Ephesians 5:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore do not become partners with them;

NIV: Therefore do not be partners with them.

NASB: Therefore do not become partners with them;

CSB: Therefore, do not become their partners.

NLT: Don’t participate in the things these people do.

KJV: Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

NKJV: Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Paul's words in this verse offer brief yet powerful instruction. "Partners" are those who work together in some kind of connected relationship. Believers and unbelievers are not to be closely connected. The sinful actions of the unbeliever can be associated with the believer as well, causing damage to the reputation of the church (Ephesians 5:3–4).

Of course, this does not mean Christians are to avoid all contact or association with non-Christians. Jesus was a friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19). Imitating Him requires us to show love and a good example to the unsaved (Matthew 5:16), as we evangelize them (Matthew 28:19). However, certain limitations do exist. There comes a point where the line is crossed, and we can give the impression that we approve of what God has called sin.

Believers are to be known for holy lives (Ephesians 5:3–4) that are distinct from the world (Ephesians 5:5–6). The church, including all believers in Christ, is the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–33) and the pillar of truth (1 Timothy 3:15–16). Believers can no longer live like they did before knowing Christ (Ephesians 5:8), but are to do what pleases God (Ephesians 5:9). Paul's instructions in Ephesians 5:8–21 continue to emphasize these themes, contrasting the lives of believers and unbelievers.

The life of the believer should look distinctly different from the unbeliever. In many cases, this means maintaining some level of distance between those who are saved and unsaved.

Ephesians 5:1–21 continues Paul's invaluable instructions on how Christians should live out their faith. Rather than imitating the world, or being controlled by worldly things, Christians are to be filled with the Spirit. Specific flaws such as sexual immorality, crude speech, and wasting of time are discouraged. Instead, believers ought to submit to one another out of respect for Christ, providing a powerful witness to the world.

Chapter 5 begins with an admonition to imitate Christ. In order to do so, Christians must avoid sexual immorality, vulgar language, foolishness, and other inappropriate attitudes. Paul warns that those who persist in these behaviors are not part of the kingdom of God. The passage then transitions to an explanation of mutual submission, including that between husbands and wives. Wives are to submit to their husbands, and respect them. Husbands are to love their wives in a Christ-like, sacrificial, and humble way.

Chapter 5 continues the very practical second half of the book of Ephesians. Chapter 4 encouraged Christians not to live as unbelievers do, but worthy of the gift we have been given. Chapter 5 gives even more direct application of these principles. Paul details impure attitudes and habits which Christians ought to put aside. He then details the proper approach to marriage, rooted in a Christian understanding of the gospel. This style of advice will continue through chapter 6. Paul's advice will culminate in a famous analogy about applying Christian principles to all of life, using the symbolism of a suit of armor.

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.