Ephesians 4:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

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

NASB: Therefore, ridding yourselves of falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you with his neighbor, because we are parts of one another.

CSB: Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another.

NLT: So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

KJV: Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

NKJV: Therefore, putting away lying, “ Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

The second half of the book of Ephesians is meant to be practical: living out the ideas Paul has been explaining. The use of the word "therefore" follows that theme. Using "therefore" is a signal that whatever has just been taught leads directly to the conclusion which follows. In prior verses, Paul has described sin as both corrupting and deceptive. Since Christians are called to live lives distinctly different than we did prior to our salvation, Paul concludes that "the new self" includes putting away falsehood. This means not being self-deceptive, dishonest, or scheming in our Christian lives.

In Jesus, there is no falsehood (John 7:18). Practicing falsehood is associated with unbelievers who will receive punishment (Revelation 22:15). Instead, Paul teaches his readers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), emphasizing truth in this verse. The mention of neighbor may allude to the biblical teaching to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). Paul's reason for this command is partly based on the relationships believers have with one another. The Greek word translated "members" is the word generally used regarding parts of the body. Paul often uses the human body as an analogy for the church, the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). We are to treat one another well as believers because we belong to one another and are ultimately one body.

Ephesians 4:17–32 is a valuable, highly practical explanation of how to live out a Christian life. Paul notes the difference between a life wallowing under the power of sin, as opposed to a life thriving in the power of Christ. Christians are called on to ''put away'' the things which entangle unbelievers. This includes sins such as malice, slander, commotion, and bitterness. Instead, we should demonstrate a Christ-like attitude of love and forgiveness.

Truly understanding saving grace, as Paul explained in prior chapters, is the Christian's first motivation for living a godly life. Here, Paul encourages believers to live in way which honors that gift. All saved Christians are part of a single, unified family, part of the ''body'' of Christ. At the same time, different believers are given different talents. Some are called to positions of leadership and authority. All Christians should turn away from the ''old self'' we were prior to being saved. Paul's explanation of the ''new self'' includes some basic, practical steps.

The first half of Ephesians focuses mostly on doctrine, setting up ideas related to the Christian faith. The last half, beginning in chapter 4, puts those theories into practice. Paul begins by emphasizing the ultimate unity of all Christians, regardless of individual spiritual gifts. Paul also begins to explain how knowledge of the truths should translate into action. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 feature specific, real-world applications of Christianity to daily life.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.