Light versus Darkness

Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath(A) is coming on the disobedient because of these things.[a] Therefore, do not become their partners. For you were once darkness, but now you are light(B) in the Lord. Walk as children of light(C) for the fruit of the light[b] results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth(D) 10 discerning(E) what is pleasing(F) to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless(G) works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made clear,(H) 14 for what makes everything clear is light. Therefore it is said:

Get up, sleeper,(I) and rise up from the dead,(J)
and the Messiah will shine on you.[c](K)

Consistency in the Christian Life

15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time,[d](L) because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand(M) what the Lord’s will(N) is. 18 And don’t get drunk(O) with wine,(P) which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:(Q)

19 speaking to one another
in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
singing and making music
from your heart to the Lord,
20 giving thanks always for everything
to God the Father
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
21 submitting to one another
in the fear of Christ.(R)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 5:6 Lit sons of disobedience
  2. Ephesians 5:9 Other mss read fruit of the Spirit
  3. Ephesians 5:14 This poem may have been an early Christian hymn based on several passages in Isaiah; Is 9:2; 26:19; 40:1; 51:17; 52:1; 60:1.
  4. Ephesians 5:16 Lit buying back the time

Let no one deceive you(A) with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath(B) comes on those who are disobedient.(C) Therefore do not be partners with them.

For you were once(D) darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light(E) (for the fruit(F) of the light consists in all goodness,(G) righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.(H) 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,(I) but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light(J) becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,(K)
    rise from the dead,(L)
    and Christ will shine on you.”(M)

15 Be very careful, then, how you live(N)—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity,(O) because the days are evil.(P) 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.(Q) 18 Do not get drunk on wine,(R) which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,(S) 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.(T) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks(U) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instructions for Christian Households(V)

21 Submit to one another(W) out of reverence for Christ.

Read full chapter