Useful Bible Studies > Ephesians Commentary > chapter 4
When God works powerfully in a place, often people of every kind become Christians. That had happened in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-20). There, even some thieves became Christians.
Those former thieves were eager to serve God. However, it was not easy for them to live as Christians should. They probably had neither the skills nor the strength to earn much money. Perhaps some of them tried to find an excuse to return to their former activities. For example, they may have intended only to steal from rich people, or not to take more than they needed.
Paul taught them, however, that God’s command about this matter is clear. It is wrong to steal (Exodus 20:15). Therefore, it was clear what God wanted those former thieves to do. Like every Christian, they must now learn to live in a manner that pleases God.
When someone becomes a Christian, God changes that person’s life completely (2 Corinthians 5:17). That fact gave those former thieves a special opportunity to bring honour to God. Formerly, as thieves, they took money from other people. Now, as Christians, they could earn money which they could give to help other people. Of course, it would be hard work - but by that work, those former thieves would show powerfully how great a change God had made in their lives. Once these people did evil things; now, because of God’s kindness to them, they were able to do what is truly right and good (2:10).
Next part: Use your words to help other people (Ephesians 4:29)
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© 2019, Keith Simons.