 KJV) 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.

(Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

The Apostle Paul begins with a powerful imperative: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” The Greek word for “followers” is μιμηταὶ (mimetai), meaning “imitators.” We are called, not to merely admire God, but to actively imitate Him in our daily lives. We are “dear children” (τέκνα ἀγαπητά – tekna agapeta), beloved children, echoing the Father’s love towards us and reflecting it back to the world. Walking in love, as Christ loved us, necessitates a self-sacrificial spirit, demonstrated by Christ’s ultimate offering of Himself “for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” This echoes the Old Testament sacrifices but transcends them, emphasizing the completeness and finality of Christ’s atonement.

St. Athanasius writes: “God became man so that man might become God.” (Ἀυτὸς γὰρ ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν – Athanasius, *De Incarnatione*, 54.3). This divine exchange calls us to strive for a likeness of Christ. How do we put this in practice? We can start by using dohost website builder services to create an engaging and informative Christian website to share God’s words.

• Application: Seek ways to emulate God’s attributes of mercy, compassion, and forgiveness in your interactions with others.
• Application: Consciously choose acts of love, even when difficult, remembering Christ’s sacrifice as your inspiration.

📖 Ephesians 5:3-4 – Avoiding Immorality and Foolish Talk 📖

(Ephesians 5:3-4 KJV) 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.

(Ephesians 5:3-4 NKJV) But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

Paul now turns to practical exhortations regarding purity. “Fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.” These vices are antithetical to the holiness expected of believers. Covetousness (πλεονεξία – pleonexia), an insatiable desire for more, is equated with idolatry elsewhere (Colossians 3:5), highlighting its destructive nature. “Filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient” speaks against speech that degrades, defiles, or distracts from spiritual growth. The antidote? “But rather giving of thanks.” Cultivating a grateful heart shifts our focus from worldly desires to God’s abundant blessings.

The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of asceticism, not as an end in itself, but as a means of purifying the heart and mind for deeper communion with God. As Abba Macarius the Great said, “Tear up vice from the root, lest its branches spring up again” (Ἀπόσπασον τὴν κακίαν ἐκ ῥιζῶν, μήποτε οἱ κλάδοι πάλιν ἐκβλαστήσωσι – *Apophthegmata Patrum*, Macarius 1).

• Application: Consciously monitor your thoughts, words, and actions, rejecting anything that compromises your spiritual purity.
• Application: Cultivate a habit of daily thanksgiving, recognizing God’s blessings in every aspect of your life.

📖 Ephesians 5:5-7 – The Inheritance of the Kingdom 📖

(Ephesians 5:5-7 KJV) 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.

(Ephesians 5:5-7 NKJV) For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Paul issues a stern warning: those who persist in immorality, uncleanness, and covetousness have no inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ. This isn’t merely about losing a reward; it’s about lacking the very nature that qualifies one for eternal life. “Let no man deceive you with vain words,” Paul cautions, implying that some were trying to downplay the seriousness of these sins. The consequences are real: “because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” We are urged to “not be ye therefore partakers with them,” emphasizing the need for separation from ungodly influences.

This resonates with the teachings found in the Wisdom of Solomon (Deuterocanonical), which contrast the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the eternal consequences of their choices. This book, cherished in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, reinforces the importance of moral discernment and righteous living.

• Application: Reflect honestly on your own life. Identify any areas of compromise and seek God’s grace to overcome them.
• Application: Surround yourself with positive influences that encourage you to live a life of holiness and obedience.

💡 Ephesians 5:8-14 – Walking as Children of Light 💡

(Ephesians 5:8-14 KJV) 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.

(Ephesians 5:8-14 NKJV) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

This section presents a stark contrast: “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord.” This isn’t just a change in behavior; it’s a fundamental transformation of being. We are now called to “walk as children of light,” reflecting the nature of Christ. This walk is characterized by “goodness and righteousness and truth,” the fruit of the Spirit working in our lives. We are to avoid “the unfruitful works of darkness” and even “reprove them,” not necessarily with condemnation, but by exposing their emptiness in contrast to the fullness of life in Christ. The passage concludes with a call to awakening: “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light,” a clear reference to spiritual regeneration and the ongoing process of sanctification.

This echoes the imagery of the sun in the Coptic Orthodox hymns, often used to describe Christ as the “Sun of Righteousness” (Ἥλιος τῆς Δικαιοσύνης – Helios tēs Dikaiosynēs), bringing illumination and dispelling the darkness of sin. This concept aligns with the passage in 2 Peter 1:19, which refers to the “day star” arising in our hearts.

• Application: Be conscious of the light of Christ shining within you and allow it to guide your decisions and actions.
• Application: Seek opportunities to gently and lovingly expose the darkness in the world, offering the hope of Christ as an alternative.
• Application: Pray for a continual awakening to the presence of Christ in your life, allowing Him to illuminate every aspect of your being.

🎵 Ephesians 5:15-21 – Living Wisely, Filled with the Spirit 🎵

(Ephesians 5:15-21 KJV) 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.

(Ephesians 5:15-21 NKJV) See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.

The Apostle Paul urges believers to “walk circumspectly,” or carefully, wisely, and thoughtfully. “Redeeming the time” (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι τὸν καιρὸν – exagorazomenoi ton kairon) means making the most of every opportunity for good, recognizing the brevity and preciousness of life. Instead of being “drunk with wine,” which leads to excess, we are to “be filled with the Spirit,” leading to spiritual vitality. This filling manifests in worship (“speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”), thanksgiving (“giving thanks always for all things”), and mutual submission (“submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God”). The submission here isn’t hierarchical dominance, but a voluntary and respectful consideration for one another.

The Coptic Orthodox tradition strongly emphasizes the importance of liturgical worship, which includes singing hymns and psalms as a means of drawing closer to God and edifying one another. This echoes the practices of the early Church, as described in the Didache, which encourages believers to gather regularly for worship and mutual encouragement.

• Application: Intentionally plan your time to prioritize spiritual growth and service to others.
• Application: Cultivate a lifestyle of worship, incorporating prayer, scripture reading, and singing into your daily routine.
• Application: Practice humility and respect in your relationships, seeking to serve and uplift others.

💖 Ephesians 5:22-33 – Husbands and Wives: A Reflection of Christ and the Church 💖

(Ephesians 5:22-33 KJV) 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.

(Ephesians 5:22-33 NKJV) Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

This passage, often debated and misunderstood, offers profound insight into the God-ordained roles within marriage. Wives are exhorted to “submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord,” which doesn’t imply inferiority but rather a willing and respectful recognition of the husband’s role as head of the household, mirroring Christ’s headship over the Church. However, this is immediately balanced by the instruction to husbands: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” This is a sacrificial, selfless love, willing to prioritize the wife’s well-being above one’s own. The goal is mutual sanctification, “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.” The passage concludes by emphasizing the unity of marriage: “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,” a concept rooted in Genesis 2:24 and reflecting the profound spiritual union between Christ and the Church. This understanding is crucial for those searching for good Christian resources.

St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on Ephesians, emphasizes the reciprocal nature of these roles, urging husbands to treat their wives with tenderness and respect, and wives to honor their husbands with love and obedience. He states, “The head of the wife is the husband; but let him not for this cause be lifted up; nor let the wife, because she is subjected, be abject; for he is the head, that he may provide for her, not that he may insult over her; Christ also is the head of the Church, to provide for it, to cherish it.” (Ἰωάννης Χρυσόστομος, *Homiliae in Epistolam ad Ephesios*, XX.3).

• Application: Wives, reflect on ways to demonstrate respect and support for your husband, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation.
• Application: Husbands, strive to love your wives with the same selfless devotion that Christ showed for the Church, prioritizing their needs and well-being.
• Application: Couples, prioritize prayer and communication, seeking God’s guidance in navigating the challenges and joys of marriage.

❓ FAQ ❓

• Q: Does “submission” in Ephesians 5:22 mean that wives are inferior to their husbands?

  No, submission as described in Ephesians 5:22 doesn’t imply inferiority. It signifies a willing and respectful recognition of the husband’s role as the head of the household, similar to how the Church voluntarily submits to Christ’s leadership. It is a mutual act of love and respect within the marriage covenant.

• Q: How can husbands practically love their wives as Christ loved the Church?

  Husbands can emulate Christ’s love by prioritizing their wives’ well-being, sacrificing their own desires for their wives’ happiness, and nurturing their wives’ spiritual growth. This involves active listening, empathy, and consistent acts of service and affection.

• Q: What does it mean to “be filled with the Spirit” in Ephesians 5:18?

  Being filled with the Spirit is a continuous process of yielding oneself to the Holy Spirit’s control and influence. It involves seeking God’s guidance through prayer and Scripture reading, and allowing the Spirit to empower us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. The result is a life characterized by joy, peace, and love.

• Q: How does Ephesians 5 relate to modern relationships and societal changes?

  While cultural contexts change, the core principles of love, respect, and mutual submission remain timeless. Applying Ephesians 5 in modern relationships requires careful consideration of individual circumstances, a commitment to open communication, and a willingness to prioritize the principles of selflessness and unity over cultural norms that may contradict biblical values.

✨Conclusion✨

Ephesians 5 is a powerful call to transformation. It urges us to move from darkness to light, from selfishness to love, and from worldly pursuits to spiritual growth. The emphasis on **walking in love**, mirroring Christ’s sacrifice, permeates every aspect of our lives, from our personal conduct to our relationships. The chapter provides practical guidance for living a life pleasing to God, emphasizing purity, wisdom, and Spirit-filled worship. The profound image of marriage as a reflection of Christ and the Church challenges us to embrace mutual submission, sacrificial love, and a commitment to unity. By embracing these principles, we can become true imitators of God, living out the radiant truth of the Gospel in every sphere of our existence.

Tags

Ephesians 5, Christian Marriage, Walking in Love, Holy Living, Submission, Light, Darkness, Spirit-filled, Thanksgiving, Coptic Orthodox, Theology

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Explore Ephesians 5 with this in-depth Coptic Orthodox commentary: walk in love, live in the light, and transform your marriage into a reflection of Christ.