Ephesians 5:1-4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 5:3

But fornication - It is probable that the three terms used here by the apostle refer to different species of the same thing. The word fornication, πορνεια , may imply not only fornication but adultery also, as it frequently does; uncleanness, ακαθαρσια may refer to all abominable and unnatural lusts - sodomy, bestiality, etc., and covetousness, πλεονεξια , to excessive indulgence in that which, moderately used, is lawful. As the covetous man never has enough of wealth, so the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 5:4

Neither filthiness - Αισχροτης· Any thing base or vile in words or acts. Foolish talking - Μωρολογια· Scurrility, buffoonery, ridicule, or what tends to expose another to contempt. Nor jesting - Ευτραπελια· Artfully turned discourses or words, from ευ , well or easily, and τρεπω , I turn; words that can be easily turned to other meanings; double entendres; chaste words which, from their connection, and the manner in which they are used, convey an obscene or offensive... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 5:1

Verse 1 1.Be ye therefore followers. The same principle is followed out and enforced by the consideration that children ought to be like their father. He reminds us that we are the children of God, and that therefore we ought, as far as possible, to resemble Him in acts of kindness. It is impossible not to perceive, that the division of chapters, in the present instance, is particularly unhappy, as it has made a separation between parts of the subject which are very closely related. If, then,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 5:2

Verse 2 2.And walk in love as Christ also hath loved us. Having called on us to imitate God, he now calls on us to imitate Christ, who is our true model. We ought to embrace each other with that love with which Christ has embraced us, for what we perceive in Christ is our true guide. And gave himself for us. This was a remarkable proof of the highest love. Forgetful, as it were, of himself, Christ spared not his own life, that he might redeem us from death. If we desire to be partakers of this... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 5:3

Verse 3 3.But fornication. This chapter, and the Colossians 3:0, contain many parallel passages, which an intelligent reader will be at no loss to compare without my assistance. Three things are here enumerated, which the apostle desires Christians to hold in such abhorrence, that they shall not even be named, or, in other words, shall be entirely unknown among them. By uncleanness he means all base and impure lusts; so that this word differs from fornication, only as the whole class differs... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 5:4

Verse 4 4.Neither filthiness. To those three — other three are now added. By filthiness I understand all that is indecent or inconsistent with the modesty of the godly. By foolish talking I understand conversations that are either unprofitably or wickedly foolish; and as it frequently happens that idle talk is concealed under the garb of jesting or wit, he expressly mentions pleasantry, — which is so agreeable as to seem worthy of commendation, — and condemns it as a part of foolish talking The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 5:1

EXPOSITIOn Be ye therefore imitators of God, as children beloved. These words are closely connected with the preceding. In Ephesians 4:32 he had urged the example of God in one very momentous matter; he now urges it in a more general sense and on another ground. We ought to forgive men because God has forgiven us—all admit that; but moreover, we ought to imitate our Father in his forgiveness and in his loving spirit, be-because beloved children should always imitate, and will... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 5:1

"Followers of God." This is the high destiny of God's children. I. THE DUTY HERE COMMANDED . "Be ye imitators of me." It is to do The special point of imitation here is the duty of showing a forgiving spirit to one another. II. WHY WE SHOULD IMITATE GOD . 1. Because we are his " dear children ." Whom should children imitate but their father? Believers have had experience of their Father's wisdom, love, and power, and it is only an instinct of filial... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 5:1

"Imitators of God." I. HOW IT IS POSSIBLE FOR US TO BE IMITATORS OF GOD . It is vain to try to imitate God if all resemblance to God is beyond our reach. But this is not the case. While speculative theology is fatally successful in magnifying the distance between man and God, practical revelation is ever bringing us nearer to God. 1. We are like God by nature . God is spirit, and we are spiritual beings. As Channing taught, all spirits are of one family. God... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 5:1-14

The walk suitable to the children of light: no fellowship with sins of the flesh. The fearful prevalence of sensual vice at Ephesus naturally led the apostle to dwell on it emphatically as one of the worst rags of the old man, a rag to be wholly and forever cast away. But, indeed, there are few heathen communities where sensual vice does not flourish when men have it in their power to indulge in it. It is singular how universal sin is in connection with the irregular and disorderly... read more

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