Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Ephesians 5:13 - 5:13
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
13. τὰ πάντα here must be taken quite generally. It is in strong contrast to τὰ κρυφῇ γινόμενα. St Paul does not mean that Gentile abominations become edifying by being dragged into the light. They are sheer darkness and vanish before the light. But everything that can stand the light is manifested in its true nature as God made it under the searching action of the light. The light judges, no doubt, but it does not destroy. It reveals and quickens. However painful the work of reproving may be there is hope in it.
πᾶν γὰρ τὸ φανερούμενου φῶς ἐστὶν. ‘In fact everything that is made manifest is light.’
γὰρ here as often in St Paul is best translated ‘in fact.’ See Shilleto on Thuc. I. 25, 4. What St Paul says is obviously true in the physical sphere. Everything substantial will bear the light, and becomes visible by reflecting it. His argument asserts that it is true also in the spiritual sphere. Here also whatever will bear the light becomes itself a source of light. The logical connexion may be variously interpreted. The clause explains the fruitfulness of the light, in itself and in every heart in which it finds a home. This whole passage should be carefully compared with Joh 3:20 f..