Chapter four began Paul’s practical admonitions to the Ephesians, which will continue in chapter five. However, notice the distinct change in Paul’s style. The long, winding sentences about doctrine have been removed in favor of short, staccato sentences that are unmistakably clear.
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Chapter five continues with the idea of our walk, establishing that what was said previously (we are forgiven by God for the sake of Christ) is our motivation for following God and walking in love. These verses also present us with examples by which to compare our walk: as dear children, and as Christ loved and gave. The wording here hearkens back to Old Testament sacrifices with words like "offering," "sacrifice," and "sweetsmelling savor." We know from Hebrews 10:1-14 that Christ did away with those Old Testament sacrifices for the Christian because He paid it once and for all. The directive here is to love as Christ loved, give as He gave, and sacrifice as He sacrificed. In short, we walk. Where? After God. How? As Christ did.
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