Ephesians 5

When I think of the world Paul lived in I marvel at his courage. For Paul the life in Christ was as different from the normal cultural life of his times, as is light from darkness. Yet, he was unafraid to take head on the cultural norms as he urges the followers of Christ to raise high their standards for life. Paul was ridiculed not only by those in the world he opposed and from some within the Christian communities he loved so dearly. Not much has changed as Paul continues to revile many, within and without the Christian church.

Remember Paul’s dream for Christian communities: “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28.) Equality in Christ for all people is a theme Paul continually reinforces. If that is his ultimate dream, why then does he seem to be urging male superiority and a continuation of slavery?

As you consider the application of Paul’s writings today keep in mind:

Paul’s model for someone in a superior position is Jesus. In Philippians 2: 5-11 Paul shows the self-sacrificing manner in which Christ loved us. Paul says this is the way that a husband should love his wife. That was hugely counter-cultural for the church in Ephesians, just as it is today.

In Paul’s world slavery was as much a part of the culture as electricity is in our world – you can’t imagine the world without it. Here again, consider how counter-cultural Paul is by not only inspiring the slaves in their work ethic, but also inspiring the slave masters to ethical treatment of their slaves. Such instruction was unheard of in Paul’s time. Remember, in the Christian communities the slaves and masters came together as one in their worship and Christian fellowship.

In Paul’s day women and children were seen as inferior subjects. Paul raises everyone to an equal plain before God. He has counsel for parents and children, husbands and wives, slaves and masters.

Paul believed intently that when we keep our eyes on Jesus, when we submit ourselves to God and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us by the renewing of our mind we begin living the life in Christ, we begin living as people created in the image of God. I believe that too.

What does today’s reading reveal to you about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do or remember about this passage.

Does God want you to change anything in your life?