What does Ephesians 5:13 mean?
Paul again refers to "light" to communicate a spiritual principle (Ephesians 3:9; 5:8, 9, 14). Believers are to "expose" sin, making a clear distinction between right and wrong (Ephesians 5:11). Light reveals what darkness tries to hide. The idea of "exposing" is strong in the Old Testament (Exodus 20:26; Proverbs 26:26; Lamentations 2:14; Ezekiel 28:17) and is often used in reference to going about without clothing (Exodus 20:26; Revelation 16:15). When Adam and Eve sinned, they recognized their nakedness and attempted to cover themselves (Genesis 3).Sin, however, needs to be exposed in order to be defeated. John 3:20 offers Jesus' teaching that the person who does wicked things does not want to come into the light and be exposed. Darkness and evil share a close association in Scripture, as do light and goodness. Believers are to walk in the light (1 John 1:7). In the Lord there is no darkness (1 John 1:5).