The mention of temple practices, fornication, and idolatry in this passage would have provoked a very specific image in the minds of the Ephesians. They would almost certainly have been thinking about their local temple, which was dedicated to the worship of Artemis. What’s more, Paul would no doubt remember his own experiences in the city (Acts 19), in connection with this deity. This link is one which a casual reading of Ephesians could easily overlook, but one which I think is key to understanding what this part of Paul’s letter means for us today:
Acts 19: 23-34 (NIV)
23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way [Christianity]. 24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. 25 He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: ‘You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. 26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshipped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.’
28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’ 29 Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s travelling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theatre together. 30 Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. 31 Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theatre.32 The assembly was in confusion: some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defence before the people. 34 But when they realised he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’
The arena would have seated 25,000 people. Perhaps the closest thing we have to this today, would be a football stadium; so we can begin to imagine the noise. What’s not so easy to imagine, though, is all those voices shouting “in unison for about two hours.” This wasn’t a crowd split roughly down the middle, each shouting in support of their own team. This was an angry mob, united in their opposition to the small group of Christians whose way of life challenged their own value system.
What are some of the voices we have to contend with today? I doubt if they’re chanting great is Artemis, but there are a great many other chants, aimed at shouting down those of us trying to live according to God’s way; each one promoting their own ideology or lifestyle, placing their way of life over and above the pattern of God’s design.
And so, to return to our commentary of Ephesians 5…
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
“Those who are disobedient” recalls the beginning of chapter 2, where Paul made the point: “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” BUT, Paul continues, because of God’s love and mercy we are now alive in Christ. The point stands though: we are not to go back to that way of life, or take any part in these idolatrous practices (immorality, impurity, and greed). Though often tempting, those who would entice us toward these things speak “empty words” (however loud, incessant, or popular they may be).
What about God’s wrath, then? The universe and everything in it (including human life) is designed to work a certain way, and will therefore be its best when outworked according to that design. There’s a sense here of “God’s wrath” being the natural result of our working against his order. It’s a wrath born of love: a just response to those of his creatures who choose to work in opposition to God’s perfect standard for human flourishing.
I’m a bit of a Tolkien fan, so when thinking about the contrast between God’s wrath, and God’s love and mercy, I can’t help but think of a particular scene in The Lord of the Rings. Bilbo is about to leave the Shire, and has agreed to leave his ring to Frodo. But Bilbo feels the attraction of the ring, and doesn’t feel able to give it up (and convinces himself that he shouldn’t have to). In a moment of fear and panic (born of greed), he angrily accuses Gandalf: “You want it for yourself!”
“Bilbo Baggins! Do not take me for some conjuror of cheap tricks. I am not trying to rob you!”
“I am trying to help you.”
I think this is helpful in trying to picture God’s wrath, as well as his love and mercy.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
Paul is saying in effect, you used to be like that – but not anymore! By living (“walking” again) in light of the reality issued in through Jesus, as “children of light” we learn what God wants. It’s a journey of discovery, as we align ourselves closer and closer with God’s will. And in so doing, we put greater and greater distance between the old ways which lead to death, and our new way of life: in Christ.
Paul S. Baker 