What does Ephesians 4:28 mean?

Part of denying the Devil a foothold in our lives comes through our practical actions as believers. In a large city such as Ephesus, theft was likely common. Those who could not support themselves by a trade might have lived almost entirely by stealing. That more than likely included some of Paul's readers, prior to coming to faith in Christ. Paul's words would have been personal for these individuals as he wrote, "Let the thief no longer steal." The first step was to stop doing what was wrong, even if it meant totally changing one's life.

Paul then gives two positive changes in this area. First, the practical answer for the thief is fairly straightforward: work and earn, don't steal. Second, Paul specifies that "theft" involves more than just taking physical objects from others. Work done ought to be "honest." Those who were dishonest swindlers were just as much "thieves" as those who swiped fruit from open baskets. The former thief was to no longer lie or manipulate others, but personally work to provide for his own needs.

As always, Paul frames Christian conduct in terms of what it allows us to do for others. In this case, an honest living allows a believer to share what they have with those who cannot support themselves. The Lord takes great joy in a person who once took advantage of others learning to provide for others, instead.