Having stated two characteristics of impure speech that must
vanish from the Christian’s life in Ephesians 5:4 (filthiness
and foolish talking), Paul adds a third: jesting.
Here is a
fascinating word, which is another found only here in the New Testament. The
Greek is eutrapelia. The prefix eu means “good” or “well.” Such
English words such as “eulogy” (saying good words about someone) and
“eugenetics” (“good genes”) use this prefix. The root trepo means “to
turn.” So, the meaning of the word before us is “that which easily turns.”
Within the present context about speech this word yields the idea of turning
something that is spoken into a different meaning. Not only are off-color jokes
and stories included here, but it is the twisting of words that are innocent
into a double-meaning.
It’s
extremely significant that Paul uses this word because historically the
Ephesians were masters of this and were known for producing humorous orators.
An ancient expression goes, “I am a facetious cavalier because I was born in
Ephesus.” How prevalent that is today! Many comedians are masters of this kind
of “humor.” They can take something innocent, even something pure, and turn it
into something filthy.
Indeed, as
our text declares, this is not the speech that is to be typical of the
Christian. But at the same time, it is absolutely disgraceful how this still
has infiltrated the church in subtle form. While not vulgar or
suggestive, more and more the popularity of Christian speakers is gauged
according to how funny and entertaining they are. I was speaking with a couple
a few years ago who spoke of how their pastor used a lot of humor in his
preaching and then said that I could improve my preaching if I would do the
same. That is, indeed, how “good preaching” is measured in much of Christianity
today. While I am certainly not against all humor in preaching, I am very
careful about its use, because that is not why we are there. We are not in
God’s house to laugh or be entertained; we are there to worship and “grow in
grace and knowledge” (II Pet. 3:18).
Isn’t it
significant that while few people will come to hear the exposition of
Scripture, thousands will flock to hear a “Christian comedian” or a
“preacher” who tells plenty of funny stories to spice up his “sermons.” But is
it not also significant that not one verse of Scripture records our Lord
telling a joke? A rule among many today is “warm up your audience with a joke
and even sprinkle some in throughout your sermon.” But we shouldn’t even have
to point out that Scripture nowhere even implies such a worldly idea. Likewise,
nowhere does Paul write in one of his letters, “You know, a funny thing
happened to me when I was on the road to Damascus.” Why don’t we read such
nonsense? Why don’t we ever read, “People will more easily accept Truth if we
make if funny?” Because sin, salvation, and doctrine are not funny! They are
life and death issues and must be
presented with reverence. People who need humor do not love Truth.
Paul adds
that none of these things are convenient (anekō), that is, not fitting, proper, or becoming of a Christian. Because we know true love
from counterfeit love, and because we truly love the Lord and each
other, our speech will lift up both. As noted back in 4:29: “Let no corrupt
communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of
edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (To apply it again to
some “preaching” today, it doesn’t say, That which is good to the use of entertainment,
that it may minister humor unto the hearers.”)
Rather, Paul also adds, the Believer’s life is filled with
the giving of thanks. In contrast to the foul types of speech listed,
what better topic of conversation could there be than thanksgiving? Likewise,
what will really bless our hearts? Will it be the funny joke or
entertaining story, or will it be Truth? Which will give us lasting joy and
deepening growth?
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