1
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children

2
and walk in love, just as Christ Jesus also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice of a sweet fragrance to God.

3
But sexual immorality and every kind of uncleanness or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper for saints.

4
Neither should there be filthy speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting — for these are not fitting — but rather give thanks.

5
For know this well: no immoral person, unclean person, or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

6
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

7
Therefore do not be partners with them.

8
For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Therefore walk as children of light,

9
for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth,

10
and test what is pleasing to the Lord.

11
Do not take part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

12
For it is shameful even to speak of the things done by them in secret places.

13
But all things that are exposed by the light become visible, for everything that becomes visible is light.

14
Therefore it is said: “Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

15
Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as foolish people, but as wise,

16
making the most of the time, because these days are evil.

17
Therefore do not be foolish, but seek to understand what the will of the Lord is.

18
And do not be drunk with wine, for wine leads to reckless living, but be filled with the Spirit,

19
speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make melody to the Lord with all your heart.

20
Give thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God and our Father

21
and submit yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.

22
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as to the Lord,

23
for the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body.

24
Therefore, as the church submits to Christ, so also let wives submit to their husbands in everything.

25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her

26
that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

27
so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that the church should be holy and without blemish.

28
In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies: he who loves his wife loves himself.

29
For no one ever hated his own body, but nourishes and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church,

30
because we are members of His body.

31
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.

32
This mystery is great, but I am speaking of Christ and the church.

33
Nevertheless, let each one of you also love his wife as himself, and let the wife respect her husband.

📖 Ephesians 5 – Living as Children of Light and Love in the Home

🧾 Summary of the Content

Ephesians 5 continues Paul’s teaching on living in holiness, emphasizing:

1. Imitating the love of Christ by living in the light and turning away from sin.
2. Living wisely, filled with the Holy Spirit.
3. The relationship of husband and wife that reflects the love of Christ and the church.

✨ Explanation by Section

📘 Main Teaching

1. Love is the foundation of the life of Christ’s followers – live in love as Christ gave Himself (verse 2).
2. Avoid the old life – turn away from sexual immorality, greed, and empty speech (verses 3–6).
3. Live in the light – producing the fruit of goodness and righteousness (verse 9).
4. Use time wisely – do not live carelessly, but understand the will of the Lord (verses 15–17).
5. Be filled with the Holy Spirit – with praise, thanksgiving, and humility (verses 18–20).
6. The married life of Christ’s followers – is a picture of the relationship between Christ and the church (verses 22–33).

✨ Spiritual Meaning

Ephesians 5 reminds us that true faith is seen in daily living. To live in the light means to bring a positive influence, to turn away from works of darkness, and to make our lives a reflection of Christ’s love. In the household, the husband’s love and sacrifice and the wife’s respect and submission show humility and obedience to the Lord.

💡 Key Verse

“Walk in love, as Christ Jesus also loved you and gave Himself for us…”
(Ephesians 5:2)

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Therefore walk as children of light.”
(Ephesians 5:8)

“Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies…”
(Ephesians 5:28)