Ephesians 5:11

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, &c.] It is not said with the workers of darkness, or with the men of the world, who are in darkness, and are darkness itself; to have fellowship with them in a civil way, or to dwell among them, is not prohibited; it is allowed of, and countenanced by the greatest examples; and especially it is lawful and right, when there is any prospect of doing good to the souls of men; and even when natural right, relation, and necessity require it; and indeed, the contrary is impracticable: conversation with them in things sinful and superstitious should be abstained from; and when it tends to draw off the soul from Christ and his interest,…”

“unfruitful works of darkness--Sins are terminated in themselves, and therefore are called "works," not "fruits" (Gal 5:19, Gal 5:22). Their only fruit is that which is not in a true sense fruit (Deu 32:32), namely, "death" (Rom 6:21; Gal 6:8). Plants cannot bear "fruit" in the absence of light. Sin is "darkness," and its parent is the prince of darkness (Eph 6:12). Graces, on the other hand, as flourishing in "the light," are reproductive, and abound in fruits; which, as harmoniously combining in one whole, are termed (in the singular) "the FRUIT of the Spirit" (Eph 5:9). rather, &c.--Translate as Greek, "rather even reprove them" (compare Mat 5:14-16). Not only "have no fellowship, but even…”

“And have no fellowship - See the sentiment here expressed fully explained in the notes on 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. The unfruitful works - The deeds of darkness that produce no “benefit” to the body or the soul. The word “unfruitful” is used here in contrast with the “fruit of the Spirit,” Ephesians 5:9. But rather reprove them - By your life, your conversation, and all your influence. This is the business of Christians. Their lives should be a standing rebuke of a sinful world, and they should be ever ready to express their disapprobation of its wickedness in every form. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Reprove them - To avoid them is not enough. Ephesians 5:12”

“5:11 expose them: By the light shining from their lives (cp. John 3:20-21; Rom 13:12; 1 Pet 2:9), not by verbally accusing or condemning people (see 1 Cor 5:9-13).”

“no: Eph 5:7; Gen 49:5-7; Psa 1:1, Psa 1:2, Psa 26:4, Psa 26:5, Psa 94:20, Psa 94:21; Pro 4:14, Pro 4:15, Pro 9:6; Jer 15:17; Rom 16:17; Co1 5:9-11, Co1 10:20, Co1 10:21; Co2 6:14-18; Th2 3:6, Th2 3:14; Ti1 6:5; Ti2 3:5; Jo2 1:10, Jo2 1:11; Rev 18:4 unfruitful: Pro 1:31; Isa 3:10, Isa 3:11; Rom 6:21; Gal 6:8 works: Eph 4:22; Job 24:13-17; Joh 3:19-21; Rom 1:22-32, Rom 13:12; Th1 5:7 but: Gen 20:16; Lev 19:17; Psa 141:5; Pro 9:7, Pro 9:8, Pro 13:18, Pro 15:12, Pro 19:25, Pro 25:12; Pro 29:1; Isa 29:21; Mat 18:15; Luk 3:19; Ti1 5:20; Ti2 4:2; Tit 2:15 Ephesians 5:12”