Ephesians 5:8 - Live as children of light

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light

Ephesians 5:8

Commentary

The believer's position has changed from darkness (sin) to light (righteousness). Believers are to change their walk to correspond to their position in Christ (Rom 12:2).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Eph 5:7-10). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Darkness / Light

"Darkness" describes the character of the life of the unconverted as void of truth and virtue in intellectual and moral matters (cf. 1 John 1:5-7). The realm of darkness is presided over by the "power of darkness," (Luke 22:53; Col. 1:13) who rules those headed for "eternal darkness" (Matt. 8:12; 2 Pet. 2:17). Tragically, sinners love the darkness (John 3:19-21). It is that very darkness from which salvation in Christ delivers sinners (see notes on John 8:12; Col. 1:13; 1 Pet. 2:9; cf. Ps. 27:1).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Eph 5:8). Nashville: Word Pub.

John 8:12 - Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."

John 8:12

Commentary

The scene now shifts to the treasury of the temple (see v. 20). A multitude was still following Him. He turned to them and made one of the many grand statements as to His Messiahship. He said, "I am the light of the world." Naturally speaking, the world is in the darkness of sin, ignorance, and aimlessness. The light of the world is Jesus. Apart from Him, there is no deliverance from the blackness of sin. Apart from Him, there is no guidance along the way of life, no knowledge as to the real meaning of life and the issues of eternity. Jesus promised that anyone following Him would not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. To follow Jesus means to believe on Him.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Jn 8:12). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

During Tabernacles (The Feast of the Tabernacles), 4 large lamps in the temple's court of women were lit and an exuberant nightly celebration took place under their light with people dancing through the night and holding burning torches in their hands while singing songs and praises. The levitical orchestras also played. Jesus took this opportunity of the lighting celebration to portray another spiritual analogy for the people: "I am the light of the world."

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jn 8:12). Nashville: Word Pub.