# Ephesians Chapter 5
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## Summarrium
Paul instructs the Ephesians to walk in love following Christ's example avoiding impurity, foolish talk, crude jokes and sexual immorality. Pointing out that those who are have no inheritance in the kingdom of God. Paul encourages the Ephesians to bring all things into the light, having not part in darkness; instead discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. Walking wisely and making the best use of the time we have giving thanks, submitting to and serving each other.

Paul then provides instructions to the church as to how familial relationships should be conducted. He speaks to wives and husbands outlining the roles that each should play to serve and love the other. Pointing out that there is a leaving of the parents for the purpose of becoming one which is a profound mystery and reflects Christ and the church.

## Meditatio
One thing that struck me about this passage is [verse 8-9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A8-9&version=ESV). Where Paul instructs the Ephesians to walk as children of light, attempting to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. So in addition to clear instructions about personal purity, Paul places the responsibility for moral decision making upon the individual.

This is a repeated theme for Paul such as where he advises the Philippians to '*work out your salvation with fear and trembling*'[^1]. An odd choice of phrase given what he has said in Ephesians 2. If we cannot work to earn our salvation this *working out* has to have a different meaning. In maths working out is demonstrating your method, when we encounter a problem in relationships we work it out through dialogue and conversation. Perhaps then the working out isn't about ensuring we have our theological ducks adequately lined up, but instead the relational ongoing process of redemption.

Salvation isn't a destination but a process. Redemption from our sins is not an event but an ongoing process. Jesus himself tells us[^2] we will know the truth by abiding in his word; it is through enaction that reality is revealed to us and we are changed by it. It is an interesting thought to consider that if what pleases God is known, can be codified, then why would there be need to work it out? 

This isn't how Christianity works.

Interestingly on a side note it's interesting how this differs from the Old Testament view. In the OT, there is an emphasis on the collective responsibility of Israel for moral decision making. Whereas the implications are seemingly individual in the writings of Paul. Do not mishear me, I am under no illusion that individuals were held to account for their actions in the old testament[^3], but rather that collective action held greater significance than it appears to do in the new testament.

[^1]: [Philippians 2:12-13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A12-13&version=ESV)
[^2]: [John 8:31-32](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A31-32+&version=ESV)
[^3]: Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, Cain in Genesis 4, King Saul in 1 Samuel 15, David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11, etc.