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All of Ephesians

Bible Chapter Summary

Ephesians 5 Summary

Living as Children of Light and Submitting in Love

Paul commands believers to be followers of God as dear children and to walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself as a sacrifice. He warns against fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness—things that must not be named among saints—and against foolish talking and jesting. Paul teaches that believers were once darkness but are now light in the Lord and should walk as children of light, having no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. He instructs them to be filled with the Spirit rather than drunk with wine, and to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, giving thanks always. Paul then gives instructions for submission: wives to submit to husbands as unto the Lord, and husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it, so that all may live as one flesh in the fear of God.

Key themes

Followers of GodChildren of lightHoly livingSpirit-filledMarital submission

Key verses

Ephesians 5:1

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Ephesians 5:8

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

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