ACC ~ Ephesians 5 v7 - 8a

PAUL’S PASTORAL METHOD INTERMIXES ADMONITION AND ENCOURAGEMENT. CHRYSOSTOM: Note the balanced way in which he exhorts them. First he approaches them from the viewpoint of Christ, saying “love one another and do no wrong to anyone.” Then he approaches them from the viewpoint of their punishment and Gehenna … reminding them of their previous wickedness, as if to say “remember what you were and what you have become.” HOMILY ON EPHESIANS 18.5.7-8.

THE LIGHT OF GRACE DISPELS THE DARKNESS OF SIN. AMBROSIASTER: “Once you were darkness” suggests ignorance. No one sees clearly in shadows. The ignorance referred to is disbelief, harking back to pagan days. Those who lived in darkness have been drawn to faith by the grace of God, which has been brought to light, that is, truth. Things that exist are made apparent in the light. Paganism remains deluded as with covered eyes they celebrate their own mysteries as if in the shadows of a cave. EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 5.8.

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