Ephesians 5 covers a variety of themes, particularly focusing on Christian behavior, relationships, and the mystery of the Church as the bride of Christ. Here are six cross-references that relate to key themes found in Ephesians 5:
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Love and Imitation of God:
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: This passage describes the nature of love, emphasizing its importance in relationships, which complements the call to love in Ephesians 5:2.
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Marriage and Christ's Relationship with the Church:
- Genesis 2:24: This verse describes the union of husband and wife, providing a foundation for understanding the relationship depicted in Ephesians 5:31-32, where Paul reflects on the mystery of the Church as Christ's body.
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Walk in the Light:
- 1 John 1:7: This passage encourages believers to walk in the light as Christ is in the light, echoing Ephesians 5:8-9, which encourages believers to live as children of light.
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Submission and Reverence in Relationships:
- Colossians 3:18-19: This scripture parallels Ephesians 5:22-25 by discussing wives’ submission to husbands and husbands loving their wives, reinforcing the mutual respect expected in marriage.
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Wise Living and Avoiding Foolishness:
- Proverbs 4:7: This verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding, complementing Ephesians 5:15-17, which urges believers to walk wisely and make the most of their time.
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The Role of the Holy Spirit:
- Galatians 5:22-23: This passage lists the fruits of the Spirit, which is connected to Ephesians 5:18-21, where believers are called to be filled with the Spirit, leading to mutual submission and worship.
These cross-references provide a broader biblical context for understanding the principles and teachings found in Ephesians 5.