Lutheran Lens Commentary: Ephesians 4:25-32

Lutheran Lens Reading of Ephesians 4:25-32

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Ephesians 4:25-32 through the lens of Law and Gospel, understanding it as a text that both exposes our sin and guides the baptized life. The Law is evident in the commands to put away falsehood, anger, and corrupting talk, revealing our inability to perfectly fulfill God's demands. Yet, the Gospel is present in the call to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, as God in Christ has forgiven us. This passage speaks directly to our identity in Christ, emphasizing that our new life flows from the forgiveness we have received through the means of grace.

Key Language Decisions

In the Greek, the word 'παραδιδωμι' (to give) in verse 32 highlights the grace-filled nature of God's forgiveness in Christ, underscoring the Gospel's promise. The imperative 'ἀφίετε' (forgive) in the same verse reveals both the Law's demand and the Gospel's transformative power, as we forgive because we have been forgiven. The semantic range of words like 'χρηστοί' (kind) and 'σπλαγχνίζομαι' (tenderhearted) emphasize the new life and character formed in us by God's grace.

Where Traditions Diverge

Our Lutheran reading emphasizes the distinction between Law and Gospel, which differs from Reformed traditions that might read this passage more uniformly as moral exhortation. While Reformed theology often emphasizes sanctification as evidence of election, we maintain that the Gospel's promise is unconditional and transformative, not dependent on our moral progress. This difference underscores our commitment to the theology of the cross, where God's strength is made perfect in weakness.

Pastoral Application

As Lutheran pastors, we apply this passage by first allowing the Law to do its work — exposing our falsehood, anger, and unwholesome talk. Yet, we quickly move to the Gospel, proclaiming that in Christ, we are forgiven and renewed. We emphasize the transformative power of the Gospel, which enables us to live out our baptismal identity. Our congregation would expect to hear that the imperatives of this passage guide us in the Third Use of the Law, as we live out our vocations in gratitude for the grace we have received. We reassure our people that God's forgiveness in Christ is the source and motivation for our forgiveness of others.

Cross-References: Colossians 3:12-14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 18:21-35

Doctrinal Connections: simul justus et peccator; justification by faith alone; the theology of the cross; baptismal identity; Third Use of the Law