Don't Walk Like a Gentile

The “therefore” found in 4:1, located at the very head of the verse, indicated not only a change from theology to ethics in the unfolding of this letter to the Ephesians, it also signaled a connection between theology and ethics. “Therefore” in verse 1 indicated Paul was about to build his exposition of the Christian ethical life on the exposition of the Christian theology unfolded in chapters 1-3, which he did briefly begin to expound but his thought trailed off as he addressed the unity of the visible church. Now, as Paul returns to a sustained focus upon Christian ethics in verse 17 and following, he once again signals the connection between theology and ethics. This time however, he underscores the relationship between false religion and flawed ethics. By putting the accent on the way “gentiles” walk, Paul connects the lifestyle of the gentiles with the theology and religion of the gentiles as expressed back in 2:12-13. The main point Paul makes here is that it is inconceivable that blood-bought, Spirit-filled Christians could be characterized by an ethical life that is similar to gentiles who were by profession both Christless and without God. In this short section Paul characterizes the gentile ethical lifestyle in general, calling it “futile,” and then shows its roots in verse 18 and its fruits in verse 19. This text stands a solemn warning to all believers to root out false theology and philosophy from their minds and hearts lest their life become riddled with behavior that is Christless and godless.