Ephesians 5:15-21
Historical Context of Ephesians
Ephesus was part of Western Asian Minor and remained as the capital of Asia under the Roman rule and empire that is located on the western coast of Turkey near Selçuk in modern day today. Ephesus during the time was considered to be a very important city during the early Christian era and held significant prosperity due to its strategic location, the banking and commerce that was happening there. Aelius Aristides called Ephesus to being the most prosperous commercial center at that time because of its control over the financial affairs of Western Asian Minor. It was there that Paul would remain and minister the people for three years. This is recorded in Acts 19:8-10 and Acts 20:31. With around 250,000 people by the first century after the death of Jesus Christ, this would bring Ephesus to the third largest city in the east.
The people who lived here during the classical period worshipped and offered sacrifices to the Greek goddess Artemis, otherwise known to be the mother goddess Cybele. They believed that their city’s relationship with Artemis was a divine direct covenant relationship.
This led them to build temples dedicated to the goddess during the seventh century BC. The Lydican Kings attacked this city during the sixth and seventh centuries until the time of Alexander the Great in 334 BC when Ephesus would be ruled by Persia. Not only was the goddess Artemis worshipped, but soon the citizens began to see and consider Alexander the Great as a god in this city. Near 133 BC, the Romans would take over the city of Ephesus transforming it to become the capital of the Asia province. The practice of magic was closely tied to the worship of Artemis, and Ephesus gained a reputation for being a center for magical practices in antiquity because of that. The Jewish community also lived here as well. They were given citizenship in Ephesus and had permission to have religious freedom to practice their religion that was brought up by tradition. This allowed them to help the Jerusalem Temple instead of serving in the military.
In the church at the time, there was a problem with Jew and Gentile disunity which Paul brings up the topic of unity and being one in Christ shown in Ephesians 2:11 that says, “Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands...”. The indication that the Jews were the ones having problems with the Gentiles were because the Jews were the ones who would receive circumcision to show that they were set apart from others to be God’s chosen people (Gn. 17:10-14; Jr. 4:4, Dt. 10:14). Another problem facing the church was the deal with the issue of divine power and evil spirits in the churches during the first century in Ephesus. Ephesians 2: 1-3 says, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” In response to this, the letter of Ephesians was written to the Gentile Christian readers and members of the church. This audience was known to have many places that they needed to grow in.
Paul had two major concerns in this letter that he wanted to address the problems facing the church. First he wanted to establish and reinforce the identity that these believers have in Jesus Christ now as well as in the church which is emphasized in the first three chapters. He also wanted to remind the believers in their purpose in God’s plan, the blessings and privileges of what comes with being believers in Christ. The second half of the letter which contains chapters four to six tackle Paul’s second concern. He follows through with addressing the believers the implications that come along with living in identity as believers in Jesus Christ as well as warning them of the urgency to live carefully and wisely as the days are evil. This is seen in Ephesians 2:10 that says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
Ephesians 5:15-21 fits in the plan of the letter as it will contrast the new life in Christ with the old. It is here that Paul will explain to the Ephesians the importance of living as wise and not as unwise through the power of the Holy Spirit that will eventually result in edification and worship within the believers. The chapter leading before this passage will slowly ease in the work of the Spirit as there is a stressed importance of keeping “the unity of the Spirit” in chapter four. The chapter preceding this passage will then further explain the instructions for family life in relationship between husband and wife being compared to the relationship between Christ and the Church.
15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
The conjunction “therefore” introduces the new section. Yet not only does it introduce the new section, but it is the connection that links the exhortation in the previous section with the next few verses after this one. Paul’s use of the conjunction word “therefore” and the exhortation to be careful how to walk are all an appeal to the readers that they must pay careful attention to how they live their life everyday. The verb “walk” is mentioned six times in the second half of the letter. The warning to be careful how to walk is advising the Ephesians to observe the way they are living their life and their behavior to see if it is contradictory to their calling and identity in Christ. It is a reference to moral discernment and not just obtaining the knowledge of how to live wisely.
They must live life in wisdom. This is not just any type of wisdom but specifically God’s wisdom and not wisdom to what the world deems it to be. The difference between the two is that human wisdom is foolish in God’s eyes. This is seen in 1 Corinthians 1:19 that says, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” It is also seen in Isaiah 29:14 that says, “Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous; and the wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed.” For it was with this type of wisdom that led people to crucify Jesus on the cross that Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8.
The readers are first warned not live as the unwise. The unwise are those that do not seek the things of God which is to live a godly life. They are ignorant and can’t seek the things of God because they do not know what pleases Him nor do they know or care to know about salvation. Instead, they put value and seek the things that are meaningless in life. Sometimes these things harm them and actually tend to be very dangerous. Paul urges the Ephesians to not live like those who are unwise but will encourage them to live like the wise.
In contrast, Paul urges the believers to wake up and be alert for they must not live like the unwise but as wise. They must live as wise for they are to live according to their calling and identity now found in Jesus Christ. The type of wisdom that they are instructed to live is the commandment to live a life that is in right conduct according to the way that pleases the Lord. It is to know the desires and things of God. Not only is it just to know, but it is also for one to obey and follow through when they know what type of life pleases Him. Living a life as a wise man is to live a holy life set apart from the gentile pagan culture.
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil
There is a sense of urgency Paul rises to the Ephesians and that is the warning to make the most of their time for the days are evil. According to the Old Testament, prophetic works were used to describe the apocalyptic times which remains part of the Jewish doctrine.“The days are evil” is the apocalyptic point in time. The last days are characterized by evil in the Jewish and early Christian tradition as seen in 2 Peter 3:3 and 2 Timothy 3:1 that says, “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.”. Not only are the days evil but they have powerful supernatural forces dominating it. There will be rebellion against God and His authority. The mentioning of the apocalyptic end times is noted in Daniel and characterizes Judaism during the first century.
Paul stresses urgency and awareness against wasting and misusing the time and opportunity presented to the Ephesians because of the end times as he also reminds them of their identity. Life is short and time is precious for a believer. There will come a day of God’s judgement, and it is drawing near. Therefore, one must not be foolish with their time before it will be too late. The reference of evil days or evil age is not just the temptations to sin but that the world will soon come to an end. It is because of these days that those who live in Christ and this new identity should not live in the kind of lifestyle that is wasteful and deals with the lack of self control. An example of what a waste of time would be sleeping and drunkenness. These things do not allow one use that opportunity for good works. It’s like a soldier being asleep on duty. The sobriety of a soldier is important so that they may stay alert and ready to battle.
In contrast, the Ephesians must make the most of their time. This means buying the time or redeeming the time they have. There should not be any waiting for an opportunity to appear but believers should create the opportunity and use it regardless. It is up to the person on how they use the time whether it is wasting time or buying it. The thing about time is that it is precious, however it is always passing. Time cannot recover or go back when it passes. Because of these circumstances, the Ephesians are commanded to make the most of their time by being productive and living wisely. What this means for the Ephesians is for them to be a light for God in the days that are evil and dark. The opportunity that they have is the God-given opportunity presented before them to walk in wisdom and to demonstrate a life in light instead of darkness. Therefore, during this time of waiting for the second coming of the Lord in the days that are evil, believers are urged to share the Gospel as seen in 2 Peter 3:9 and devote a life living in wisdom by doing good works as seen in Galatians 6:10.
17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
The beginning of this verse starts off with the conjunction of “so then” which is used to connect and refer back to the idea expressed in Ephesians 5:15-16. It is a reference to the evil times, appeal to live wickedly, the great danger and precious time one has.
After informing the readers of the time they have and the evil in the days, Paul warns the readers to not be foolish. The word “foolish” is mentioned many times in the Old Testament and is recorded to be found seventy-four times in Proverbs. It is often characterized by being lazy, quick tempered, proud, careless and ignorant. However, it is in being foolish that there is a refusal to acknowledge dependence on God and refusal to seek the will of God. According to the Jewish tradition, a fool is one to throw away the opportunity of salvation. “Foolish” in this verse has the same context that is seen in Luke 12:20 and Matthew 7:26 that reads, “And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” It is in this context that Matthew 25:1-12 talks about five foolish virgins missing their chance to join the bridegroom for the wedding feast for they were not ready, and they were denied by the Lord. One who is a fool does not seek the Lord’s will therefore will not care to obey it where as a wise man will.
Since Paul warns against being foolish, he then instructs them to understand the Lord’s will. The will of the Lord is the mystery of God bringing all things together in Christ for the purpose of His will stated in Ephesians 1:11. It is the grace of God and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Therefore, the readers’ must live a life that is changing and transforming in the light of this truth and knowledge. This is what it means to understand the will of the Lord. They’re now able to discern what is pleasing to the Lord and act on it. Proverbs 2:1-9 says, “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you ... applying your heart to understanding (σύνεσις) ... then you will understand (συνήσεις) the fear of the LORD.... For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (σύνησις).... Then you will understand (συνήσεις) what is right and just and fair—every good path”. Paul talks about the will of the Lord in Phillippians 2:12-13 that speaks upon working out salvation in fear and tremble for God is working in believers to produce work and power to carry it in accordance to His good pleasure. The will of the Lord is also mentioned earlier in the first half of the letter to the Ephesians. Specifically it is found in Ephesians 1:11 that reads, “also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” Paul urges the people to allow the will of the Lord be the final authority of truth and influence in how they live their life.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit
The relevance theory helps us to understand what seemed to be culturally happening in Ephesus and gives more insight into why the command of not getting drunk with wine is being addressed to the Ephesians. The cult of Dionysus seems to be a huge cultural influence on the Ephesians. It’s found in literary accounts, coins and other inscriptions in Ephesus. Dionysus is the wine God that people believed being drunk would lead to an experience of union and intimacy with this god. Drunkenness was associated with Dionysus and required people to practice sexual acts or acts referring to sexual symbolism. It is believed that it’s because of these cults that Paul is trying to warn against drunkenness with the need to address the Ephesian believers of this false belief and practice they believed would increase unity and their relationship with God.
Debauchery and dissipation is the overindulgence of a substance to create a pleasure of intimate feelings and thoughts. It is supposed to help relieve oneself of worries and care and is often referred to getting drunk on wine. Wine influences and controls one’s life and actions that produce nothing good, no lasting joy or pleasure. In fact it is very harmful and can be dangerous for a person. Overindulging and being intoxicated does not heal any cares or worries of life, instead this feeling of “upliftedness” that it brings to a person is fake. This type of exhilaration from being drunk is the enemy’s use and substitute of joy that God provides which is unspeakable. Not only that but drunkenness is often referred to as having no self control or a loss of self control. Paul refers to the believers to not get drunk on wine because when one is under the influence of wine, it will lead them to live carelessly and recklessly that creates an appetite and desire for pleasure, money and resources. It will give opportunities to be reckless under the influence of drunkenness. There is never stability involved in drunkenness but only that of swaying and stumbling.
The word “filled” has many different definitions. Each author tends to use one same word in a different context changing the meaning of the word. The word “filled” can be used as the definition to bring forth an action to completion and answered. This is used in Luke 4:21 that says, “And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’” In this context, the word “filled” generally has a past tense that shows completion or an accomplishment that has taken form. It typically involves the mentioning of prophecy or has a reference to another part of Scripture showing the word or prophecy being prophesied. Another definition of the meaning of what “filled” can be is the abundance in volume or an overflow of something to overtake a capacity of something else. This definition has been used in John 12:3 and Acts 2:2 which says, “And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.” Observations on the context of this definition of “filled” include a mention of the filling of volume in a room or object. It deals with physical things that can be seen and touched. However, by observing the two definitions of the word, the term used in the context of Ephesians does not show evidence of using the same definition as the first two listed above based on observations of the context in Ephesians 5. The word in the case of Ephesians 5:18 seems to have a very similar context compared to Acts 2:28, John 16:6 and Romans 1:9. For example in John 16:6 it says, “But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.” The word sorrow is not a physical thing to be grasped or touched but is an emotion and content that is unseen. It does have a physical outcome and plays an effect in someone’s behavior and actions though the emotion or attribute itself is something that cannot be physically seen or touched like water filling a container. For example, when someone is filled with sorrow, some actions that are typically displayed are shown through someone lamenting or crying. These actions often resemble and referenced sorrow. Therefore when taking a look at the word “filled” used in this verse shows correlation of the same type of context happening just like the word sorrow being used to reference what the heart was being filled with in John 16:6. Instead of sorrow being used to be filled in someone, the Spirit is taking place instead and being the one to be filling a believer.
When someone is filled with the Spirit, it will affect the way they behave and their actions. It determines the way they will act. According to BDAG, the Greek English Lexicon, it defines the word specifically used in Ephesians 5:18 “To make full, fill of persons with powers, qualities”. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament defines the word to be one to control and influence the one it is filling. Those who are filled with this content will have their whole life and being shaped. So after taking a closer look at the definition, it can be concluded that Paul instructs the believers to be filled by the Spirit and allow it to guide and shape the way a believer thinks, acts and lives their life. Instead of being under the influence of wine and alcohol that produce negative effects to a person, Paul urges the Ephesians to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
The contrast seen in Ephesians 5 is specifically there to contrast the two states being compared, what the wine and the Spirit produces. The state both produce is intoxication. Intoxication with wine is negative and has a bad effect whereas being intoxicated with the Spirit will have an uplifting effect. For it is when one is intoxicated with the Holy Spirit that there will be lasting joy, deep insight and inner satisfaction. It is the source of exhilaration and the people are encouraged to seek this. Instead of turning to alternating meaningless substances like wine that do not produce anything that lasts, they shall turn to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
So what is the Spirit trying to influence the believers to become? What are the means of the Holy Spirit’s dwelling and influence in one's life? It is to ultimately transform the believers, in this case the Gentile Ephesians, to be changing and transforming into the likeness of God and Christ. The Spirit is the one who mediates the fullness of God and Christ in the believer. So Paul is urging the readers to allow the Spirit to work in their life and to change them according to the image of Christ and God.
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord
The participles mentioned in verse 19 is taken as a measure of being filled by the Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit will lead to an action being carried out. In this case, there is a connection between being filled with the Spirit and corporate worship. God meets His people when they gather and there is a strengthening of the Holy Spirit that He gives them so that they can bring Him worship and praise.
The listing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs indicate the importance and necessity of believers communicating and speaking with one another and not just by themselves. As Christians speak amongst each other, the Spirit will manifest himself in the fellowship and gathering of believers. Worship is corporate and not an individual experience thus the reason why Paul encourages them to speak and also interact with one another when worshipping the Lord. First they must speak with one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. This type of praise and thanksgiving to God is audible and involves the use of an outward voice. When believers speak amongst each other and interact with one another in psalms and hymns, it should be edifying from the heart to the praise and honor of the Lord. They should make melody or music with their voices or an instrument. The reasoning for speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs are to show a believers gratitude. What's going on between believers as they speak to one another is a horizontal relationship that is happening.
Paul is showing the Ephesians that when they are filled with the Spirit, it will lead and result in them expressing their praise in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Firstly, Paul mentions speaking to one another in psalms. Psalms have been referenced in the Old Testament. They have the same root with the word “chanting”. Many psalms are generally played with string instruments. Some believe it to be the plucking of strings on a harp that is being used in Old Testament pieces of music to be considered a psalm. Secondly, hymns are also mentioned as an expressive way to give thanks. It is possibly a synonym for psalm. Psalms and hymns were used to sing and express celebration by the Jewish people in the temples. The last way to sing and speak praises to God is through spiritual songs that Paul mentions in this verse. The structure of these songs contain an assortment of ways it may be expressed from having short choruses to longer ones. Spiritual songs are pieces that contain inspired music or words of exhortation. They are actively inspired by the Holy Spirit, but it’s not the same type of inspiration of the Scripture. Some of these spiritual songs are used for the purpose to describe praises in heavily worship often used in Revelation 5:9; 14:3 and 15:3.
Not only are they praising God physically and audibly but there is also encouragement that happens and strengthening in their hearts with one another. The second half of the sentence that says “singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” is another way of praising God that is inaudible compared to speaking to other believers. This type of praise is now involving the believer’s heart and not just focused on the outward and audible praise.
20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father
God is concerned about the content of the worship and praise that His people bring to Him and not the type of music. Paul specifically mentions that the worship directed to God should be full of thanks. Thanksgiving is what should be reflected in the worship to God. The Holy Spirit’s goal is to bring God and Jesus Christ the honor therefore giving thanks is a sign of being filled with the Spirit.
Thanksgiving is the acknowledgement of a gift or benefit a person has received, and in return they are having gratitude for it. They recognize that the gift or blessing they have received is not a work that they have done to themselves to earn the credit but that they are unworthy of the blessing or gift. God is the one that deserves all thanksgiving. In some cases, it’s easy for people to forget to give thanks because they fail to recognize the giver. Many times, people do give thanks but only to other people who are a secondary cause. They fail to give thanks to the first cause, the first giver who is God. In the case of the Ephesians, they know that all the blessings they receive are from the Lord and come from His love. They are also aware that they are part of “the Lord’s family”.
In relation to God, believers must be spurring in love and adoration of God for all the blessings they have received. The most blessed response to these gracious gifts from God is to offer a response of gratitude and thanksgiving upon the gift bestowed upon them. Thanksgiving should happen before, during and after any situation. In fact, it should always happen in all situations and for all things. The act of giving thanks, for the many great and small things for God has done, is a defining characteristic of the life of a Christian everyday and not just during corporate worship during church (Ephesians 15).
Paul just doesn’t exhort the Ephesians to give thanks for all things but specifically in the name of Jesus Christ to God. Thanks must be given in the name of Jesus Christ for it is only through Christ that the Ephesians receive such blessings. When things are done in the name of Jesus Christ, it means that a gathering of the Church is made in His name for worship. An example of this meeting is the Eucharist otherwise known as communion. Paul commends that the Ephesians who are filled with the Spirit must live a life that is continually in gratitude in and for everything in the name of Jesus Christ.
21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ
In relation to the passage before this verse, verse twenty one is an exhortation for the believers to submit to one another in the name of Jesus Christ. The result of being filled with the Spirit will lead believers to submit themselves to each other. Submitting to one another means showing respect. What drives one’s relationship and stewards their responsibilities at home and at work is the obedience to Christ.
Yet submission goes beyond than just having respect for other brothers and sisters. It is to put the other’s needs and preference ahead of one's own. Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor,” and Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;”. It is seen that Paul’s desire for the Ephesians is for them to submit to one another similar to his longing for the Philippians to humbly consider and put others above themselves as more important. Self denial and having the concern over other brothers and sisters in Christ is important, and Paul commends and encourages the believers to live like this. The Holy Spirit will manifest itself in moments believers submit to each other. Joyful fellowship and unity comes from willingness of submission. When there is arrogance and selfishness involved in a person’s behavior and attitude, it hinders the Spirit from working as well as hindering the unity and ministry that can happen. Individualism and pride are disruptive to the unity and fellowship.
Believers are to submit to each other in the name of Jesus Christ. This type of submission is also the same that Jesus commands His disciples to be servants to one another. Submit in this context is similar to one swearing their allegiance to authority like a commander or governor. It means living in respect to an orderly manner and not being rebellious. However it is not submission to yield to any wish of a believer but that it is in line with the reverence for Jesus Christ when Paul says to submit in the fear of Christ. In accordance to the verse following after this one that mentions the husband and wife, the husband must also submit to the wife to an extent. He must submit to the wife in that he will put her needs and interest above his own. Even though the husband is the lead of the family, He is called to love her with humility because she is part of the body of Christ.
In Summary…
The identity that the Gentile Ephesians now live as are called, predestined and adopted sons to be presented as blameless and set apart through Jesus Christ for the will and glory of God (Eph 1:4-10). They once identified themselves to be lovers of the World devoting their time and practice to the things of the world and not of God. However because of their calling and identity found in Jesus Christ now, Paul exhorts them to live in the light of this truth and its implications for the life of these believers. First they are to pay attention to the way they live their life and behave. They must observe their lifestyle and adjust the way they live not as unwise men who do not seek the things of God for they despise it and do not know what pleases Him. In contrast, they must live wisely by seeking and obeying the will of the Lord. It means conducting their life to be pleasing to His eyes despite the heavy influence the pagan world surrounds them with. The end times is drawing near as the days are evil. This is a circumstance that calls the Ephesians to make use of their time by making every opportunity to do good and live a life worthy of their calling and identity in Christ. They must be sober and alert for the day of judgement will come, and they will need to be ready. They then are instructed to not be foolish but to understand the will of the Lord for the foolish throw away the chance of salvation and live a meaningless life chasing after things that are not everlasting, but those who understand the will of the Lord apply the commandments of what is pleasing and wise in the eyes of God. These believers are urged to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit instead of drunkenness which does not lead to everlasting joy. When they are filled with the Spirit, it will result in them expressing thanks to God in the name of Jesus Christ in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs and submitting to one another.
What then are these implications for believers today? First it calls all believers to remember that their identity is found in Jesus Christ. For we are called, predestined and adopted in the family of God. Now that there is remembrance of this identity, there is a calling for us to live in light of this truth–– as sons and daughters of the Lord. This is achieved through the reading of the truth found in Scripture. When believers engage themselves in the reading of Scripture, there is a renewal of the mind and revealing of the truth. After reading and seeking the will of the Lord, the body of Christ now is called to live a life in accordance to this truth. Believers need to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit and not under the influence of the world. The Holy Spirit will influence how we live our lives. It influences the decisions we make and helps us to live a life in constant sanctification for this is the will and good pleasure for the Lord, that we are to do good works. Practically speaking, it means that we are actively reading the Word instead of devoting all our time reading or watching things of this world like television series that promote careless living. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Second implication it has for believers today is the call to obey the commandments of the Lord. For if we understand the will of the Lord, we must put it into action. Starting from learning how to love one another including our enemies to learning how to forgive each other. It also calls for sanctification and perseverance in being sanctified. For some it may be learning to say no to drinking and being under the influence of alcohol. For others it may be learning to say no to watching pornography and asking God for help to cleanse the mind to place value in purity. The question is what area in your life do you need to let go of in order that you may continue to grow in sanctification everyday for the will and glory of God? What ways are you “recklessly” living life as a pagan who does not know or seek the will of God? Is the church living as an unwise man under the influence of the world or that of a wise man under the influence of the Spirit?
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