Ephesians 5:7 – “Therefore do not be partners with them.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul gives a simple but powerful command in this verse: “Do not be partners with them.” But who is “them”?

Looking at the previous verses (Ephesians 5:3-6), Paul has been warning against people who live in immorality, impurity, and greed—those who justify sin with “empty words” and ignore God’s coming judgment. These are people who continue in disobedience, refusing to turn from their sinful ways.

To “be partners with them” means more than just being around them. It means sharing in their sinful lifestyle, approving their behavior, or allowing their influence to shape your life. Paul is not saying to avoid unbelievers completely (1 Corinthians 5:9-10) but to avoid joining them in their sinful ways.

For believers, this is a clear call to separate from sin. We are called to live differently from the world and not be influenced by those who reject God’s truth.

Historical Context

The city of Ephesus was filled with idolatry, materialism, and sexual immorality. Many of the new Christians had once lived in these sinful practices, and some struggled with the temptation to go back.

False teachers in Ephesus likely encouraged compromise, saying things like:

• “It’s okay to worship Jesus and still enjoy the old ways.”
• “God won’t really judge people for these things.”
• “You can still be part of our culture and be a Christian.”

Paul makes it clear that believers cannot partner with those who live in rebellion against God. The church was meant to stand apart from the sinful culture, not blend into it.

Theological Implications

1. Holiness requires separation from sin. God calls His people to be set apart from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17). This doesn’t mean avoiding non-Christians, but it does mean refusing to participate in their sinful ways.
2. Spiritual compromise is dangerous. When believers get too close to sin, it weakens their faith and draws them away from God (James 4:4).
3. True faith produces a changed life. A person who continues to live in sin without repentance is showing that they do not truly belong to Christ (1 John 3:9-10).

This verse does not teach that Christians should isolate themselves, but it does teach that they should not partner with those who reject God’s ways.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording is short and direct:

• “Therefore” – This connects to the previous verses, reinforcing why believers should not join in sin.
• “Do not be partners” – The Greek word synmetochos means to be a sharer, associate, or co-participant. It’s more than casual friendship—it means active involvement in someone else’s lifestyle or actions.
• “With them” – This refers to those who are living in open rebellion against God, not simply unbelievers in general.

Paul is making a sharp contrast: believers should walk in holiness, not in sin. There is no middle ground.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 1:1 – “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 – “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers… come out from them and be separate.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
• James 4:4 – “Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

In today’s world, it’s easy to be influenced by a culture that promotes sin. Many people claim to follow Christ but still live in ways that go against God’s commands.

This verse challenges us to ask hard questions about our relationships and influences:

• Are we watching, listening to, or engaging in things that promote sin?
• Do our friendships lead us closer to God or pull us away?
• Are we afraid to stand for truth because we don’t want to lose relationships?

Christians should love unbelievers, befriend them, and share the gospel with them—but they should not participate in their sinful ways.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is not just about acceptance—it’s also about protection.

• God warns us because He loves us. He knows that sin destroys lives. By calling us to separate from sin, He is protecting us from its dangers.
• God’s love transforms us. He doesn’t just tell us to avoid sin—He gives us the strength to live differently (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• God invites us into something better. We are not just leaving sin behind—we are stepping into a life of joy, peace, and purpose with Him.

God’s command to avoid sinful partnerships is not about legalism—it’s about leading us into a better, fuller life.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is our perfect example. While He spent time with sinners, He never participated in their sin. Instead, He called them to repentance.

• Luke 5:32 – “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Jesus loved sinners but never approved of their sin.
• John 8:11 – Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery but told her, “Go and sin no more.”
• Matthew 4:19 – Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him, meaning they must leave behind their old sinful ways.
• Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions.”

Jesus doesn’t just call us away from sin—He calls us toward Himself. Following Him means making a clean break from the sin of our past.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any areas in your life where you are partnering with sin?
2. How can you be in the world but not of the world?
3. Are your friendships drawing you closer to God or pulling you away?
4. Have you ever been deceived by “empty words” that made sin seem acceptable? How did you respond?
5. What steps can you take to separate from sin while still showing love to unbelievers?