What is the meaning of Ephesians 4:28? He who has been stealing “He who has been stealing…” (Ephesians 4:28a) • Scripture recognizes the reality of past sin. No one is written off, but everyone is called to change (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). • Theft violates God’s command, “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15), and harms both the victim and the thief’s own soul (Proverbs 1:19). • Like Zacchaeus confessing his fraud (Luke 19:8), the first step is admitting the wrong and owning the past. must steal no longer “…must steal no longer…” (4:28b) • Repentance is more than regret; it is a decisive break with the sin (1 Peter 4:15-16). • The verb is imperative—stopping theft is not optional for the believer (Romans 13:9-10). • God’s grace frees us from old chains, so we can say a clear “No” to patterns that once ruled us (Titus 2:11-12). but must work “…but must work…” (4:28c) • Honest labor is presented as the God-given alternative to dishonest gain (Proverbs 14:23). • From the beginning, work was part of God’s good design (Genesis 2:15), not a curse. • Paul later tells the Thessalonians, “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12), underscoring responsibility. doing good with his own hands “…doing good with his own hands…” (4:28d) • The phrase highlights tangible, productive effort—craftsmanship, service, creativity (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). • “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). • Good work reflects God’s character, blesses society, and guards against idleness that invites temptation (Proverbs 31:13-19). that he may have something “…that he may have something…” (4:28e) • Income is not an end in itself; it is a stewardship entrusted by God (Proverbs 3:9). • Honest earnings replace ill-gotten gain, allowing the believer to live with integrity (Psalm 37:25-26). • The verse assumes diligence will produce surplus—God delights to supply the needs of those who labor faithfully (Philippians 4:19). to share with the one in need “…to share with the one in need.” (4:28f) • Generosity completes the transformation: former takers become givers (Acts 20:35). • Sharing meets practical needs and displays the gospel in action (1 John 3:17; Hebrews 13:16). • The church family is the first circle of care, but the command extends outward to “all, especially to those of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). summary Ephesians 4:28 traces a journey from theft to generosity. Christ calls the former thief to stop stealing, embrace honest work, and use the fruit of that work to bless others. In doing so, the believer mirrors God’s own giving nature, turning hands once used to take into hands eager to serve. |
    |