Ephesus was a cosmopolitan city and was religiously diverse. Situated on the western coast of modern day Turkey. It was known for its worship of the goddess of hunting and fertility, Artemis. The practice of magic and pluralistic worship was embedded in this ancient New Testament world. Ephesus thrived as a prosperous commercial hub. It served as the capital of Asia Minor. The city attracted various cultures. It held significance in both the spiritual and economic life of the Roman Empire.
For more on the context of Ephesians, check out our prior article: Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (5:15-21): Magic & Religious Pluralism
Ephesians 5:21(ESV)
“submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
In Pauls exhortation he transitions from liturgical instruction in wise living to engaging with the communal overflow of being filled with the Spirit which is mutual submission.
The character of being filled with the Spirit is not individualistic but is an intimate relationship that is walked out in fellowship. To maintain his previous instructions, Paul addresses the daily living out of the believers lives that connect not only on to daily passing relationships but also the most intimate ones, which is husband and wife and or as Paul continues to refer Christ and the church.
Paul refers to the word submission over twenty times throughout his letters, he emphasizes the importance of walking wisely alongside the fruit of submission to Christ one another.
This first instance to be subject to one another is a general use of application that is valid for all believers— interchangeable in leadership, gender, or age. Christ exemplifies this in Mark 10:45 by being a servant to all as a teacher to all.
In relation to, “in the fear of the Christ,” is extremely unique to the New Testament. This phrase has been used by multiple authors and throughout books all across the Old Testament with the wording God instead of Christ.
Summary
Ephesians 5:15-21 is a dynamic exhortation to the believers in Ephesus in regards to wise-spirit-filled living. By Paul’s introduction of positive and negative contrasts, he invites his audience to obtain and grasp the vital differences between living as children of the Light in the Lord and not in darkness.
By urging the Ephesians to live wisely, not unwisely and to be filled with the Spirit— Paul holds an eagerness to adorn his listeners with characteristics of Spirit living including: making the best of the time, addressing one another in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing, making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always, giving thanks for everything and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
By these stable exhortations Paul is striving for unity midst the body of Christ— moral and spiritual alignment midst the believers and Christ. I believe that the entire letter is fluid and can be summed up in Ephesians 5:20-21. All believers in one Spirit, filled to be poured out in submission, fellowship and eternal worship.
I pray that your study of scripture, dedication to faithfully live out your call as a child of the Light, and love for Christ and His Church would only increase. In Jesus name!
In Christ,
Cosette
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