Ephesians 5:9
Verse
Context
Sermons
Al Martin
Zac Poonen
John Piper
John F. Walvoord
Samuel Chadwick
Thomas Watson
Daniel SteeleSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the fruit of the Spirit - Instead of Spirit, Πνευματος, ABD*EFG, the Syriac, Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and Itala, together with several of the fathers, read φωτος, light, which is supposed by most critics to be the true reading, because there is no mention made of the Spirit in any part of the context. As light, Eph 5:8, not only means the Divine influence upon the soul, but also the Gospel, with great propriety it may be said: The fruit of the light, i.e. of the Gospel, is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth. Goodness, αγαθωσυνῃ, in the principle and disposition; righteousness, δικαιοσυνη, the exercise of that goodness in the whole conduct of life; truth, αληθεια, the director of that principle, and its exercise, to the glorification of God and the good of mankind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
fruit of the Spirit--taken by transcribers from Gal 5:22. The true reading is that of the oldest manuscripts, "The fruit of THE LIGHT"; in contrast with "the unfruitful works of darkness" (Eph 5:11). This verse is parenthetic. Walk as children of light, that is, in all good works and words, "FOR the fruit of the light is [borne] in [ALFORD; but BENGEL, 'consists in'] all goodness [opposed to 'malice,' Eph 4:31], righteousness [opposed to 'covetousness,' Eph 5:3] and truth [opposed to 'lying,' Eph 4:25]."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. There are many things that are acceptable to God, as the person of Christ, his righteousness, sacrifice, sufferings, death, and mediation; the persons of his people, their services, sufferings, sacrifices of prayer, and praise to him, and of bounty and liberality to the poor; their graces, and the exercise of them; and the actions of their lives and conversations, when they are becoming the Gospel, are according to the will of God, and are done in faith, and are directed to his glory: and these things which are acceptable to God, as all the truths of the Gospel, and duties of religion are, should be proved, or tried by men; and in order to the trial of spiritual things, it is necessary that the mind be renewed, the understanding be enlightened, the spiritual senses be in exercise, and all be under the influence and directions of the Spirit of God: and the trial is to be made, not according to human reason, which is corrupt and fallible; and besides, there are some things in revelation above it; but according to the Scriptures, which are the word of God, and the rule of faith and practice; and whither the prophets, Christ, and his apostles, always sent men for the trial of divine things; and things being here tried, and found to be right, should be approved of, valued, and esteemed, cleaved to and held fast. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. There are many things that are acceptable to God, as the person of Christ, his righteousness, sacrifice, sufferings, death, and mediation; the persons of his people, their services, sufferings, sacrifices of prayer, and praise to him, and of bounty and liberality to the poor; their graces, and the exercise of them; and the actions of their lives and conversations, when they are becoming the Gospel, are according to the will of God, and are done in faith, and are directed to his glory: and these things which are acceptable to God, as all the truths of the Gospel, and duties of religion are, should be proved, or tried by men; and in order to the trial of spiritual things, it is necessary that the mind be renewed, the understanding be enlightened, the spiritual senses be in exercise, and all be under the influence and directions of the Spirit of God: and the trial is to be made, not according to human reason, which is corrupt and fallible; and besides, there are some things in revelation above it; but according to the Scriptures, which are the word of God, and the rule of faith and practice; and whither the prophets, Christ, and his apostles, always sent men for the trial of divine things; and things being here tried, and found to be right, should be approved of, valued, and esteemed, cleaved to and held fast. Ephesians 5:11 eph 5:11 eph 5:11 eph 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,.... It is not said with the workers of darkness, or with the men of the world, who are in darkness, and are darkness itself; to have fellowship with them in a civil way, or to dwell among them, is not prohibited; it is allowed of, and countenanced by the greatest examples; and especially it is lawful and right, when there is any prospect of doing good to the souls of men; and even when natural right, relation, and necessity require it; and indeed, the contrary is impracticable: conversation with them in things sinful and superstitious should be abstained from; and when it tends to draw off the soul from Christ and his interest, and is infectious; and when weak ones are offended, and sinners are hereby hardened and confirmed in sin; and the name of God is blasphemed, and the Gospel is evil spoken of: but fellowship is not to be maintained "with the works of darkness"; which are sins, so called, because they are opposite to light; to the light of nature, to the light of the divine word, both law and Gospel, to the light of grace, to God the fountain of light, and to Christ the light of the world; and because the source and spring of them are the original darkness of the mind, and Satan the prince of darkness; and because they are generally committed in the dark; and because the effect and consequence of them is utter darkness, and blackness of darkness: and these are "unfruitful"; they are of no profit and advantage, they bring forth no fruit, unless it be guilt, fear, shame, corruption, and death; wherefore no fellowship should be had with them, by committing the same, by assisting in them, by consenting to them, by approving of them, by receiving any worldly advantage from them, and by winking and conniving at them: it is contrary to the character of saints to have fellowship with such, as the apostle says, Co2 6:14, where he gives the mystical explanation of the law, in Deu 22:10; agreeably to which, and to the passage here, is the sense of a Jewish commentators (l) who upon it observes, that that law "intimates that a righteous man, , "should have no fellowship" with a wicked man;'' this is to be unequally yoked, signified by the ox and the ass ploughing together: but rather reprove them; both by words and by deeds, by an agreeable life and conversation, which last seems to be the design of the apostle here; because it is not a brother, but such who are in darkness, and live in works of darkness; yea, not sinners, but sins are to be reproved, which can be done no other way; nor are all saints proper to reprove verbally, nor are they qualified for it; but all should, and may by facts; and the light discovers darkness, by its own splendour; and this appears from the apostle's reasoning in the next words. (l) Baal Hatturira in Deut. xxii. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:9 God’s people are to do what is good and right and true, in harmony with God’s light (cp. Rom 12:2; some early manuscripts read Spirit instead of light; cp. Eph 4:22-24; Matt 7:16-20; Gal 5:22-23).
Ephesians 5:9
Children of Light
8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,9for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.10Test and prove what pleases the Lord.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Great Day of Their Wrath
By Al Martin2.8K1:06:56MAT 3:7MAT 3:9JHN 3:36JHN 14:6ROM 5:9EPH 4:11EPH 5:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the impending day of wrath. He explains that every person is naturally liable to this coming wrath. However, the preacher emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the only one who can deliver us from this wrath. He urges the listeners to repent and believe in order to be saved from the fury of the coming wrath. The preacher also highlights the seriousness of sin and the madness of ignoring the signposts that point towards heaven and forgiveness.
Light and Truth
By Zac Poonen1.7K1:05:41TruthPSA 43:3MAT 6:33EPH 5:91JN 1:10In this video, the speaker discusses the connection between light, truth, and love in relation to walking in the light. The Psalmist prayed for God to send out His light and truth to lead him. In the New Testament, it is mentioned that the fruit of the light consists of goodness, righteousness, and truth. The speaker emphasizes the importance of honesty and truthfulness, stating that it is what will make a difference in eternity. He also mentions the story of the thief on the cross who recognized Jesus' righteousness despite the accusations against him.
The Supremacy of Christ in Suffering
By John Piper1.3K52:20Supremacy Of ChristEPH 2:6EPH 5:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the purpose of the universe and everything outside of God is to display the glory of God's grace in the sufferings of Christ for sinners. The goal of God in creating the world is the praise of His glory, specifically the glory of His grace. The speaker contrasts his message with the book "90 Minutes in Heaven," highlighting the importance of aligning personal experiences with biblical truth. The sermon also explores the nature of worship in heaven, drawing from Philippians and Revelation to emphasize the lavish grace of God and the ultimate goal of salvation history.
Postmillennialism
By John F. Walvoord0LUK 17:20ROM 14:172CO 10:5GAL 5:22EPH 5:9REV 20:4John F. Walvoord delves into the rise and decline of postmillennialism, highlighting its influence in the nineteenth century across various theological beliefs but its subsequent discard due to historical events, Biblical studies progress, and changing philosophical attitudes. He explores the roots of postmillennialism, the rise of figurative interpretation through Origen, and the impact of Augustine's eschatology. Walvoord discusses the failure of Augustinian millennialism and the subsequent emergence of postmillennialism, tracing its development through key figures like Joachim of Floris and Daniel Whitby. He examines the diverse elements within postmillennialism, its attitude towards Scriptures, the doctrine of the millennium, the idea of progress, and the method of consummating the kingdom, ultimately leading to its decline and the shift towards amillennialism.
The Spirit of Holiness
By Samuel Chadwick0JHN 14:17ROM 1:4ROM 8:21CO 6:192CO 3:18GAL 5:22EPH 5:91TH 4:3HEB 12:141PE 1:15Samuel Chadwick preaches about the significance of holiness, emphasizing its Biblical roots, necessity, and the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctifying believers. He clarifies misconceptions about holiness, highlighting its essential nature for all Christians and the need for a deliberate pursuit of sanctification. Chadwick explains that holiness is not merely a gradual growth but a transformative gift of grace through faith, distinct from maturity or achievement. He stresses that holiness is attained through the personal work of the Spirit of God, involving a unique experience for each individual, leading to a life marked by the presence and power of the Divine Spirit.
The Upright Man's Character
By Thomas Watson0PSA 32:2PSA 37:37PSA 51:6PRO 23:26MRK 9:24JHN 14:1ROM 2:5GAL 5:6EPH 5:91PE 1:18Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of sincerity and uprightness in a Christian's character, highlighting the significance of having a heart for God, working by an upright rule, and acting from a principle of faith and love. He emphasizes the traits of an upright man, including being uniform in piety, zealous for God, and progressive in holiness. Watson contrasts the end of the upright man, which is peace with God, conscience, and the saints, with the end of the wicked, which is to be cut off. He provides comfort to the upright by assuring them of the peaceful and honorable end awaiting them.
St. Paul a Pendulum Between Praise and Prayer.
By Daniel Steele0ROM 8:261CO 13:13GAL 5:22EPH 3:16EPH 5:9PHP 1:31TH 5:16HEB 5:14JUD 1:24Daniel Steele preaches on the blending of prayer and praise in higher states of Christian experience, exemplified by St. Paul, where thanksgiving leads to prayer and prayer leads to praise. True prayer is not a burden but a joyous communion with God, contrasting with the practice of treating prayer as a punishment by some. The transformation of prayer from duty to delight is possible through a baptism of the Spirit and fullness of love, leading to unspeakable joy. Paul's prayer for the Philippians to abound in love, knowledge, and discernment emphasizes the continuous growth in love and the importance of spiritual perception in distinguishing good from evil.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the fruit of the Spirit - Instead of Spirit, Πνευματος, ABD*EFG, the Syriac, Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and Itala, together with several of the fathers, read φωτος, light, which is supposed by most critics to be the true reading, because there is no mention made of the Spirit in any part of the context. As light, Eph 5:8, not only means the Divine influence upon the soul, but also the Gospel, with great propriety it may be said: The fruit of the light, i.e. of the Gospel, is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth. Goodness, αγαθωσυνῃ, in the principle and disposition; righteousness, δικαιοσυνη, the exercise of that goodness in the whole conduct of life; truth, αληθεια, the director of that principle, and its exercise, to the glorification of God and the good of mankind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
fruit of the Spirit--taken by transcribers from Gal 5:22. The true reading is that of the oldest manuscripts, "The fruit of THE LIGHT"; in contrast with "the unfruitful works of darkness" (Eph 5:11). This verse is parenthetic. Walk as children of light, that is, in all good works and words, "FOR the fruit of the light is [borne] in [ALFORD; but BENGEL, 'consists in'] all goodness [opposed to 'malice,' Eph 4:31], righteousness [opposed to 'covetousness,' Eph 5:3] and truth [opposed to 'lying,' Eph 4:25]."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. There are many things that are acceptable to God, as the person of Christ, his righteousness, sacrifice, sufferings, death, and mediation; the persons of his people, their services, sufferings, sacrifices of prayer, and praise to him, and of bounty and liberality to the poor; their graces, and the exercise of them; and the actions of their lives and conversations, when they are becoming the Gospel, are according to the will of God, and are done in faith, and are directed to his glory: and these things which are acceptable to God, as all the truths of the Gospel, and duties of religion are, should be proved, or tried by men; and in order to the trial of spiritual things, it is necessary that the mind be renewed, the understanding be enlightened, the spiritual senses be in exercise, and all be under the influence and directions of the Spirit of God: and the trial is to be made, not according to human reason, which is corrupt and fallible; and besides, there are some things in revelation above it; but according to the Scriptures, which are the word of God, and the rule of faith and practice; and whither the prophets, Christ, and his apostles, always sent men for the trial of divine things; and things being here tried, and found to be right, should be approved of, valued, and esteemed, cleaved to and held fast. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. There are many things that are acceptable to God, as the person of Christ, his righteousness, sacrifice, sufferings, death, and mediation; the persons of his people, their services, sufferings, sacrifices of prayer, and praise to him, and of bounty and liberality to the poor; their graces, and the exercise of them; and the actions of their lives and conversations, when they are becoming the Gospel, are according to the will of God, and are done in faith, and are directed to his glory: and these things which are acceptable to God, as all the truths of the Gospel, and duties of religion are, should be proved, or tried by men; and in order to the trial of spiritual things, it is necessary that the mind be renewed, the understanding be enlightened, the spiritual senses be in exercise, and all be under the influence and directions of the Spirit of God: and the trial is to be made, not according to human reason, which is corrupt and fallible; and besides, there are some things in revelation above it; but according to the Scriptures, which are the word of God, and the rule of faith and practice; and whither the prophets, Christ, and his apostles, always sent men for the trial of divine things; and things being here tried, and found to be right, should be approved of, valued, and esteemed, cleaved to and held fast. Ephesians 5:11 eph 5:11 eph 5:11 eph 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,.... It is not said with the workers of darkness, or with the men of the world, who are in darkness, and are darkness itself; to have fellowship with them in a civil way, or to dwell among them, is not prohibited; it is allowed of, and countenanced by the greatest examples; and especially it is lawful and right, when there is any prospect of doing good to the souls of men; and even when natural right, relation, and necessity require it; and indeed, the contrary is impracticable: conversation with them in things sinful and superstitious should be abstained from; and when it tends to draw off the soul from Christ and his interest, and is infectious; and when weak ones are offended, and sinners are hereby hardened and confirmed in sin; and the name of God is blasphemed, and the Gospel is evil spoken of: but fellowship is not to be maintained "with the works of darkness"; which are sins, so called, because they are opposite to light; to the light of nature, to the light of the divine word, both law and Gospel, to the light of grace, to God the fountain of light, and to Christ the light of the world; and because the source and spring of them are the original darkness of the mind, and Satan the prince of darkness; and because they are generally committed in the dark; and because the effect and consequence of them is utter darkness, and blackness of darkness: and these are "unfruitful"; they are of no profit and advantage, they bring forth no fruit, unless it be guilt, fear, shame, corruption, and death; wherefore no fellowship should be had with them, by committing the same, by assisting in them, by consenting to them, by approving of them, by receiving any worldly advantage from them, and by winking and conniving at them: it is contrary to the character of saints to have fellowship with such, as the apostle says, Co2 6:14, where he gives the mystical explanation of the law, in Deu 22:10; agreeably to which, and to the passage here, is the sense of a Jewish commentators (l) who upon it observes, that that law "intimates that a righteous man, , "should have no fellowship" with a wicked man;'' this is to be unequally yoked, signified by the ox and the ass ploughing together: but rather reprove them; both by words and by deeds, by an agreeable life and conversation, which last seems to be the design of the apostle here; because it is not a brother, but such who are in darkness, and live in works of darkness; yea, not sinners, but sins are to be reproved, which can be done no other way; nor are all saints proper to reprove verbally, nor are they qualified for it; but all should, and may by facts; and the light discovers darkness, by its own splendour; and this appears from the apostle's reasoning in the next words. (l) Baal Hatturira in Deut. xxii. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:9 God’s people are to do what is good and right and true, in harmony with God’s light (cp. Rom 12:2; some early manuscripts read Spirit instead of light; cp. Eph 4:22-24; Matt 7:16-20; Gal 5:22-23).