Classic Christianity – Spirit Controlled Living – Part 1 – 10-12-26
~ Proper Conduct in the Midst of Pagan Darkness: Why Paul Exhorts the Ephesians on Walking as Light
Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. 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
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.. Ephesians 5:1-6
1. Historical Background: The Pagan Environment of First-Century Ephesus
To understand why Paul wrote with such urgency in Ephesians 5, we must look at the culture the Ephesian believers were pulled out of:
- The Center of Artemis Worship: First-century Ephesus was a massive, wealthy Roman provincial capital in Asia Minor, world-famous for housing the Temple of Artemis (Diana)—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.






