Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. 7 So do not be associated with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, 9 for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. 10 Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, 12 for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 15 Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, 16 making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord. 18 And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another [in] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Paul contrasts the behaviors associated with darkness, symbolizing sin and moral blindness, with those of the children of light, believers who live in righteousness and moral clarity. He warns the Ephesians not to be misled by "empty arguments" deceitful rationalizations that attempt to minimize or justify sinful behavior. These arguments could downplay the seriousness of the vices Paul previously listed, such as impurity and greed (Eph 5:3-5). As children of light, Christians should not "be associated" with the actions and company of those who live in defiance of God's law, for every act of impiety and wickedness will face the righteous wrath of God, as Paul emphasizes elsewhere in Romans (Rom 1:18).
Paul describes the former spiritual state of believers as one of moral blindness and sin, represented metaphorically by "darkness." Before their internal transformation through Christ, they lived in this darkness. Now, as recipients of God's grace, they are called to live in alignment with their new identity, producing the fruits of goodness, righteousness, and truth, which includes sincerity and fidelity to the Gospel.
Paul encourages believers to discern what pleases God, inviting them to live in a way that reflects God’s will. Christians should have no part in sinful actions but rather "expose" them primarily through the witness of their lives. Paul suggests that some sinful deeds done in secret are so shameful that they should not even be discussed openly. However, when exposed to the transformative power of the light of Christ, these deeds are revealed for what they are—evil.
Paul issues a call to spiritual awakening by quoting from what may be an early Christian hymn or baptismal liturgy, echoing Old Testament themes of resurrection and renewal (Is. 26:19; 60:1). He calls on the Ephesians to rise from their former sinful lives, referred to as “the dead”, and receive the light of Christ. Paul also instructs them to live wisely, making the most of their time in a world marked by evil. Because sin is pervasive, they should strive for a deeper understanding of God's will, not merely avoid sin on a superficial level.
Believers are warned not to indulge in drunkenness, which leads to reckless and debauched living. Instead, they are urged to live Spirit-filled lives, characterized by self-control, joy, and communal worship—key aspects of early Christian worship. Paul encourages them to express their faith through "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs," offering their prayers and actions through Christ to God the Father, always with gratitude and continual thanksgiving for all things.
Almighty God, grant us the wisdom to walk as children of light, discerning what pleases You. Help us to turn away from the darkness of sin and expose it through the witness of our lives. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may live in righteousness, truth, and thanksgiving, offering all we are to You in joy and love. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
- McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.
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