Ephesians 4:25-32

Ephesians 4:25

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Now Paul gives some of the effects of this new way of living. He gives two examples in this verse, two put off falsehood and speak truthfully. His appeal for both of these actions is because we are all one, going back to his earlier point. These two commands are seemingly different but correlate with one another. By putting off lies- falsehood, we should speak truth to each other. “Members of one body” can also be translated “members of one another”. This implies that we belong to each other, so if we lie and deceive our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are deceiving ourselves. 

Ephesians 4:26-27

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

There are quotes around the first part because of its original words in Psalm 4:4. Paul reaches back to the Psalms to point out that anger is a gateway for sin. He also gives some advice, here: We should settle accounts and our anger before the day ends. This will lead to dwelling on why we are angry and can lead to more sin. The two words used for angry here are different. 

Anger- orgizō– aroused to anger

Angry- parorgismos- indignation or wrath

One gives a sense of being angered that leads to sin, the other gives a sense of wrathful judgment that we must not let occur into the following days. 

foothold – topos– a place or opportunity. In other words, our anger gives Satan an opportunity to test us. If we are not angry, Satan does not have the opportunity to strike and take us down in a vulnerable state.  

Ephesians 4:28

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Continuing the explanation of this new life and putting off the old life is that those who steal must stop and work for what they gain. If they steal, they gain only for themselves and do not spare anything. But those who work gain for themselves and also have some for those in need. It is a life that is full of labor but reaps rewards for others through generosity.  

Ephesians 4:29

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Unwholesome– sapros- bad or rotten

Benefit– charis- grace

Paul compares the words of our mouth as either words that are bad and rot or words that are good and build up. In this new life for Christ, the only words that depart our lips are those that build others up and not tear them down. Notice the Greek, “according to the need of the moment”. This implies that words will be different according to the person’s need but it is all done with love and growth of the person in mind. Those who hear our words will receive grace. It won’t just help them, it will provide grace because it is personal, specific, and loving. 

Ephesians 4:30

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Paul warns against grieving the Holy Spirit or, in other words, causing sorrow and causing one grief. If we live in sin we cause grief to the Spirit that is with us to help us live right. This Spirit is also our seal; it is our promise and proof that we will be fully redeemed when Jesus comes again. 

Ephesians 4:31-32

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

Paul gives one last urge for them to not be involved in bad relationships, anger, and fights but to be loving to one another and forgiving one another. The principle for this is simple yet vital. Jesus forgave us, so we should forgive too. It was part of Jesus’ teaching to be forgiving and Paul encourages that here.