◄ Ephesians 5 ►
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Imitators of God 1Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, 2and walk in love, just as Christ loved usa and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. 3But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not be partakers with them. Children of Light 8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10Test and prove what pleases the Lord. 11Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible,b for everything that is illuminated becomes a light itself. 14So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wives and Husbands (Song of Solomon 1:1–17; 1 Peter 3:1–7) 21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.c 22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her 26to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29Indeed, no one ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church. 30For we are members of His body.d 31“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”e 32This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church. 33Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Footnotes: 2 a NE and WH Christ loved you 13 b SBL begins verse 14 after visible, 21 c Or in the fear of Christ. 30 d BYZ and TR include —of His flesh and of His bones. 31 e Genesis 2:24 (see also LXX) Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Ephesians 5 Summary Children of Light Verses 1–2 – Walking in Love Paul urges believers to imitate God by loving as Christ loved—an offering and fragrant sacrifice that sets the tone for the entire chapter. Verses 3–7 – Avoiding Darkness Sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and coarse talk have no place among the saints. Such lifestyles block any share in the kingdom. Do not partner with those who persist in them. Verses 8–14 – Children of Light Once darkness, now light in the Lord. Live so that goodness, righteousness, and truth are evident. Expose deeds of darkness; Christ’s light wakes the sleeper. Verses 15–21 – Wise and Spirit-Filled Living Walk wisely, make the most of the time, understand the Lord’s will. Reject drunkenness and be filled with the Spirit, expressed through joyful worship, gratitude, and mutual submission. Verses 22–24 – Wives and Submission Wives are called to submit to their husbands as to the Lord; the husband is head as Christ is head of the church. Verses 25–33 – Husbands and Christlike Love Husbands must love sacrificially, nourishing and cherishing their wives as Christ does the church, becoming “one flesh.” Marriage displays the great mystery of Christ and His people. Ephesians 5 continues Paul's exhortation on Christian living, focusing on love, light, and wisdom. In a profound conclusion, the chapter applies these teachings to marriage, drawing a parallel between the relationship of husbands and wives and Christ's relationship with the church. Historical Backdrop Ephesus, a major port in first-century Asia Minor, boasted the massive Temple of Artemis, known for ritual prostitution and moral laxity (Acts 19:23-41). Converts leaving that culture needed clear lines between pagan darkness and Christian light. Paul, writing from Roman custody (around AD 60), leans on the Greco-Roman household code but recasts it around Christ’s self-giving love. Archaeological Insights • Theatre inscription honoring Artemis underscores how pervasive sensual worship was—explaining Paul’s sharp warning against sexual sin (v. 3). • House foundations northeast of the ancient agora reveal multi-room family apartments—tangible settings for the husband-wife instructions. • A third-century marble relief depicts a master pouring wine for household banquets; Paul contrasts such drinking culture with Spirit-filled singing (v. 18). Key Themes and Instructions 1. Imitate God (vv. 1-2) • 1 Peter 1:15-16 echoes the call to holiness. • Christ’s sacrificial love fulfills Leviticus 1 offerings—pleasing aroma (Genesis 8:21). 2. Purity of Life (vv. 3-7) • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 parallels the demand for sexual purity. • “No immoral or greedy person…has an inheritance” (v. 5) mirrors Revelation 21:8. 3. Light vs. Darkness (vv. 8-14) • Isaiah 60:1 foretells light rising—Paul adapts the wake-up call. • John 3:19-21 shows Christ’s light exposing evil. 4. Wise Use of Time (vv. 15-17) • Psalm 90:12 pleads, “Teach us to number our days.” • Colossians 4:5 repeats “redeem the time.” 5. Spirit-Filled Worship (vv. 18-21) • Contrast with excess wine (Proverbs 20:1). • Spirit fullness expressed in Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs parallels Acts 16:25. 6. Mutual Submission (v. 21) • Philippians 2:3-4 calls for putting others first. 7. Marriage Picture (vv. 22-33) • Genesis 2:24 stands behind “one flesh.” • Christ’s cleansing of the church recalls John 13:5, where He washes feet. Connections to the Old Testament • “Fragrant offering” (v. 2) links to Exodus 29:18 sacrifices. • “Redeeming the time” (v. 16) parallels the kinsman-redeemer theme of Ruth, buying back what is lost. • Husband nourishing wife (v. 29) echoes God supplying manna (Exodus 16). Connections to the New Testament • Colossians 3:18-19 gives a condensed parallel household code. • 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 reinforces sexual purity with the body as temple. • 1 Peter 3:1-7 repeats respectful submission and considerate leadership. Practical Applications Today • Digital purity: avoid online immorality just as believers avoided temple brothels. • Time management: schedule Scripture intake and service, “buying up” minutes that slip away. • Worship lifestyle: trade mere music consumption for Spirit-led singing, gratitude, and service. • Marriage: husbands lead by self-sacrifice—taking late-night baby duty, praying for wives—while wives support leadership with respect and partnership. • Workplace analog: mutual submission applies to teams—serve rather than dominate. Word Studies • “Imitators” (v. 1, Gk. mimētai): pattern life like an apprentice learning a trade. • “Redeeming” (v. 16, exagorazō): buying out of the marketplace—snatch moments from waste. • “Submit” (v. 21, hypotassō): voluntarily align under for order, not inferiority. Christ and the Church Image Marriage mirrors the gospel. Christ leaves glory, pursues, pays, cleanses, and stays faithful; the church responds in trust and respect. Every Christian household can preach that sermon daily without words. Closing Takeaways Live loved; shun darkness; shine light; be wise; overflow with Spirit; let homes display Christ. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Teaching Points Imitating God Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children (Ephesians 5:1). We are called to reflect God's character in our actions and relationships. Walking in Love Walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God (Ephesians 5:2). Our love should be sacrificial and selfless, mirroring Christ's love for us. Rejecting Darkness For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). We must turn away from sinful behaviors and live in the light of God's truth. Wisdom and Understanding Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16). We are encouraged to live wisely and purposefully. Spirit-Filled Living Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Our lives should be guided by the Holy Spirit, leading to righteousness and godly living. Practical Applications Reflect on Your Walk Regularly assess whether your actions and attitudes align with being an imitator of God. Practice Sacrificial Love Look for opportunities to serve others selflessly, putting their needs above your own. Avoid Sinful Influences Identify areas of darkness in your life and seek God's help to overcome them. Seek Wisdom Daily Make a habit of seeking God's wisdom through prayer and Scripture reading. Cultivate a Spirit-Filled Life Engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and fellowship to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. People 1. God Ephesians 5:1 calls believers to "be imitators of God," emphasizing His role as the ultimate example of holiness and love. The Greek word used here is "Θεός" (Theos), which is the standard term for God in the New Testament. 2. Christ In Ephesians 5:2, believers are instructed to "walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us." Christ is presented as the model of sacrificial love. The Greek term "Χριστός" (Christos) is used, signifying the Anointed One or Messiah. 3. Believers Throughout the chapter, believers are addressed collectively. They are called to live as "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8) and to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21). The Greek word for believers is "πιστοί" (pistoi), meaning faithful or believing ones. 4. Wives Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. The Greek word "γυναῖκες" (gynaikes) is used, meaning women or wives, highlighting their role within the marital relationship. 5. Husbands In Ephesians 5:25-33, husbands are commanded to love their wives "just as Christ loved the church." The Greek term "ἄνδρες" (andres) is used, meaning men or husbands, emphasizing their responsibility to love sacrificially. 6. The Church The church is described as the bride of Christ in Ephesians 5:25-27. The Greek word "ἐκκλησία" (ekklesia) is used, referring to the assembly or congregation of believers, highlighting the collective body of Christ. 7. Children of Disobedience Ephesians 5:6 warns against being deceived by "empty words," as these bring God's wrath upon the "children of disobedience." The Greek term "υἱοὶ τῆς ἀπειθείας" (huioi tēs apeitheias) is used, indicating those who are rebellious or unbelieving. Places 1. Place of Imitation Ephesians 5:1: "Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children." This verse calls believers to emulate God's character, reflecting the Greek root "mimētēs" (μιμητής), meaning "imitator" or "follower." 2. Place of Love Ephesians 5:2: "and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." The emphasis is on living a life characterized by love, rooted in the Greek word "agapē" (ἀγάπη), which signifies selfless, sacrificial love. 3. Place of Light Ephesians 5:8: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." This metaphorical place contrasts the believer's past and present, using "phōs" (φῶς) for "light," symbolizing purity and truth. 4. Place of Wisdom Ephesians 5:15: "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise," Here, wisdom is highlighted, with the Greek "sophos" (σοφός) indicating practical and spiritual insight. 5. Place of the Spirit Ephesians 5:18: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This verse contrasts physical indulgence with spiritual fullness, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit, "pneuma" (πνεῦμα). 6. Place of Submission Ephesians 5:21: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." The concept of mutual submission is introduced, with "hypotassō" (ὑποτάσσω) meaning to arrange under or yield to another. Events 1. Call to Imitate God (Ephesians 5:1-2) Believers are urged to "be imitators of God" and to "walk in love," as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. The Greek word for "imitators" (μιμηταί, mimētai) emphasizes the act of emulating God's character and actions. 2. Warning Against Immorality (Ephesians 5:3-5) Paul warns against sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, stating that such behaviors are improper for God's holy people. The Greek term for "immorality" (πορνεία, porneia) encompasses a range of sexual sins. 3. Exhortation to Live as Children of Light (Ephesians 5:6-14) Believers are encouraged to live as "children of light," discerning what pleases the Lord and exposing the deeds of darkness. The Greek word for "light" (φῶς, phōs) symbolizes purity and truth. 4. Call to Wisdom and Understanding (Ephesians 5:15-17) Paul advises believers to walk wisely, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. The Greek term for "wisely" (σοφῶς, sophōs) implies living with discernment and prudence. 5. Instruction on Being Filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-21) Instead of getting drunk on wine, believers are instructed to be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The Greek word for "filled" (πληροῦσθε, plērousthe) suggests a continuous, ongoing action. 6. Guidance for Wives and Husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33) Wives are instructed to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, and husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church. The Greek word for "submit" (ὑποτάσσω, hypotassō) indicates a voluntary yielding in love and respect. Lessons from Ephesians 5 1. Walk in Love Ephesians 5:2 encourages us to "walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." This verse reminds us that love is not just a feeling but an action. By emulating Christ's selfless love, we can transform our relationships and communities. Let love be the guiding principle in all your interactions, and watch how it changes the world around you. 2. Avoid Impurity In Ephesians 5:3, Paul advises, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed." This is a call to live a life of purity and integrity. By setting boundaries and making wise choices, we can maintain a lifestyle that honors God and reflects His holiness. 3. Speak with Gratitude Ephesians 5:4 tells us, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving." Our words have power, and choosing to speak with gratitude can uplift and encourage those around us. Replace negative speech with words of thankfulness, and you'll find your perspective and relationships enriched. 4. Shine as Light In Ephesians 5:8, we are reminded, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." As followers of Christ, we are called to be beacons of hope and truth in a world often shrouded in darkness. Let your actions and words reflect the light of Christ, illuminating the path for others. 5. Discern What Pleases the Lord Ephesians 5:10 encourages us to "test and prove what pleases the Lord." This involves seeking God's will in every aspect of our lives. By spending time in prayer and Scripture, we can discern His desires and align our actions accordingly, ensuring that our lives are a pleasing offering to Him. 6. Make the Most of Every Opportunity In Ephesians 5:16, Paul urges us to "make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Time is a precious gift, and we are called to use it wisely. Prioritize activities that have eternal significance, and seize every chance to share God's love and truth with those around you. 7. Understand the Lord's Will Ephesians 5:17 advises, "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." Knowing God's will requires a heart attuned to His voice. Regularly engage with Scripture and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to gain clarity and direction for your life. 8. Be Filled with the Spirit In Ephesians 5:18, we are instructed, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Being filled with the Spirit empowers us to live out our faith boldly and effectively. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen you daily, enabling you to fulfill God's purposes. 9. Encourage One Another with Psalms and Hymns Ephesians 5:19 encourages us to "speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs." Music and Scripture have the power to uplift and inspire. Share these gifts with others, creating an atmosphere of worship and encouragement that draws people closer to God. 10. Submit to One Another Out of Reverence for Christ Finally, Ephesians 5:21 calls us to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This mutual submission fosters unity and harmony within the body of Christ. By putting others' needs before our own and serving with humility, we reflect the love and character of Jesus, building a strong and vibrant community of believers. Topics 1. Imitating God (Ephesians 5:1-2) Believers are called to be imitators of God, living a life of love as Christ loved us. The Greek word for "imitators" is "μιμηταί" (mimētai), which implies following or emulating God's character and actions. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2) 2. Rejecting Immorality (Ephesians 5:3-7) Christians are urged to avoid sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, which are improper for God's holy people. The Greek term "πορνεία" (porneia) refers to sexual immorality, emphasizing the need for purity. "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed." (Ephesians 5:3) 3. Living as Children of Light (Ephesians 5:8-14) Believers, once in darkness, are now light in the Lord and should live as children of light, producing goodness, righteousness, and truth. The Greek word "φῶς" (phōs) signifies the illuminating presence of God in believers' lives. "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8) 4. Understanding the Lord’s Will (Ephesians 5:15-17) Christians are encouraged to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity and understanding the Lord's will. The Greek "σοφία" (sophia) for wisdom highlights the importance of discernment in daily life. "Be very careful, then, how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16) 5. Being Filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-21) Instead of being drunk with wine, believers should be filled with the Spirit, resulting in worship, gratitude, and mutual submission. The Greek "πληροῦσθε" (plērousthe) means to be continually filled, indicating an ongoing process. "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18) 6. Instructions for Wives and Husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33) The passage outlines the roles of wives and husbands, emphasizing mutual love and respect. Wives are called to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, and husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. The Greek "ὑποτάσσω" (hypotassō) for submit and "ἀγαπάω" (agapaō) for love highlight the relational dynamics. "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." (Ephesians 5:22, 25) Themes 1. Imitation of God Ephesians 5:1 encourages believers to "be imitators of God, as beloved children." The Greek word for "imitators" (μιμηταί, mimētai) suggests a call to emulate God's character and actions, reflecting His holiness and love in daily life. 2. Walking in Love Verse 2 instructs believers to "walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." The Greek term for "walk" (περιπατεῖτε, peripateite) implies a continuous, habitual lifestyle of love, modeled after Christ's sacrificial love. 3. Rejecting Immorality Ephesians 5:3-5 warns against sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, stating that "such things have no place among God’s people." The Greek word for "immorality" (πορνεία, porneia) encompasses a broad range of sexual sins, emphasizing the call to purity. 4. Living as Children of Light Verses 8-9 highlight the transformation from darkness to light, urging believers to "live as children of light." The Greek word for "light" (φῶς, phōs) symbolizes truth, righteousness, and the presence of God, contrasting with the darkness of sin. 5. Understanding God's Will Ephesians 5:17 advises, "do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." The Greek term for "understand" (συνίετε, syniete) implies a deep, discerning comprehension of God's desires and purposes for one's life. 6. Being Filled with the Spirit Verse 18 contrasts being drunk with wine with being "filled with the Spirit." The Greek word for "filled" (πληροῦσθε, plērousthe) suggests a continuous, ongoing process of being influenced and empowered by the Holy Spirit. 7. Worship and Thanksgiving Ephesians 5:19-20 encourages speaking "to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs," and giving "thanks always for everything to God the Father." This theme emphasizes communal worship and a heart of gratitude. 8. Mutual Submission Verse 21 calls for "submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." The Greek word for "submit" (ὑποτασσόμενοι, hypotassomenoi) indicates a voluntary yielding in love and respect, reflecting Christ's humility. 9. Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the Church Ephesians 5:22-33 discusses the relationship between husbands and wives, portraying marriage as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the Church. The Greek term for "love" (ἀγαπᾶτε, agapate) used in verse 25 for husbands emphasizes selfless, sacrificial love. Prayer Points Pray for a Heart of Imitation Ask God to help you imitate His love and character in all areas of your life. Pray for Strength to Walk in Light Seek God's strength to reject darkness and live as a child of light. Pray for Wisdom and Discernment Request God's guidance to make wise decisions and use your time effectively. Pray for a Spirit-Filled Life Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you daily, empowering you to live a life that honors God. Answering Tough Questions 1. Ephesians 5:22–24: How can the command for wives to submit to husbands be reconciled with modern ideas of gender equality? 2. Ephesians 5:25–27: If Christ sanctifies the church, how do we explain the church’s historical failures and corruption? 3. Ephesians 5:31: Does quoting Genesis 2:24 align with or contradict anthropological evidence on diverse marriage customs? 4. Ephesians 5:3–6: Does this strict stance on sexual immorality conflict with scientific understandings of human sexuality? 5. Ephesians 5:8: How does the metaphor of darkness and light hold up against the complexities of human behavior observed in psychology? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does it mean to you to "imitate God" and "walk in love" as outlined in verses 1-7? 2. How can you actively turn away from immoral behavior in your life? 3. Reflecting on verses 8-14, how do you understand your role as a 'child of light'? 4. In what ways can you expose and resist the deeds of darkness in today's society? 5. How can you apply Paul's advice on living wisely and redeeming the time in your current life situation? 6. What does it mean to be 'filled with the Spirit' and how can you cultivate this in your life? 7. How does the practice of giving thanks and submitting to one another manifest in your life? 8. Reflecting on verses 22-33, how does Paul's analogy of marriage and Christ's relationship with the church impact your understanding of marriage? 9. How can these teachings influence your perspective on love and respect in relationships? 10. How does the concept of sacrificial love apply to you, whether you're married or not? 11. How can you apply the lessons from Ephesians 5 to improve your relationships with others? 12. How does Ephesians 5 challenge your understanding of what it means to live a Christ-centered life? 13. What aspects of your life need more 'light' and 'love' as instructed in this chapter? 14. How can you use your time more effectively for God's kingdom based on Ephesians 5? 15. In what ways can you ensure your life is more Spirit-led? 16. How does Ephesians 5 shape your understanding of submission and respect in Christian relationships? 17. How can the teachings in this chapter help you in making wise decisions? 18. Reflect on the importance of mutual respect and love in maintaining unity in the church. 19. How does this chapter challenge your understanding of Christian ethics? 20. How does Ephesians 5 inspire you to live out your faith more authentically in your day-to-day life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions