Ephesians 5:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Again the Apostle uproots bitterness. Again he cuts off the occasion for anger. What, indeed, does he say? "See that you walk carefully."

He knew his Teacher, who, when sending His disciples as sheep among wolves, also commanded them to be like doves. "Be simple," He says, "as doves" (Mt 10:16).

Since Christians were among wolves, and since they had been instructed not to avenge themselves but to endure wrongs, they needed such instruction. What had already been said was enough to make them more courageous.

But when an addition is made to two things, understand that the instruction has become abundant. See, then, with what care he warns them, saying, "See that you walk carefully."

Again he warns them against bitterness and anger, as if saying: you are sheep among wolves. Many are malicious against you, even members of your own household. See that you give no one any occasion for hostility. Apart from the faith, let no one accuse you of anything else. Show honor and every obedience where there is no harm to the faith, and be like doves. For wisdom or prudence consists in keeping yourselves pure and taking revenge on no one.

It is rightly said to the Ephesians, who had a mind prepared to discern good and evil, that they should walk with caution. Testing all things, they should hold fast to what they have firmly recognized as good.

He who sees how he ought to walk, and how carefully he must ascend a step so as not to stumble over a stone, says, "Lord, Your word is a lamp to my feet" (Ps 118:105). Such a man is certainly wise.

Indeed, I do not think that anyone naturally foolish could fulfill this commandment, even if he wished to walk cautiously. For it is given to the wise, not to the foolish.

Above, Paul indicated that the servants of God must reject life in unbelief and vices. Now he adds that this must be done carefully, so as not to be a stumbling block. They must act wisely among unbelievers, especially if these rule the situation and believe in an unholy ruler. If a Christian meets an unrestrained opponent who is angry with him, he should not engage him, lest he become a cause of blasphemy and inflame his rage. The Christian will say what he must when there is opportunity.

By "evil days" he does not mean time itself, for what evil could time have? Rather, he means the malice which people dare to commit in these days. Therefore he also said, "redeeming the time." That is, it is not yours, because you are sojourners and strangers. Therefore endure the afflictions that meet you bravely, and use the present time as you ought.

Time is the measure by which we measure the duration of things. It is neither sold, nor bought, nor redeemed. Likewise, days, being part of time, are neither evil nor not evil.

It is clear, then, that the Apostle of God used these words figuratively. What does it mean: "redeeming the time, because the days are evil"?

He wrote the same thing to the Colossians, saying, "Walk in wisdom toward those outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

There is a need to use the present precious time prudently (Eph 5:15-20), for it flows away imperceptibly, since the days are evil. For this reason one must enter deeply into the knowledge of "what the will of God is."

One must not become drunk with wine, from which comes dissipation, but rather be filled with the Spirit, edifying oneself with psalms and doxologies, giving thanks for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Here one hears the apostolic indication of the revelry of pagan orgies. The Orthodox Church appoints the reading of this passage from Ephesians at thanksgiving services for the granting of a petition.

The Apostle ascribes circumspection and prudence with a view also to the relation of Christians to pagans, and of paganism to Christians. Here also lies, in the nearest sense, the evil of the days.

Here too lies the need to ponder what, amid all changeability, constitutes the work of God's providence and His decrees.

According to blessed Jerome, the Apostle Paul speaks here as though saying: "O Ephesians, upon whom, after awakening from the sleep of this age, the Sun of righteousness, Christ the Lord, has shone! Walk carefully and wisely, not yielding to the changeability of time.

Let persecution follow upon persecution. Keep one course and care for one thing: not to change like the moon, as the unwise do, but to stand unwaveringly in what has once been begun.

Having thus compared the life of the children of light and the children of darkness, the Apostle persuades the former to caution in dealing with the latter. Christian wisdom must teach them this caution. This wisdom must also teach Christians that they should make use of the time of the present life. They must buy up time for Christian purposes, because without the lessons of this wisdom it is difficult to purchase time held in the hands of the evil spirit.

Having such a high calling, to be the light of the world, walk in a way worthy of your meaning. Let no one be able to find anything blameworthy in you, except perhaps that you are Christians and desire all to be Christians.

"Carefully" means πως ακριβως, accurately, faithfully, punctually according to the duties laid upon you, exactly as is expected of you. But the commandments are known. Act according to them, and that is all.

Why, then, the warning, "See," and this standard: "not as unwise, but as wise"? Because even good works can be spoiled: sometimes by untimeliness, sometimes by inappropriateness, and sometimes by excessive zeal.