Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 5:8

"For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light" — Ephesians 5:8 (ASV)

Paul enlarges on the contrast between darkness and light. As in 2:1–3 and 3:17–24, he reminds his readers of what they once were. One word suffices by way of summary—“darkness.” Not only did they live in darkness: they were darkness (cf. 4:18). But now they have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and inherit the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:12–13). They not only live in the light: they are light. This is possible only in union with Christ, who is himself the light (cf. Jn 8:12). Henceforth believers must behave as those who live in the light.