Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.

“"Let the stealing person steal no more." Bandits frequented the mountains near Ephesus. Such are meant by those called "thieves" in the New Testament.”

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.

“Not scurrile buffoonery, but refined "persiflage" and "badinage," for which Ephesus was famed [PLAUTUS, A Boastful Soldier, 3.1,42-52], and which, so far from being censured, was and is thought by the world a pleasant accomplishment.”

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

“1Jo 2:15). hath--The present implies the fixedness of the exclusion, grounded on the eternal verities of that kingdom [ALFORD].”

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,

“Stronger than "in darkness" (Ro 2:19). light--not merely "enlightened"; but light enlightening others (Eph 5:13). in--in union with the Lord, who is THE LIGHT.”

for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.

“This verse is parenthetic. Walk as children of light, that is, in all good works and words, "FOR the fruit of the light is [borne] in [ALFORD; but BENGEL, 'consists in'] all goodness [opposed to 'malice,' Eph 4:31], righteousness [opposed to 'covetousness,' Eph 5:3] and…”

Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

“Sin is "darkness," and its parent is the prince of darkness (Eph 6:12). Graces, on the other hand, as flourishing in "the light," are reproductive, and abound in fruits; which, as harmoniously combining in one whole, are termed (in the singular) "the FRUIT of the…”

For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

“The Greek order is, "For the things done in secret by them, it is a shame even to speak of." The "for" gives his reason for "not naming" (compare Eph 5:3) in detail the works of darkness, whereas he describes definitely (Eph 5:9) "the fruit…”

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself.

“But, says the apostle, you being now light yourselves (Eph 5:8), by bringing to light through reproof those who are in darkness, will convert them to light.”

So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

“The word "Christ," shows that in quoting the prophecy, he views it in the light thrown on it by its Gospel fulfilment.”

redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

“Redeeming the time-- (Col 4:5). Greek, "Buying up for yourselves the seasonable time" (whenever it occurs) of good to yourselves and to others.”

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

“Translate, "foolish," or "senseless." understanding--not merely knowing as a matter of fact (Lu 12:47), but knowing with understanding. the will of the Lord--as to how each opportunity is to be used.”

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

“So also in ordinary Christians the Spirit dwells not in the mind that seeks the disturbing influences of excitement, but in the well-balanced prayerful mind. Such a one expresses his joy, not in drunken or worldly songs, but in Christian hymns of thankfulness.”

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

“Those subject ought to submit themselves, of whatever kind their superiors are. "Submit" is the term used of wives: "obey," of children (Eph 6:1), as there is a greater equality between wives and husbands, than between children and parents.”

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.

“The husband is not saviour of the wife, in which particular Christ excels; hence, "But" (Eph 5:24) follows [BENGEL].”

to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,

“Compare Joh 17:19, meaning, "I devote Myself as a holy sacrifice, that My disciples also may be devoted or consecrated as holy in (through) the truth" [NEANDER] (Heb 2:11; 13:12 see on Heb 10:10). and cleanse--rather, as Greek, "cleansing," without the "and."”

and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.

“Holiness and glory are inseparable. "Cleansing" is the necessary preliminary to both. Holiness is glory internal; glory is holiness shining forth outwardly.”

In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

“Translate, "So ought husbands also (thus the oldest manuscripts read) to love their own (compare Note, see on Eph 5:22) wives as their own bodies."”

Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.

“For--Supply, and we all love ourselves: "For no man," &c. his own flesh-- (Eph 5:31, end). nourisheth--Greek, "nourisheth it up," namely, to maturity.”

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

“In natural marriage, husband and wife combine the elements of one perfect human being: the one being incomplete without the other. So Christ, as God-man, is pleased to make the Church, the body, a necessary adjunct to Himself, the Head.”

This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.

“Rather, "This mystery is a great one." This profound truth, beyond man's power of discovering, but now revealed, namely, of the spiritual union of Christ and the Church, represented by the marriage union, is a great one, of deep import.”

Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

“Nevertheless--not to pursue further the mystical meaning of marriage. Translate, as Greek, "Do ye also (as Christ does) severally each one so love," &c.”

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

“Obedience is more unreasoning and implicit; submission is the willing subjection of an inferior in point of order to one who has a right to command.”

“Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise),

“The main motive is, because it is God's will (De 5:16, "Honor thy father and mother, as the Lord thy God hath COMMANDED thee"); and that it is so peculiarly, is shown by His accompanying it "with a promise."”

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

“2Co 7:15) an anxious eagerness to do your duty, and a fear of displeasing, as great as is produced in the ordinary slave by "threatenings" (Eph 6:9).”

And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and…

“Equality of nature and faith is superior to distinctions of rank [BENGEL]. Christianity makes all men brothers: compare Le 25:42, 43; Jer 34:14 as to how the Hebrews were bound to treat their brethren in service; much more ought Christians to act with love.”