Eph 5:1 | JFB | STEP | 1. therefore-- seeing that "God in Christ forgave you" ( ). followers-- Greek, "imitators" of God, in respect to "love" ( ): God's essential character ( ). as dear children-- Greek, "as children beloved"; to which refers, "As Christ also loved us" ( ). "We are sons of men, when we do ill; sons of God, when we do well" [Augustine, on Psalm 52]; (compare , 45, 48). Sonship infers an absolute necessity of imitation, it being vain to assume the title of son without any similitude of the Father [Pearson].

‏ Ephesians 5:1

CHAPTER 5 Ep 5:1-33. Exhortations to Love: And against Carnal Lusts and Communications. Circumspection in Walk: Redeeming the Time: Being Filled with the Spirit: Singing to the Lord with Thankfulness: The Wife's Duty to the Husband Rests on that of the Church to Christ.

1. therefore--seeing that "God in Christ forgave you" (Ep 4:32).

followers--Greek, "imitators" of God, in respect to "love" (Ep 5:2): God's essential character (1Jo 4:16).

as dear children--Greek, "as children beloved"; to which Ep 5:2 refers, "As Christ also loved us" (1Jo 4:19). "We are sons of men, when we do ill; sons of God, when we do well" [Augustine, on Psalm 52]; (compare Mt 5:44, 45, 48). Sonship infers an absolute necessity of imitation, it being vain to assume the title of son without any similitude of the Father [Pearson].