Ephesians 5:11-14

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.

13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.

14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

fellowship (v.11) = become a partaker together with others — a joint participation between two or more individuals in a common interest and/or activity

expose (v.11) = rebuke so as to bring forth conviction or confession of guilt — indicates not just the charge but the truth of the charge, and often, the acknowledgement of the truth (at least inwardly) by the accused — the truth has the power to silence and convict

The connection (v.12) seems to be, reprove them — this they want, and this is more befitting you — for to have the least part in them, even in speaking of them, is shameful. The connection being, “I mention not, and you need not speak of, these deeds of darkness, much less have any fellowship with them — your connection with them must only be that which the act of reproof necessitates.” The secrecy of the works in question is the reason why they require to be openly reproved; and the point is this — the heathen practice in secret, vices too abominable even to mention; all the more is the need of open rebuke instead of silent overlooking or connivance. — Wuest, pages 124-125.

all things (v.13) — in Greek, there’s an article — “the all things” — that points back to the secret sins just mentioned

that are exposed (v.13) = when they are exposed

made manifest (v.13) = made visible or known what has been hidden or unknown

whatever makes manifest is light (v.13) — A general proposition, going to show that manifestation can come only through light. Whatever is revealed in its true essence by light is of the nature of light. It no longer belongs to the category of darkness. Manifestation is a law of good and evil alike. That which is of the truth seeks the light and cometh to the light. That which is evil avoids the light and loves darkness better than light, but none the less is brought to the light and appears in its own light. Wuest, page 125.

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He says (v.14) — It is not possible to find any one Old Testament scripture that contains these words in their exactness. They are rather a free rendering of Isaiah 60:1 [perhaps]. There the Spirit of the Lord speaking through the prophet says, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” — Ironside, page 259.

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Christ will give you light (v.14) — How? “The entrance of thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130). The Word of God, rightly divided, will direct our every step along the pathway of righteousness for His name’s sake. — Sadler, page 237.

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