Ephesians 5:1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children….
For me, this chapter is a vivid reminder that Paul’s letters are just that—letters to specific groups of people struggling with specific issues in a specific time. We can learn a lot about the cultural mores of the time from these letters. For me, Paul’s legalistic rhetoric also belies his past as a Pharisee.
Ephesians 5:2 …and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
John 13:34 sums up Jesus’s biblical ideology pretty succinctly: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Love God. Love others. Period. Paul had a heart for Jesus and His people. The tone of Paul’s letters seems to indicate that he felt the faithful in Ephesus needed more structure as they grew in faith.
Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
Lord, Your command seems at times deceptively simply: Love God; love others. Thank You for those who try to provide extra structure for those who are struggling in their faith, yet help us never lose sight of the simple truth of Your words: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Amen.
Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Have a blessed day.