Deep Dive: Ephesians 1:17

The Verse (KJV, ESV, NIV):

• KJV: “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.”

• ESV: “…may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him…”

• NIV: “…so that you may know him better.”

1. Word Study – “Knowledge of Him”

• The Greek word here is ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis).

  • More than general gnōsis (“knowledge” or “facts”).

  • Epi- intensifies it: full, deep, experiential knowledge.

• It means “personal recognition, direct acquaintance, full experience” rather than just information.

Contrast:

• Gnōsis = knowing about someone (facts, theology, doctrine).

• Epignōsis = knowing someone by encounter (face-to-face, living relationship).

2. Knowledge FROM WITHIN vs FROM WITHOUT

• Paul isn’t praying they accumulate more external facts: books, sermons, YouTube lectures, or second-hand teaching.

• He’s praying for Spirit-given revelation that comes from within — the Spirit illuminating Christ personally in the heart.

Supporting Scriptures:

• 1 Corinthians 2:12 – “We have received…the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things freely given to us of God.”

• John 16:13–14 – The Spirit takes what is Christ’s and makes it known to you.

• Galatians 1:12 – Paul: “I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through revelation of Jesus Christ.”

3. Illustration: Knowing ABOUT vs Knowing HIM

• You can read biographies of a famous person, memorize their words, and still never meet them.

• That’s gnōsis.

• But when you encounter them face-to-face, hear their voice, walk with them — that’s epignōsis.

• Paul prays for the Ephesians to have this living, inward, Spirit-breathed encounter with Jesus.

4. Why This Matters for Ministry

• Books, sermons, teaching = good tools, but they are signposts.

• Revelation “in Him” = the destination — Christ Himself revealed to the inner man by the Spirit.

• Without revelation, even good theology can remain second-hand knowledge.

5. Practical Application

• Prayer posture: Ask not only to learn about Christ, but to see Him by the Spirit.

• Ministry posture: Teach people not just information, but to wait on the Spirit until truth becomes revelation.

• Daily walk: Each Scripture reading is an invitation to fellowship with the Person behind the text.

Paul’s Example:

• After years of being a scholar of the Law, Paul still cried: “That I may know Him” (Philippians 3:10).

• He understood the difference between external knowledge and inward revelation.

 Summary:
Ephesians 1:17 is not about your knowledge about Christ through study or second-hand teaching. It’s about a Spirit-imparted epignōsis — personal, inward knowledge of Him. This comes from God’s Spirit shining Christ into your heart, not from human instruction.

GOOD REVELATION AND ACCUSING EXPOSING CHRISTIAN GOSSIP

Anchor Texts (KJV · ESV · NIV)

Ephesians 5:11

• KJV: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

• ESV: “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

• NIV: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”

Key term: ἐλέγχω (elengchō) = reprove, convict, bring to light for correction (not for spectacle).

Note v.12: “It is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.” (KJV/ESV/NIV) — i.e., don’t sensationalize sin.

1 Peter 4:8

• KJV: “Charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

• ESV: “Love covers a multitude of sins.”

• NIV: “Love covers over a multitude of sins.”

• Key term: καλύπτω (kalýptō) = to cover, to not broadcast; related idea: forgive, forbear, refuse to keep a record (cf. Prov 10:12; Ps 32:1).

Main Teaching Point
The Tension: Expose vs. Cover

Not opposites—complements with different aims.

• Expose (Eph 5:11): Bring deeds into light to protect the flock, stop harm, restore truth and holiness (John 3:20–21; 2 Cor 2:11; 2 Kings 6:9–12).

• Cover (1 Pet 4:8): Refuse tabloidizing sin; forgive, forbear, and refrain from public parade when repentance and safety are present (Prov 10:12; Prov 11:13; Gal 6:1).

Cover ≠ Cover-up.

• Covering = charitable restraint plus restorative care.

• Cover-up = hiding sin to protect power, avoid scandal, or enable abuse—unbiblical (Ezek 34; 1 Cor 5; Isa 5:20).

Guardrails from Scripture

• Due process & fairness: Matt 18:15–17 (private → witnesses → church); 1 Tim 5:19–20 (no accusation against an elder without “two or three witnesses”; those who persist in sin “rebuke in the presence of all” so others may fear).

• Tone & aim: Gal 6:1 “restore… in a spirit of gentleness”; Eph 4:29 “let no corrupting talk… but only such as is good for building up.”

• Against gossip/slander: Prov 11:13 (talebearer reveals secrets); 1 Tim 5:13 (busybodies); 2 Cor 12:20; James 3:5–8 (tongue).

• Crimes & harm: Rom 13:1–4—report to civil authorities; protection of the vulnerable outranks institutional image.

“TMZ-style” Tabloid Christianity vs. Biblical Exposure

TMZ-style traits (to reject):

• Monetized outrage, humiliation-as-entertainment, edits without context, anonymous rumor, no path to repentance, no protection for victims, no due process, no shepherding aim.

Biblical exposure (to practice):

• Motive: Love God, protect the flock, seek restoration.

• Method: Evidence, witnesses, impartiality (1 Tim 5:21), appropriate venues.

• Message: Minimally necessary facts; avoid lurid detail (Eph 5:12).

• Ministerial aim: Repentance, restitution, and re-establishment of safety; if unrepentant—clear consequences (1 Cor 5; 2 Thess 3:14–15).

A Practical Decision Framework (Use as a slide/checklist)

1. Is anyone currently unsafe?

   • Yes: Immediately protect, report crimes, remove access (Rom 13). (This is “expose.”)

2. Is there credible evidence/witnesses?

   • If not: do not publish; seek facts (1 Tim 5:19).

3. Has Matthew 18 been followed (as applicable)?

   • Private appeal → witnesses → church.

4. Is the person repentant and cooperating?

   • Yes: Prefer covering (forgiveness, privacy, supervised restoration plan).

   • No/Persistent: Move to appropriate exposure (church discipline; if public teacher, a sober public statement), per 1 Tim 5:20.

5. What is the minimum necessary disclosure?

   • State facts, name accountability, outline safeguards—no sensational detail (Eph 5:12).

6. Is the tone redemptive?

   • Aim at healing the body, not clicks (Gal 6:1; Eph 4:29).

7. Aftercare:

   • Care for victims; provide a clear repentance/ restoration path for the offender as appropriate (2 Cor 2:6–8).

Teaching Contrast (Fast reference)

• Expose (Eph 5:11) = Light that convicts, protects, sets boundaries, and calls to repentance.

• Cover (1 Pet 4:8) = Love that forgives, refuses to shame, and handles matters discreetly when repentance and safety allow.

• Both together = Holy Love: truthful about sin, tender toward people, tough on harm.

Sample Language for Leaders (non-tabloid)

• “For the safety of our community, we removed ___ from leadership and notified authorities. We’re committing to survivor care and third-party review. Please join us in prayer for truth, healing, and repentance.”

• “A concern was brought privately per Matthew 18. The brother/sister has repented; we are walking a confidential restoration plan with oversight. Please avoid speculation (Prov 11:13; Eph 4:29).”

Quick Scripture Pack (For Teachers)

• Expose: Eph 5:11–13; Luke 12:2–3; 1 Tim 5:20; 1 Cor 5; 2 Kings 6:9–12.

• Cover: 1 Pet 4:8; Prov 10:12; Prov 11:13; Ps 32:1; Col 3:13.

• Process & tone: Matt 18:15–17; Gal 6:1; 1 Tim 5:19,21; Eph 4:29; James 3:5–8.

• Gossip/slander warnings: 3 John 9–10; 2 Cor 12:20.

Bottom line

Ephesians 5:11 forbids complicity with darkness and calls for responsible exposure; 1 Peter 4:8 restrains the flesh from turning exposure into a spectacle. In Christ, the church practices truth with tenderness: we expose to protect and restore, and we cover to forgive and heal—never to enable, never to entertain.

Mature Ephesians 5:11 vs. Tale-Bearer Ministry Liar

1) Two Commands in Tension—Rightly Applied

• Expose (Eph 5:11)

  • KJV: “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

  • Aim: protection, correction, restoration—not spectacle (see v.12: “shameful even to speak” of certain details).

• Cover (1 Pet 4:8)

  • “Love covers a multitude of sins.”

  • Aim: forgiveness, privacy, healing—not cover-up (1 Cor 5; Rom 13:1–4 for crimes).

These are complementary: we expose when necessary to stop harm and uphold truth; we cover when repentance and safety are present.

2) Eyewitness vs False Witness (the truth standard)

• Eyewitness = firsthand, verifiable, consistent, corroborated (Deut 19:15; Matt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1).

• False witness = rumor, contradiction, slander, agenda (Exod 20:16; Prov 12:17; 19:5,9; Matt 26:59–60).

• Ministry rule: No public claiming without 2–3 witnesses or equivalent evidence—especially regarding elders (1 Tim 5:19–20).

3) What Scripture Calls a Tale-Bearer

• Lev 19:16 (KJV): “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people.”

• Prov 11:13 (KJV): “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”

• Prov 20:19; 26:20–22: Gossip spreads strife; avoid the carrier.

• Exod 23:1: “Thou shalt not raise a false report.”

Tale-bearer ministry liar = someone who packages hearsay as “discernment,” publishes secrets, monetizes outrage, and bypasses due process—TMZ-style.

4) The “Mature Ephesians 5:11” Checklist (six P’s)

Use this before any exposure:

1. Purpose – Will this protect the flock, uphold truth, or stop ongoing harm? (Eph 5:11; John 10:12–13)

2. Process – Have we followed Matthew 18 where applicable? For elders, 1 Tim 5:19–20? Civil reporting for crimes (Rom 13:1–4)?

3. Proof – Do we have 2–3 witnesses / documents / timelines that agree (Deut 19:15)?

4. Purity – Is my motive love and restoration, not clicks, rage, or rivalry (Gal 6:1; Eph 4:29)?

5. Proportion – Share minimum necessary facts; avoid lurid detail (Eph 5:12).

6. Protection – Safeguard victims, the vulnerable, and the repentant; set boundaries and monitoring (Ezek 34; 2 Cor 2:6–8).

If any of these fail, you’re veering from mature exposure into tale-bearing.

5) Fast Discernment Grid

NEXT  TAVEAU’S OWN PERSONAL APOSTOLIC PAULINE

EPHESIANS 1:17 “GRACE AND EXPERIENCE GRANTED” One Day in, One Day Out since age 18 or 19

MINISTRY REVELATION  (By Grace and Relationship)

 

HEROES:

John on the Isle: Book of Revelation, boiled in oil 3 x but God miraculously protected and preserved

Paul Overall “in prison”  Multiple Books of First Church Authority, Relationships and Very First Church Principles, Community, Ministry Protocol and Family, Life Policy

Noah: Life in the Slow Lane

Abraham “abiding faith” 

Moses (all the leader murmuring complainers)

BRIGHT EARTHLY LONG LOST HEROES

My Non Famous Dad, Sr Pastor M. Kimball Johnson, Jr. (Mother Aunt, Sister, Dear Grandmothers, more)

Brother John Chappel, Laugh Cry Ministries

Dr. John E Jones, Keisha Ministries

THE SHE’S AMAZING EYEWITNESS:”Which has delivered from only “NOTING AND THINKING “IT” But now she is liberated and fully free to SAY IT!”

THIS JANE ON THE PLANO, CARROLLTON, GENERAL NORTH DALLAS, FT WORTH,  DFW AREA LONG AISLE

Eyewitness: This Jane, on the long aisle in the Plano–Carrollton–North Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) area, encountered demonic invasive scanning (seemed like real witchcraft), “good-old-boys will-be-boys-ism,” and East Coast Shepherding “little woman” attitudes—standing as a new, expat, lone Hannah on the front-porch steps of too many 1 Samuel Eli systems. There were demonic, witchcraft-like, fun-loving yet cultish dynamics amid tremendous false religion—Demas-style playtime; stumbling blocks of dark witchcraft principalities; and ambitious opportunism (Isaiah 5:20—woe). Also present: elite sexism; mega/micro patterns (cf. Psalm 137; Psalm 123:3–4). (Got out in 2020.) And this was just the hurried church—mega-gifted and speaking in tongues(!).

A FORMER ARTICLE  POSTED NEXT: 

Prophetic Visionary, Apostolic Founder, Lead Pastor, Offscouring of the World, Sister Taveau

“BUT THIS IS HOW WE DO IT, DO IT!”

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of any (hu)man, those things which the Lord has prepared for those who love Him, BUT THOSE THINGS ARE REVEALED by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches all all things yea even the deep things of God.” Long suffering Paul I Corinthians 2: 9-10

Sir Apostle Paul “”(I pray) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge “OF” (not just books, teaching ABOUT)  him:” diverse Ephesians 1:17

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON + THE HOLY SPIRIT
Long before innovation had a lab coat, Booker T. Washington waited on the Holy Spirit. For hours. In quiet humility, he credited God—not man—for the divine ideas that turned peanuts into progress. Over 300 uses, not by hustle alone, but by heaven’s download.

Spirit-led innovation. Legacy with purpose.

PASTOR TAVEAU’S FAVORITE SCRIPTURES
(Presented in both KJV and ESV)

1. Luke 1:37

KJV:
For with God nothing shall be impossible.

ESV:
For nothing will be impossible with God.

2. John 16:13

KJV:
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

ESV:
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

 

3. James 3:17

KJV:
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

ESV:
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere

4. Daniel 2:28

KJV:
But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

ESV:
But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these:

5. 1 Corinthians 2:9–10

KJV:
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

ESV:
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

6. Job 33:14–17

KJV:
For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

ESV:
For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings, that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man.

PERCEIVED, HOLY SPIRIT REVEALED, UNDESERVED, UN”ACHIEVED” BUT REVEALED WORDS, MANY IDEAS AND SOLVING TRUE PROBLEMS, FINE ARTS DOWNLOADS AND MUCH MORE

“Call unto Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things you know not of “Jeremiah 33:3

The Call of

TAVEAU CREATIVE LEADERSHIP
“TCL The Creator LIVES”

SEE DANIEL 2:28: “There is a God in heaven who reveals …mysteries, secrets”

TRAPPED: The Prophet Daniel, who was ensconced in   Babylon, under the leadership of King Nebuchadnezzar…as a relocated captive, an unwilling form of  expat, however, he was  still in the God Called Ministry in the foreign nation of muderous, majorly idolatrous, heathen Babylon.

APOSTLE PAUL 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9-10 “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has entered into the heart of any person, but those things ARE REVEALED by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, yea even the deep things of God”

Apostle Paul stood in the  busy seaport cross cultures of the regional Corinthian Church. The new church was still forming and there many conflicting personalities and multicultural people groups, each faction with  very loud opinions and passionate many international viewpoints….just as it is now..

When Paul wrote this major verse, it was while  he was immersed in human ministry big dysfunction, major ambition and self centered defenses and a quagmire of leader doctrines, Both from the Jews, the Romans, the false religions, Temple Diana and far more…Not only was there great racial and religious conflicts but there was the normal human out of control passion and giant egos, who vied to out do and top one another..

The Society was far bigger than the tiny church, but there church had quite a mind of it’s own. And Apostle Paul realized the big conflicts were mostly “ego” “fortunes” and not a high perspective “ETERNITY and “KNOWING THE LORD”

Earlier in I Corinthians 1, Paul had to rebuke and correct the divided “Fan Club True Followers of his Church day’. He had scolded Corinthian believers for picking one elevated, very popular  Christian area pulpit office and choosing sides , so he wrote “Don’t say “I am for Apollos'” or “I am for Paul” just say ” I am for Christ”…so today is similar to back in that time period..

The Culture; Long ago, in the First Church times,  the society and culture consisted either of  Jews Hebrew, nation of Isreal, under Moses Ten Commandments and the intricate ,complicated,  Torah Law)..and many different races, vibes beliefs and tribal fruits, styles of ” Gentiles” “Romans” “Arabs’ and anyone who NOT A JEW..

The times were a gigantic melting pot of people, of flux, of many distinct , even warring,diverse cultures and deeply held viewpoints. Also personalities and many slaves.. and the bustling Corinthian are was just like any seaport ..full of tough customers, international travelers, entrepreneurs and markets, both wise and wealthy along with slavery, deep poverty and trafficking human souls…
Yet it was God sent PLACE for the Harvest and Paul offers some tips on dealing with this now Generation..

But ONE OF MY OWN TRIED AND TRUE TOP METHODS.. is  NOT to put a limit on God… nor upon HIS Bible Word NOR HIS  Ability to EQUIP and TRAIN and USE “YOU ” for His Glory..

PAUL and the”many churches” alive back then warred against the same types of even devilish things..So let us embrace whatever time we have on this Earth..as it’s supposed to be ALL FOR THE LORD anyway!

Call anda bia hot spot for ideas, for trade, for slavery and racial, and cultural, over religious bias.

(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy All copyrights reserved under international copyright laws