🛡️WEB · Ephesians 4:20
What does Ephesians 4:20 mean?
"But you did not learn Christ that way;"
— Ephesians 4:20 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts;
who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But you did not learn Christ that way;
if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:
that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;
and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
Explanation
Ephesians 4:20 is a short but pivotal sentence that only makes full sense against the backdrop of the verses surrounding it. In the verses just before this one (4:17-19), Paul describes the futile, darkened way of life he associates with unbelieving Gentiles — minds given over to emptiness, hearts hardened, consciences numbed, leading to sensuality and greed. Then in verse 20 he draws a sharp contrast: "But you did not learn Christ that way." In plain language, Paul is telling his readers that whatever they were taught and came to know
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