TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ephesians 5:1–2.
Here we have the exhortation to mutual love, or to Christian charity. The apostle had been insisting on this in the former chapter, and particularly in the last verses of it, to which the particle therefore refers, and connects what he had said there with what is contained in these verses, thus: "Because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you, therefore be you followers of God, or imitators of him;" for so the word signifies. Pious persons should imitate the God whom they worship, as far as he has revealed himself as imitable by them. They must conform themselves to his example, and have his image renewed upon them. This puts a great honour upon practical religion, that it is the imitating of God. We must be holy as God is holy, merciful as he is merciful, perfect as he is perfect. But there is no one attribute of God more recommended to our imitation than that of his goodness. Be you imitators of God, or resemble him, in every grace, and especially in his love, and in his pardoning goodness. God is love; and those that dwell in love dwell in God and God in them. Thus he has proclaimed his name, Gracious and merciful, and abundant in goodness. As dear children, as children (who are wont to be greatly beloved by their parents) usually resemble them in the lineaments and features of their faces, and in the dispositions and qualities of their minds; or as becomes the children of God, who are beloved and cherished by their heavenly Father. Children are obliged to imitate their parents in what is good, especially when dearly beloved by them. The character that we bear of God's children obliges us to resemble him, especially in his love and goodness, in his mercy and readiness to forgive. And those only are God's dear children who imitate him in these. It follows, And walk in love, Eph 5:2. This godlike grace should conduct and influence our whole conversation, which is meant by walking in it. It should be the principle from which we act; it should direct the ends at which we aim. We should be more careful to give proof of the sincerity of our love one to another. As Christ also hath loved us. Here the apostle directs us to the example of Christ, whom Christians are obliged to imitate, and in whom we have an instance of the most free and generous love that ever was, that great love wherewith he hath loved us. We are all joint sharers in that love, and partakers of the comfort of it, and therefore should love one another, Christ having loved us all and given such proof of his love to us; for he hath given himself for us. The apostle designedly enlarges on the subject; for what can yield us more delightful matter for contemplation than this? Christ gave himself to die for us; and the death of Christ was the great sacrifice of atonement: An offering and a sacrifice to God; or an offering, even a sacrifice - a propitiatory sacrifice, to expiate our guilt, which had been prefigured in the legal oblations and sacrifices; and this for a sweet-smelling savour. Some observe that the sin-offerings were never said to be of a sweet-smelling savour; but this is said of the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. As he offered himself with a design to be accepted of God, so God did accept, was pleased with, and appeased by, that sacrifice. Note, As the sacrifice of Christ was efficacious with God, so his example should be prevailing with us, and we should carefully copy after it.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
6 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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I have become acquainted with your name, much-beloved in God, which ye have acquired by the habit of righteousness, according to the faith and love in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Being the followers of God, and stirring up yourselves by the blood of God, ye have perfectly accomplished the work which was beseeming to you. For, on hearing that I came bound from Syria for the common name and hope, trusting through your prayers to be permitted to fight with beasts at Rome, that so by martyrdom I may indeed become the disciple of Him "who gave Himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God," [ye hastened to see me].
"But you have not so learned Christ, if you have heard him and have been taught by him as the truth is in Christ Jesus; put off with the ways of your former life your old man which is corrupted by the deceitful lusts. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind and put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness," so as to be made like unto God. "Be therefore imitators of God, as dear children, and walk in love as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. But fornication and all impurity and covetousness and shamefulness and foolish talk, let them not be mentioned among you as is fitting for saints."
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Holy Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ."
That thou mayest not then think it an act of necessity, hear how He saith, that "He gave Himself up." As thy Master loved thee, love thou thy friend. Nay, but neither wilt thou be able so to love; yet still do so as far as thou art able. Oh, what can be more blessed than a sound like this! Tell me of royalty or whatever else thou wilt, there is no comparison. Forgive another, and thou art "imitating God," thou art made like unto God. It is more our duty to forgive trespasses than debts of money; for if thou forgive debts, thou hast not "imitated God"; whereas if thou shalt forgive trespasses, thou art "imitating God." And yet how shalt thou be able to say, "I am poor, and am not able to forgive it," that is, a debt, when thou forgivest not that which thou art able to forgive, that is, a trespass? And surely thou dost not deem that in this case there is any loss. Yea, is it not rather wealth, is it not abundance, is it not a plentiful store?
And behold yet another and a nobler incitement: "as beloved children," saith he. Ye have yet another cogent reason to imitate Him, not only in that ye have received such good at His hands, but also in that ye are called His children. And since not all children imitate their fathers, but those which are beloved, therefore he saith, "as beloved children."
When he wrote to the Corinthians, indeed, he said “be imitators” of me … for though they could not instantaneously become imitators of Christ, it was still a great thing for them if they could be imitators of the imitator. But to the Ephesians, since they are those to whom he has revealed such great mysteries, he neither says “be imitators of me” nor “be imitators of Christ” but “be imitators of God.” This does not imply that it is less to be an imitator of Christ than of God, for Christ is God.… Admittedly much that God has done we humans can hardly be said to imitate. But in the way that he is merciful to all and rains on good and bad, so we may pour out mercy upon all we meet. When we do this, we shall be beloved children. We shall be imitating either Paul or, as I rather think, God himself.
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Summary
Ephesians 5:1 serves as a profound exhortation to believers, urging them to actively embody the very character of God in their daily lives. This command is not arbitrary but flows directly from the theological truths established in the preceding chapters, particularly the believer's new identity in Christ and their adoption into God's family. It calls for a life that mirrors the divine nature, motivated by the deep, affectionate relationship believers share with their Heavenly Father as His beloved children.
Context
Literary Context
Ephesians 5:1 stands as a pivotal transition from the doctrinal exposition and ethical commands of Ephesians 4. The preceding chapter culminates with a powerful call to "put off the old man" and "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24). The conjunction "therefore" (οὖν, oun) in verse 1 signals a direct logical consequence: because believers have been spiritually transformed and renewed in Christ, they are now obligated to live in a manner consistent with this new identity. This verse sets the stage for the practical instructions that follow, particularly the command to "walk in love" (Ephesians 5:2), which is the primary way believers imitate God.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul's letter to the Ephesians was written to a church in a prominent Roman city, a melting pot of various cultures, philosophies, and pagan practices. The concept of imitation (Greek: mimēsis) was not foreign to the Greco-Roman world, where philosophical schools often encouraged students to imitate their masters. However, Paul recontextualizes this idea within a distinctly Christian framework. For the early church, living as "followers of God" meant a radical departure from the prevailing moral decay and idolatry of their surrounding culture. It signified a counter-cultural lifestyle, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel and the distinct ethical demands of their new covenant relationship with the one true God. This imitation was not about becoming divine, but about reflecting divine attributes, particularly love and holiness, in a world that desperately needed to see them.
Key Themes
This verse encapsulates several major themes central to the book of Ephesians and broader Pauline theology. The primary theme is Divine Imitation, emphasizing that Christian living is not merely about avoiding sin but actively striving to reflect God's character. This imitation is rooted in the theme of Beloved Children, highlighting the intimate, affectionate, and adoptive relationship believers have with God as their Father (Galatians 4:6). This familial relationship provides both the motivation and the framework for imitation. Furthermore, the verse underscores the ongoing process of Sanctification and Transformation, where believers, having been made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), are called to progressively conform their lives to God's moral and relational attributes, particularly His love and holiness, as detailed throughout Ephesians 4-5.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This noun, derived from the verb mimēomai (to imitate), signifies an "imitator." It implies a conscious, active effort to replicate or emulate the actions, character, or qualities of another. In this context, believers are called to be active emulators of God, not merely passive admirers. The English word "mimic" shares this root, highlighting the intentional and observable nature of this following.
This adjective, stemming from the verb agapaō (to love), means "beloved" or "dearly loved." Its use here emphasizes the profound, cherished, and unconditional love God has for His children. This deep affection is presented not just as a descriptor of the children, but as the very foundation and motivation for their imitation of God. We are to follow God precisely because we are His beloved.
This noun refers to a "child" in the sense of one who is produced or born, emphasizing a natural, familial relationship. It highlights the spiritual adoption of believers into God's family, granting them the status of His offspring. The combination with agapētós (dear/beloved) underscores the intimacy and security of this relationship, providing the relational context for the command to imitate their Heavenly Father.
Verse Breakdown
"Be ye therefore followers of God"
This is an imperative command, a direct instruction to the believers. The phrase "Be ye" (from ginomai) implies a call to "become" or "exist as" followers, suggesting an ongoing state or process of active imitation. The "therefore" connects this command directly to the preceding theological truths of Ephesians 4, asserting that because believers have been transformed and renewed in Christ, they are now obligated to live in a way that mirrors God's character.
"as dear children;"
This phrase functions as a simile, explaining how believers are to be followers of God and providing the profound motivation for such imitation. The term "dear children" highlights the intimate, loving, and secure relationship believers have with God as their Father. Just as natural children often imitate parents whom they love and admire, so too should believers, out of love and gratitude for their adoption and beloved status, strive to emulate their Heavenly Father.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The Imperative Mood of "Be ye followers" conveys a direct command, emphasizing the active and volitional nature of this spiritual discipline. The use of Simile in "as dear children" provides a powerful analogy, illustrating the manner and motivation for imitation. It evokes the natural inclination of children to emulate beloved parents, thereby grounding the theological command in a relatable human experience. Furthermore, the Logical Conjunction "therefore" establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship, linking the ethical exhortation of this verse to the preceding theological foundations of the believer's new identity in Christ. This structure underscores that Christian ethics are not arbitrary rules but the natural outflow of a transformed spiritual reality.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Ephesians 5:1 encapsulates the profound truth that Christian living is fundamentally about reflecting the character of God. This imitation is not a superficial mimicry but a deep, Spirit-empowered transformation that flows from our new identity as God's beloved children. It calls us to embody His love, holiness, righteousness, and compassion in every facet of our lives, recognizing that our actions bear witness to the nature of the Father we serve. This divine imitation is the practical outworking of our adoption and sanctification, demonstrating the reality of God's work within us to a watching world.
Reflection and Application
To "be followers of God, as dear children" is a lifelong call to intentional discipleship, inviting us to align our thoughts, words, and actions with the divine nature. This means cultivating a heart of love, forgiveness, and compassion, just as our Heavenly Father has demonstrated towards us. It challenges us to pursue holiness, to live with integrity, and to extend grace, reflecting the very attributes that define God. As beloved children, our imitation is not driven by fear or obligation, but by a deep love and gratitude for our Father's boundless affection and redemptive work in our lives. This verse encourages us to constantly ask: "How would God act in this situation?" and then, empowered by the Spirit, to strive to live in a way that honors Him and draws others to His light.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "imitate God" mean we become divine or perfect?
No, the command to "be followers of God" does not imply that believers become divine or achieve absolute perfection in this life. Rather, it calls for an ethical and moral imitation of God's character, particularly His attributes of love, holiness, righteousness, and mercy. Just as a child imitates their parent's good qualities, believers are to reflect God's moral nature, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The goal is to grow in Christlikeness, progressively conforming to the image of God's Son, as described in Romans 8:29. It is a call to sanctification, not deification.
What specific attributes of God are we primarily called to imitate according to this passage and its context?
While God possesses countless attributes, the immediate context of Ephesians 5:1-2 clarifies that the primary attribute believers are called to imitate is love. Verse 2 explicitly states, "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us." This love is sacrificial, self-giving, and forgiving, echoing the commands in Ephesians 4:32 to be "kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Therefore, the imitation of God is fundamentally expressed through a life characterized by divine love.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Ephesians 5:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and practical example in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), the one who perfectly embodied the Father's character and will. When Paul calls us to "be followers of God," he implicitly points us to Christ, who demonstrated what it truly means to live as God's beloved Son. Jesus' entire life, from His humble service (Philippians 2:5-8) to His sacrificial death (Ephesians 5:2), is the supreme pattern for our imitation. Furthermore, it is through our union with Christ that we are made "new creations" (2 Corinthians 5:17) and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out this divine imitation. The Spirit works within us to produce the fruit of God's character, enabling us to walk in love, joy, peace, and all the virtues that reflect our Heavenly Father (Galatians 5:22-23). Thus, Christ is both the perfect model to imitate and the divine enabler of our ability to do so.