What does Ephesians 5:17 mean by "understand what the Lord’s will is"? Canonical Context Ephesians 5:17 : “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Placed in Paul’s exhortational section (4:1–6:20), the verse follows contrasts between light and darkness (5:8-14) and precedes instructions on Spirit-filled living (5:18-21). The pivot word “Therefore” (διά τοῦτο, dia touto) anchors the admonition in the immediately preceding warning against moral dullness (v. 15-16) and the broader doctrinal foundation of chapters 1–3, where God’s eternal purpose in Christ is disclosed (1:9-10; 3:10-11). Theological Substance of “The Lord’s Will” 1. Redemptive Purpose: In 1:9-10 Paul already defined God’s will as “a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ.” Thus, knowing the will of God centers on Christ’s lordship and the gospel’s cosmic reach. 2. Moral Holiness: 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “For this is the will of God: your sanctification,” parallels Paul’s ethical thrust in Ephesians 5. 3. Spirit-Enabled Wisdom: The adjoining command to “be filled with the Spirit” (5:18) clarifies that discerning God’s will is impossible apart from the indwelling Spirit (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Contrast with Foolishness Foolishness in Proverbs (e.g., Proverbs 1:7, 12:15) is willful disregard of divine revelation. Paul’s antithesis echoes Psalm 14:1, where the fool denies God’s governance, and aligns with Jesus’ parable of the foolish builder (Matthew 7:24-27). Discerning God’s will, therefore, is the antidote to moral folly. Means of Discernment 1. Authoritative Scripture: The Berean Standard text itself assumes Scriptural sufficiency (2 Titus 3:16-17). Early papyri such as 𝔓46 (c. AD 200) attest the integrity of Ephesians, validating its prescriptive authority. 2. Prayerful Illumination: Paul models intercession “that you may know the hope of His calling” (1:17-18). 3. Community Counsel: “Submitting to one another” (5:21) implies corporate discernment (Acts 15:28). 4. Providence and Conscience: Instances of providential guidance—e.g., Paul’s Macedonian vision (Acts 16:6-10)—demonstrate God’s directional will through circumstances. Practical Outworking • Time Stewardship: Verse 16’s “making the most of every opportunity” frames God’s will in daily choices. • Worship and Gratitude: 5:19-20 details Spirit-prompted worship as both consequence and means of knowing God’s will. • Relational Ethic: Subsequent household codes (5:22–6:9) illustrate divine will in marriage, parenting, and labor. Related Biblical Witnesses • Romans 12:2 links non-conformity to the age with renewing the mind “to test and approve what is the will of God.” • Colossians 1:9-10 petitions that believers “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom.” • Psalm 40:8 prophetically places God’s will in the heart of Messiah, fulfilled in Christ’s obedience (Hebrews 10:7). Historical and Archaeological Corroboration Excavations at ancient Ephesus reveal prominent pagan temples (Artemis, Serapis). Paul’s insistence on discerning God’s will stood against the backdrop of ritualistic fatalism. Ostraca bearing Christian symbols in Ephesus’ residential quarters (1st–2nd cent. AD) illustrate believers applying apostolic instruction within a hostile culture. Illustrative Case Study George Müller (1805-1898) recorded 50,000 answered prayers while running orphanages without soliciting funds, attributing clarity on God’s will to Scripture saturation, Spirit dependence, and obedient action—an empirical testimony reinforcing Paul’s principle. Eschatological Horizon Because “the days are evil” (v. 16), recognizing God’s will equips believers for eschatological vigilance (Mark 13:33). The ultimate consummation—Christ presenting the Church “without stain or wrinkle” (5:27)—frames every present choice. Summary Ephesians 5:17 commands continual, Spirit-enabled discernment of God’s unified, redemptive, and ethical purpose as revealed in Christ and Scripture. It opposes the self-directed folly endemic to a fallen age, and it mobilizes believers to live wisely, worship fully, and witness boldly until Christ’s return. |
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