Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. I. NEGATIVE. "Have no fellowship." 1. All and every kind of intercourse with evil-doers is not included; for we are commanded to rebuke, and this implies some intercourse. Besides, we are exhorted to do good unto all men, as we have opportunity. 2. All friendly intercourse with even gross sinners is not prohibited. Our Saviour sat at meat with publicans, and sinners, and Pharisees; and Paul instructs Christians how to conduct themselves when invited to a feast by an unbeliever. 3. All business intercourse is not interdicted. In 1 Corinthians 10:25, permission, and even advice is given. 4. The discharge of the relative duties which arise out of the family relation is not included in the prohibition. 5. Civil connection with wicked governments is not forbidden. Subjection to rulers is permitted and directed by the precept of Paul, in Romans 13:1. Joseph held office under the despot of Egypt. Daniel did likewise under the kings of Babylon and Persia, and while so doing was greeted by the angel with the title, "well-beloved." 6. Not all ecclesiastical connection with wrong-doers is forbidden. II. HAVING SEEN THAT THERE ARE SOME THINGS WHICH ARE NOT TO BE UNDERSTOOD AS THE FELLOWSHIP FORBIDDEN, LET US INQUIRE IN WHAT IT DOES CONSIST. 1. It plainly includes the direct commission of sin. 2. It occurs in the support of others in the commission of wrong, when we employ them or supply them with the means of some iniquitous purpose. 3. Iniquity is fellowshipped when wrong is justified as right; when sweet as called bitter, and bitter sweet; when darkness is called light, and light darkness. 4. The same thing takes place when men support wrong on the whole. This is done by endeavouring to produce an underestimate of the wrong itself; or by urging its necessity or expediency, as if Providence compelled us to sin. III. LET US NOW CONSIDER OUR POSITIVE DUTY AS ENJOINED IN THE TEXT. A proper understanding of the word "reprove" will furnish us with a clue to guide us to this end. The term implies an appeal to the understanding of the evil-doer — to convince him by proving that his course is one of wickedness and folly — to arouse his sense of right, and not to irritate his sensibility to obloquy and scorn. (E. C. Pritchett.) Parallel Verses KJV: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.WEB: Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them. |
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