Ephesians 5:12 - For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.
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What does "Ephesians 5:12" mean?
Ephesians 5:12, "For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of," is part of a larger passage (Ephesians 5:3-14) where Paul is urging the Ephesians to live lives of light and goodness, in stark contrast to the darkness of pagan immorality. To understand the verse, let's break it down:
"For the things which are done by them..." The "them" refers back to the "immoral, impure, or greedy" people described earlier in the chapter (Ephesians 5:3-5). Paul is talking about those engaging in sinful and unethical activities that are contrary to Christian living.
"...in secret..." This highlights that these activities are often hidden, concealed from public view. The perpetrators are ashamed of their actions and try to keep them hidden because they know they are wrong.
"...it is a shame even to speak of." This is the key part of the verse. Paul emphasizes the depravity and disgusting nature of these acts. They are so vile and offensive that simply talking about them is considered shameful. This isn't just a matter of social etiquette; it's a statement about the moral repugnance of the behavior.
In essence, the verse means:
The immoral acts that these people commit in secret are so vile, disgusting, and contrary to God's will that they are too shameful and repulsive to even discuss. The darkness and depravity of those actions are better left unspoken.
Key points to consider:
Emphasis on Darkness vs. Light: This verse reinforces the theme of light versus darkness that runs throughout Ephesians 5. Christians are called to live in the light, exposing evil through their righteous lives, while those engaging in shameful acts prefer to hide in the darkness.
Discernment, not Immersion: Paul isn't advocating ignorance or naivety. He's warning against becoming entangled in or fascinated by evil. Christians should be discerning about the evils of the world, exposing them through righteous living (Ephesians 5:11), but they shouldn't dwell on or revel in the details of these shameful acts.
Focus on Transforming Lives: Instead of focusing on the specifics of the sin, the goal is to transform lives through the gospel, encouraging people to turn away from darkness and embrace the light of Christ (Ephesians 5:8).
Context within Ephesians 5:
This verse isn't meant to be taken in isolation. It's part of a broader exhortation to live a life that is pleasing to God:
Avoid Immorality (5:3-4): Abstain from sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse joking.
Walk in the Light (5:8-10): Live as children of light, bearing the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Expose Evil (5:11): Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
Wake Up (5:14): Be awakened to the truth and allow Christ to shine on you.
In conclusion: Ephesians 5:12 is a powerful statement about the utter depravity of certain secret sins and the importance of Christians living a life of purity and light, exposing evil through righteous living rather than dwelling on its details.
Ephesians 5:12 - For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.
What does "Ephesians 5:12" mean?
Ephesians 5:12, "For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of," is part of a larger passage (Ephesians 5:3-14) where Paul is urging the Ephesians to live lives of light and goodness, in stark contrast to the darkness of pagan immorality. To understand the verse, let's break it down:
"For the things which are done by them..." The "them" refers back to the "immoral, impure, or greedy" people described earlier in the chapter (Ephesians 5:3-5). Paul is talking about those engaging in sinful and unethical activities that are contrary to Christian living.
"...in secret..." This highlights that these activities are often hidden, concealed from public view. The perpetrators are ashamed of their actions and try to keep them hidden because they know they are wrong.
"...it is a shame even to speak of." This is the key part of the verse. Paul emphasizes the depravity and disgusting nature of these acts. They are so vile and offensive that simply talking about them is considered shameful. This isn't just a matter of social etiquette; it's a statement about the moral repugnance of the behavior.
In essence, the verse means:
The immoral acts that these people commit in secret are so vile, disgusting, and contrary to God's will that they are too shameful and repulsive to even discuss. The darkness and depravity of those actions are better left unspoken.
Key points to consider:
Emphasis on Darkness vs. Light: This verse reinforces the theme of light versus darkness that runs throughout Ephesians 5. Christians are called to live in the light, exposing evil through their righteous lives, while those engaging in shameful acts prefer to hide in the darkness.
Discernment, not Immersion: Paul isn't advocating ignorance or naivety. He's warning against becoming entangled in or fascinated by evil. Christians should be discerning about the evils of the world, exposing them through righteous living (Ephesians 5:11), but they shouldn't dwell on or revel in the details of these shameful acts.
Focus on Transforming Lives: Instead of focusing on the specifics of the sin, the goal is to transform lives through the gospel, encouraging people to turn away from darkness and embrace the light of Christ (Ephesians 5:8).
Context within Ephesians 5:
This verse isn't meant to be taken in isolation. It's part of a broader exhortation to live a life that is pleasing to God:
Avoid Immorality (5:3-4): Abstain from sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse joking.
Walk in the Light (5:8-10): Live as children of light, bearing the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Expose Evil (5:11): Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
Wake Up (5:14): Be awakened to the truth and allow Christ to shine on you.
In conclusion: Ephesians 5:12 is a powerful statement about the utter depravity of certain secret sins and the importance of Christians living a life of purity and light, exposing evil through righteous living rather than dwelling on its details.