Ephesians 5:14 Commentary and Bible Study

Verse 14 is probably based on Isaiah chapter 60:1 or suggested by it: ‘Wherefore he saith’ – who says? Where does he say it? Where is the quotation from? Well, maybe Isaiah 60:1, but the idea here is that the gospel says it, the light of Christ says it. ‘Wherefore he’ – Christ in the gospel; it is not meant to be a direct quote – says, ‘Wake up, sleeping soul and arise from your dead condition and Christ will give you light and understanding.’ So you can see all the verses and together: ‘Have no fellowship’ – by your disassociation, you are mounting a testimony; as the Lord gives opportunity to bring to light, the need of forgiveness, and the problem of sin; then the gospel (verse 14). And so it is about witness, as well as about demonstrating the light of Christ in life: speaking it and being the one who conveys that message.Here is a great appeal to us. Paul is not switching subjects. It is suggested by some that this is an evangelistic appeal: Paul remembers the lost and so says this. Well, if someone wants to take it as an evangelistic text, that is grand; it is a good text, but that is not what Paul means. What he means is, carry out the role of light. He is not changing the subject. Awake – that is addressed to us. Arise – but we are not dead. No, but we can live as if we are. Isaiah 60:1 contains great words, but who are they addressed to? The faithful remnant of Israel. They were despondent and in a low state. ‘When will the Messiah come and we not be downtrodden?’ It is addressed to the remnant. It will be 700 years, but listen, ‘Arise, shine. Messiah will come. Darkness will cover the earth, but the Lord will arise and he will come.’ That is what Paul has in mind, when he paraphrases it. Isaiah, addressing the Messianic age, says, ‘He will come and you must awake for the Gentiles are coming in. You must be light to others.’