„Kinder des Lichts“ (Eph 5, 8) – im Lichte der Lichter von Ephesus

Abstract

The term “children of light” was common in the ancient world. The letter to the Ephesians was written to the Ephesians (at the very least), and the saints there were urged to lead a way of life that was visibly different to the idolatry of their urban environment, where the veneration of various Phrygian, Egyptian, and Roman gods was practiced. In particular, the cult of the goddess Hestia involved fire and light, and her priests had great influence in the city and held civil office. The writer admonished the gentile Christian recipients of the letter to understand themselves to be in the true light of the kyrios Jesus, and to conduct their lives accordingly and bear fruit of His true light.