Ephesians 4:28
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let him that stole steal no more - It is supposed that, among the rabbins, stealing was not entirely discountenanced, provided a portion was given to the poor. The apostle here teaches them a different doctrine: as they should speak truth every man with his neighbor, so they should in every respect act honestly, for nothing contrary to truth and righteousness could be tolerated under the Christian system. Let no man, under pretense of helping the poor, defraud another; but let him labor, working with his hands to provide that which is good, that he may have to give to him who is in necessity. Stealing, overreaching, defrauding, purloining, etc., are consistent with no kind of religion that acknowledges the true God. If Christianity does not make men honest, it does nothing for them. Those who are not saved from dishonesty fear not God, though they may dread man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, "Let him that stealeth." The imperfect or past tense is, however, mainly meant, though not to the exclusion of the present. "Let the stealing person steal no more." Bandits frequented the mountains near Ephesus. Such are meant by those called "thieves" in the New Testament. but rather--For it is not enough to cease from a sin, but the sinner must also enter on the path that is its very opposite [CHRYSOSTOM]. The thief, when repentant, should labor more than he would be called on to do, if he had never stolen. let him labour--Theft and idleness go together. the thing which is good--in contrast with theft, the thing which was evil in his past character. with his hands--in contrast with his former thievish use of his hands. that he may have to give--"that he may have wherewith to impart." He who has stolen should exercise liberality beyond the restitution of what he has taken. Christians in general should make not selfish gain their aim in honest industry, but the acquisition of the means of greater usefulness to their fellow men; and the being independent of the alms of others. So Paul himself (Act 20:35; Th2 3:8) acted as he taught (Th1 4:11).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let all bitterness,.... These words are a dehortation from several vices good men are liable to, by which the Spirit of God is grieved: "bitterness" sometimes designs the corruption of nature, which is the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity; and sometimes actual sins and transgressions, even those of God's own people, which are evil and bitter things; and sometimes heretical doctrines, which are roots of bitterness; and sometimes sinful words spoken by the saints, one against another; and here perhaps it signifies, the first offence taken in the mind, against any person, upon any account, which should at once be put away, and not encouraged: and wrath: heat of spirit, which follows upon bitterness, or upon the spirit being embittered and offended; see Eze 3:14. And anger; a sinful one, cautioned against before, Eph 4:26. And clamour and evil speaking; such as brawlings, contentions, contumelies, reproaches, slanders, &c. arising from an embittered, wrathful, and angry disposition: these should all be put away from you, with all malice; being the deeds of the old man, unbecoming such as are born again, and grieving to the Spirit of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:28 Christians are to be hard-working people who have integrity and care for others (cp. 1 Thes 4:11; 2 Thes 3:6-12).
Ephesians 4:28
New Life in Christ
27and do not give the devil a foothold.28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Can God Speak to You?
By Carter Conlon1.7K50:25Voice Of GodMAT 3:10LUK 3:11LUK 7:24LUK 7:27ACT 17:30EPH 4:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning to God. He encourages listeners to not be governed by the negative influences of the world, such as news and violence. The preacher highlights the need to have a change of heart and to live a life of kindness and generosity towards others. He references biblical passages that instruct believers to be content with what they have, to work with their own hands, and to give to those in need. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Jesus himself demonstrated kindness and generosity by giving his life for humanity.
(Luke) 46 - Trinity-Zacchaeus
By Ed Miller1.5K40:54ZacchaeusMAT 6:33MRK 10:49LUK 18:1EPH 4:28In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of salvation as a miracle of sight. He emphasizes that when we trust in the Lord, we receive everything we need, including the gift of Jesus and the promise of heaven. The speaker highlights the story of Zacchaeus as an illustration of God seeking out and saving lost souls. He explains that salvation is a radical and instantaneous transformation that leads to intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ.
Capital City Church - Part 1
By David Ravenhill1.4K1:02:22Christian LifeGEN 9:202SA 11:2JON 1:1ACT 13:22ROM 15:42CO 5:17EPH 4:28In the video, the speaker shares a personal story about being asked to teach in Malaysia. During their stay, they were shown a video by a Chinese doctor featuring Suzette Hadding, a woman's ministry leader associated with Reinhard Bonnke. Hadding is known for her practical teachings on prayer. In the video, she speaks about putting on the armor of God and emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of others and giving selflessly. The speaker relates this message to the biblical concept of building the wall and operating in the opposite spirit.
Does Doctrine Matter - Part 7
By Derek Melton1.2K1:07:05DoctrineROM 6:16EPH 4:281TI 4:16TIT 3:3TIT 3:51JN 3:91JN 5:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the Christian experience of being dead in sin and feeling the wrath of God. He criticizes the idea of coming to God for personal gain rather than seeking God for who He is. The preacher highlights the importance of the gospel in convicting individuals of their sinful condition and producing repentance. He then references Romans 6:16 and 1 Timothy 4:16 to emphasize the need to obey the doctrine of righteousness and continue in it for salvation.
15 - Principles for Living in God's Economy
By Ben Torrey94209:05Faith MissionsMAT 6:33LUK 2:37EPH 3:20EPH 4:282TH 3:10In this sermon, Ben Torrey discusses the concept of faith financing and how it relates to the work of Jesus Abbey. He emphasizes the importance of depending on God for provision and shares personal experiences of God's miraculous provision in his own life. Torrey also highlights the principle of helping others and fundraising for the Three Seas Project, which aims to spread the gospel and assist those in need. He references biblical passages that emphasize the importance of honest labor, generosity, and meeting the needs of others.
Do You Enjoy the Lord's Supper
By Welcome Detweiler81340:40LUK 22:14EPH 4:28In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the importance of being prepared for the Lord's Supper. He shares a story about a man who picked up children for Sunday school and a parent who struggled to get their children ready for church. Despite the challenges, the speaker emphasizes the need to prioritize worship and not let the devil hinder our praise. The speaker encourages believers to set aside time for preparation, whether it be Monday night or Saturday night, and suggests that true preparation for the Lord's Supper happens after entering the building. The sermon emphasizes the joy and praise that should accompany the Lord's Supper and the importance of being present and worshiping the Lord.
Chosen for Obedience
By Erlo Stegen7581:22:13ObedienceMAT 9:37MAT 28:19MRK 3:14EPH 4:25EPH 4:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of delivering a clear and concise message. He expresses his dislike for long sermons that cause people to lose focus and become restless. The preacher encourages the congregation to be attentive and quiet their hearts to hear the word of God. He highlights the need for believers to live out the teachings of Jesus before preaching to others. The sermon references Mark chapter 3 and emphasizes the importance of practicing what one preaches.
Salvation on Jesus' Terms
By Freddy Bafuka59952:58SalvationEXO 20:13MAT 19:16MAT 20:16MRK 10:19ROM 6:1ROM 13:9EPH 4:28In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the young rich ruler from Matthew chapter 19. The young man approaches Jesus and asks what good thing he must do to obtain eternal life. Jesus tells him to obey the commandments, but the young man insists that he has already kept them. Jesus then challenges him to sell his possessions and give to the poor in order to have treasures in heaven. The young man becomes sad because he is unwilling to give up his wealth for eternal life. The preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering our idols, whether they be money or ambitions, in order to follow Jesus and receive salvation.
A Time of Testing
By Phil Beach Jr.1955:37TestingSpiritual GrowthMAT 11:28ROM 8:282CO 4:12CO 5:17EPH 4:28PHP 4:132TI 1:7HEB 12:5JAS 1:21PE 1:6Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's sovereignty during times of testing, urging believers to embrace their struggles as opportunities for spiritual growth. He highlights that the challenges we face are not punishments but rather divine training meant to reveal Christ's power within us. The sermon calls for a shift from a man-centered perspective to a Christ-centered one, encouraging the congregation to renounce dishonesty and self-sufficiency. Beach Jr. reassures that through God's discipline, believers can experience transformation and ultimately reflect the beauty of Christ in their lives. He concludes by inviting the congregation to submit to God's work in their hearts, trusting in His purpose and grace.
Don't Rob Yourself!
By Theodore Epp0IntegrityAccountabilityEPH 4:28Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of integrity in our relationships and work, urging believers to avoid stealing from others, whether through dishonest business practices or not fulfilling their work commitments. He highlights that even small actions, like taking excessive breaks, can be forms of theft. Epp reminds us that we will be held accountable before God for our actions, and that true labor should be aimed at helping those in need. The sermon calls for self-examination to ensure we are not robbing God or others, and encourages a spirit of generosity and care for others.
A Prophet Among Profits
By David Servant0DEU 8:18PSA 112:1MAT 6:19LUK 3:11LUK 16:11ACT 4:32EPH 4:281TI 6:17JAS 2:5REV 3:17David Servant critiques a popular prosperity preacher's claim that Jesus was the greatest prosperity preacher, highlighting the difference between Jesus' selfless giving and the preacher's lavish lifestyle. The preacher's article twists Scripture to support his view on prosperity, ignoring Jesus' teachings on self-denial and caring for the poor. Servant emphasizes that biblical prosperity involves establishing God's covenant, giving to those in need, and following Jesus' example of generosity. He warns against false prophets who exploit others for personal gain and encourages discernment in supporting ministers who prioritize kingdom advancement over personal wealth.
Luke 3:10-14. John Instructs Various Classes in Their Duties.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 41:1ECC 11:1JHN 15:5ACT 16:31EPH 4:28Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the preaching of John the Baptist, emphasizing how he urged people to show sincere repentance through good works. While some inquired about their duties, the chief sin John highlighted was covetousness, revealing the people's attachment to material possessions. Mortimer underscores the importance of generosity and readiness to give to those in need, as exemplified in various biblical passages. The sermon explores how different groups, such as publicans and soldiers, sought guidance on their specific sins and duties, reflecting on the need for repentance and righteous conduct in various professions and roles.
The Servant's Hands
By T. Austin-Sparks0ConsecrationServiceLEV 8:24ECC 9:10MAT 5:30ACT 20:34ROM 6:19ROM 12:11CO 4:121CO 10:31EPH 4:28COL 3:17COL 3:23T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the hands in spiritual service, illustrating how they symbolize our inner disposition and commitment to God. He draws parallels between the literal and symbolic meanings of hands, highlighting that true spirituality encompasses manual work and daily tasks, as demonstrated by Paul and Jesus. The act of consecrating our hands to the Lord signifies dedicating all our activities to His service, transforming mundane tasks into opportunities for spiritual ministry. Sparks encourages believers to recognize that their hands reflect their inner willingness and spirit of service, urging them to engage in all work as an act of worship. Ultimately, he calls for a life where every action is done for the glory of God.
Stealing the Shower
By Ed Wrather0PRO 10:2PRO 22:1EPH 4:28PHP 4:191TH 4:11Ed Wrather preaches about the importance of ceasing from stealing and instead working with one's hands to provide for oneself and others in need. He emphasizes that stealing goes against Christian values of giving, servanthood, kindness, and goodness, diminishing self-worth and devaluing others. Wrather acknowledges the challenges some face in finding legitimate employment but encourages faith in God's provision and guidance to transition away from dishonest means of living. He shares personal experiences of trusting in God's faithfulness when faced with uncertainty, highlighting the need to believe in God's promises and rely on His sufficiency.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let him that stole steal no more - It is supposed that, among the rabbins, stealing was not entirely discountenanced, provided a portion was given to the poor. The apostle here teaches them a different doctrine: as they should speak truth every man with his neighbor, so they should in every respect act honestly, for nothing contrary to truth and righteousness could be tolerated under the Christian system. Let no man, under pretense of helping the poor, defraud another; but let him labor, working with his hands to provide that which is good, that he may have to give to him who is in necessity. Stealing, overreaching, defrauding, purloining, etc., are consistent with no kind of religion that acknowledges the true God. If Christianity does not make men honest, it does nothing for them. Those who are not saved from dishonesty fear not God, though they may dread man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Greek, "Let him that stealeth." The imperfect or past tense is, however, mainly meant, though not to the exclusion of the present. "Let the stealing person steal no more." Bandits frequented the mountains near Ephesus. Such are meant by those called "thieves" in the New Testament. but rather--For it is not enough to cease from a sin, but the sinner must also enter on the path that is its very opposite [CHRYSOSTOM]. The thief, when repentant, should labor more than he would be called on to do, if he had never stolen. let him labour--Theft and idleness go together. the thing which is good--in contrast with theft, the thing which was evil in his past character. with his hands--in contrast with his former thievish use of his hands. that he may have to give--"that he may have wherewith to impart." He who has stolen should exercise liberality beyond the restitution of what he has taken. Christians in general should make not selfish gain their aim in honest industry, but the acquisition of the means of greater usefulness to their fellow men; and the being independent of the alms of others. So Paul himself (Act 20:35; Th2 3:8) acted as he taught (Th1 4:11).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let all bitterness,.... These words are a dehortation from several vices good men are liable to, by which the Spirit of God is grieved: "bitterness" sometimes designs the corruption of nature, which is the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity; and sometimes actual sins and transgressions, even those of God's own people, which are evil and bitter things; and sometimes heretical doctrines, which are roots of bitterness; and sometimes sinful words spoken by the saints, one against another; and here perhaps it signifies, the first offence taken in the mind, against any person, upon any account, which should at once be put away, and not encouraged: and wrath: heat of spirit, which follows upon bitterness, or upon the spirit being embittered and offended; see Eze 3:14. And anger; a sinful one, cautioned against before, Eph 4:26. And clamour and evil speaking; such as brawlings, contentions, contumelies, reproaches, slanders, &c. arising from an embittered, wrathful, and angry disposition: these should all be put away from you, with all malice; being the deeds of the old man, unbecoming such as are born again, and grieving to the Spirit of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:28 Christians are to be hard-working people who have integrity and care for others (cp. 1 Thes 4:11; 2 Thes 3:6-12).