Ephesians 5:12 – “It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul is continuing his warning against participating in sinful behavior. In this verse, he makes a striking statement: some sins are so shameful that they should not even be spoken of.

This doesn’t mean we should ignore sin or avoid addressing moral issues. After all, in the previous verse (Ephesians 5:11), Paul tells believers to expose the deeds of darkness. Instead, this verse emphasizes that some sins are so corrupt that they should not be casually discussed, glorified, or spoken about in a way that makes them seem acceptable.

Paul is pointing to the dangers of dwelling on evil things. Talking about sinful acts in the wrong way can dull our conscience, tempt us, or even make wickedness seem normal. Instead of filling our minds with the details of sin, we should focus on what is good, holy, and pure (Philippians 4:8).

Historical Context

Ephesus was filled with idolatry, pagan rituals, and immoral behavior. Many of the religious practices at the Temple of Artemis included prostitution, sexual perversion, and occult activities. Some of these practices were done in secret, yet they had a powerful influence on the culture.

Paul knew that some of these sinful acts were so depraved that they should not even be talked about lightly. In Roman and Greek society, people often told crude jokes and exaggerated stories about sinful behaviors. Paul is warning the believers not to be drawn into these conversations.

This was especially important because some false teachers were likely twisting the truth and downplaying the seriousness of sin. Paul wanted to make sure Christians did not become comfortable with evil by constantly discussing it.

Theological Implications

1. Sin should not be glorified. Talking about sinful actions in an approving, entertaining, or casual way leads to a hardening of the heart (Romans 1:32).
2. Dwelling on sin can influence us. What we listen to, watch, and discuss can affect our thinking and behavior (1 Corinthians 15:33).
3. God calls us to purity in thought and speech. We should fill our minds with things that honor Him (Colossians 3:2, Philippians 4:8).
4. Sin must be exposed, not promoted. There is a difference between warning against sin and speaking about it in a way that makes it seem attractive or acceptable (Ephesians 5:11).

Literary Analysis

Paul uses strong language to describe the seriousness of sin:

• “Shameful” – The Greek word aischros means disgraceful, indecent, or dishonorable. This emphasizes that some sins are so evil that they should not even be discussed casually.
• “Even to mention” – This phrase suggests that some sins are so corrupt that simply talking about them can spread their influence or tempt others.
• “What the disobedient do in secret” – This highlights the hidden nature of some sins. Even though they may not be done publicly, they are still serious in God’s eyes.

Paul is not saying that Christians should be unaware of sin. Instead, he is warning against the dangers of talking about it in a way that normalizes, excuses, or even promotes it.

Biblical Cross-References

• Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure… think about such things.”
• Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
• Romans 16:19 – “I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.”
• Psalm 101:3 – “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Today, sin is constantly discussed, joked about, and even celebrated in entertainment, social media, and daily conversations. Many people talk about sinful things in a casual or humorous way, without realizing the effect it has on their hearts.

This verse reminds Christians to be careful about what they allow into their minds and conversations.

• Entertainment choices – Many TV shows, movies, and songs glorify sin. Do we consume media that fills our minds with sinful behavior?
• Social conversations – Do we joke about or lightly discuss sinful things, making them seem normal?
• Teaching and preaching – Are we exposing sin in a way that leads to repentance, or are we simply talking about it without offering God’s truth?

Paul’s warning applies today more than ever. The more we talk about sin without acknowledging its seriousness, the more desensitized we become to it.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His call to holiness.

• God wants to protect us from evil. He knows that filling our minds with sinful things leads to spiritual harm.
• God calls us to purity, not ignorance. This verse is not about ignoring sin but about approaching it in the right way—with wisdom and discernment.
• God’s love transforms us. Instead of focusing on darkness, He calls us into the light so we can reflect His goodness (Ephesians 5:8).

God doesn’t tell us to avoid certain discussions because He wants to control us—He does it because He wants to keep our hearts pure and focused on what is truly good.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12), and He came to rescue us from darkness. He never ignored sin, but He also never glorified it. Instead, He called people to repentance, truth, and purity.

• John 3:19-20 – “People loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil… but whoever lives by the truth comes into the light.”
• Matthew 12:36-37 – Jesus warns that people will give an account for every careless word they speak.
• 1 Peter 2:22 – Jesus “committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” His words were always pure and truthful.
• Luke 11:33-36 – Jesus teaches that our eyes should be full of light, not darkness, because what we allow into our minds affects our whole being.

Jesus calls His followers to be set apart—to think, speak, and live differently from the world. This verse reminds us to follow His example in purity and wisdom.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there conversations, entertainment choices, or habits that expose you to sinful ideas too often?
2. How can you guard your mind and speech to reflect God’s holiness?
3. What is the difference between exposing sin for correction and talking about it in a way that desensitizes us to its seriousness?
4. How can you help others see the dangers of glorifying sin in culture and conversation?
5. What steps can you take to fill your mind with things that are good, pure, and pleasing to God?