Analysis Of Paul's Argument

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Vs. 7: “Therefore, do not be partners with them.” Paul addresses the Christians and directly tells them to separate from those in the Artemis cult in the way they live and act. Here, one sees that the Apostle wants to present another argument to the Ephesians by using the word therefore, and giving a command. This argument is the New Testament way of teaching and promoting the sanctification of one’s life. Paul recognizes that sanctification only occurs through the outworking of truth, and argues for the Ephesians to “not be partners with them,” those who are not in the truth. In the New Living Translation (NLT) verse seven says, “Don’t participate in the things these people do.” This translation differs from the first verse presented above, …show more content…
This word difference is important to inspect, to understand the thoughts and the passion behind Paul’s argument. The NIV dictates a concise transition of thought, while the NLT contains a list of commands. In addition, Paul uses the pronoun ‘them’ to classify a distinct people group, the Artemis cult, that practiced magic and to collaborate with ‘them’ would imply that one agreed with their traditions. Vs. 8-10: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Those who are in darkness are unconverted people and they are what they do. This is why Paul tells the people of Ephesus not to be partners with those in the dark, because the Ephesians are no longer in the dark. At this point in the chapter, Paul brings out the most common and most striking New Testament illustrations of the difference between the old life and the new life in Christ. This verse also presents the first use of the light and dark metaphor, where Christ took those who are in the light out of the dark. Jesus called his disciples the light of …show more content…
The Christian must stand aware of their surroundings at all times, not fall into compromise, and not be partners with those in darkness. As children of the light in Jesus Christ, Christians should exemplify the fruit of the spirit, especially goodness, righteousness, and truth. These attributes subsist as necessities for maintaining purity and exposing those who live in darkness. For when the Christian lives a holy life and does not compromise, the light of Christ is prevalent in them and they are able to make all things visible. This message applies to most Christians in today’s church, especially those who have associated themselves with the fruitless deeds of darkness. The main point of Paul’s message exists in three points that come from verse 14: awaking from sleep, being raised from the dead, and going out of the darkness to the light. If a person is saved from alcoholism, then they should not go to a bar where darkness resides. In relationship to the Church of Ephesus, which was rescued from cult worship, Paul did not want the Ephesians to go back into the darkness of their dedication to the Artemis cult. John 8:12 says, “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."” This verse in John relates exactly to what Paul wants for the Ephesians

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