Re: Ephesians 5:14

From: DavidWPerk@aol.com
Date: Thu Jul 17 1997 - 12:08:09 EDT


In a message dated 7/11/97 4:42:12 PM, beale@uconect.net Jim Beale responded
to Peter Phillips's question about Eph 5:14:

<<In Paul, I think the emphasis is on the efficacy of the light. More than
just making known the deeds of darkness, Ephesians 5:14 seems to be saying
that if something is exposed/reproved by the light, then it adopts the
qualities of the light. Jesus' saying here seems to assert that if one
comes to the light (allows himself to be reproved by the light,) then he
shows that his deeds were done in truth.>>

Jim, I agree. This passage is among those that articulate the concept of
enlightment. (fotizein). Even though that verb does not appear here, it
seems that the concept is present. In the next statement, the transforming
power of Christ's shining on the sleeper is affirmed. When the light shines
upon persons, they respond either by receiving it's transforming power or by
rejecting it. Those who receive the light are transformed (NB John 1:4-5, 9,
12-13; 3:21). Those who reject it are exposed as unbelievers (NB John
1:9-11 19-20).

I would take Ephesians to be an early deuteroPauline work. Paul's fullest
statement of this concept can be found in 2 Cor 3-4, esp. 4:1-6 for the
double-edged outcome of enlightment.

<<But this doesn't answer to the situation of those whose deeds are
exposed against their will. The exposure of Herod's wickedness by John
the Baptist comes to mind. It's not clear to me how Herod's situation
became light.>>

I believe that Eph 5:13 refers to the exposure of unbelief and rejection, as
do the references cited above. Herod's unbelief simply is exposed by the
light; his rejection of the light's enlightening and transforming powers has
the effect of judging him (Johannine lingo) as an unbeliever.

David Perkins
Episcopah Ch of the Good Shepherd
Vidalia, LA



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