Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Cross-reference
Ephesians 5:7 precedes this command — 'do not become partners' reinforces 'take no part in darkness'.
Ephesians 4:22 calls for putting off the old self, which is the source of the unfruitful works of darkness Paul says to reject and expose.
In 2 Timothy 3:5, Paul uses the exact phrase 'Have nothing to do with such people,' directly paralleling Ephesians.
In 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, Paul commands not to associate with immoral brothers — a direct parallel to not fellowshipping with works of darkness.
In Romans 16:17, Paul urges believers to avoid those causing divisions — a parallel call to separate from evil influences.
Romans 13:12 uses the same 'works of darkness' imagery and commands to cast them off, directly paralleling Paul's instruction here.
Romans 6:21 highlights the shameful fruitlessness and death that result from the works of darkness Paul warns against, underscoring their futility.
Romans 1:22-32 catalogs the unfruitful works of darkness — idolatry, immorality, etc. — that result from suppressing God's truth.
John 3:19-21 explains why evildoers hide in darkness and how light exposes their deeds — the very dynamic Paul calls believers to enact.
In 1 Corinthians 10:20, Paul warns against fellowship with demons — a specific form of the 'works of darkness' to avoid.
In 1 Corinthians 10:21, the impossibility of sharing both the Lord's table and demons' table reinforces the call to separate from darkness.
In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Paul calls for separation from unbelievers, echoing the command to have nothing to do with darkness.
In Jeremiah 15:17, the prophet avoids the assembly of mockers — mirroring Paul's command to have no fellowship with darkness.
In 1 Timothy 5:20, Paul commands public rebuke of persistent sinners — a direct parallel to the reproving mandate given here.
In 1 Timothy 6:5, Paul says to keep away from those who corrupt the truth, a specific application of avoiding darkness.
In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul includes 'reprove, rebuke' as core preaching duties — echoing the same call to confront sin.
Psalm 26:5 hates the assembly of evildoers and refuses to sit with the wicked — matching Paul's command to not participate.
In Revelation 18:4, God's people are called out of Babylon to avoid sharing her sins, strongly paralleling separation from darkness.
In 2 John 1:11, greeting false teachers shares in their evil work, reinforcing the need to avoid complicity.
In Titus 2:15, Paul commands rebuking with authority — reinforcing the apostolic pattern of exposing error and sin.
Job 24:13-17 illustrates those who love darkness and hate the light, providing a vivid picture of the works Paul commands believers to expose.
Psalm 1:1 blesses those who avoid walking with the wicked — the same separation from evil Paul commands here.
Psalm 26:4 refuses to sit with deceivers — a specific practice of avoiding 'unfruitful works of darkness'.
In Proverbs 4:15, the instruction to avoid and turn from evil paths — reinforcing the call to have no fellowship with darkness.
Psalm 141:5 cherishes righteous rebuke as kindness—reinforcing that exposing darkness is an act of love, not hostility.
In Proverbs 4:14, the same command to avoid the path of the wicked — a direct parallel to not fellowshipping with darkness.
Isaiah 52:11 commands separation from uncleanness and purification, closely paralleling the call to not touch dark deeds and to expose them.
Psalm 50:18 condemns those who consent with thieves and adulterers — a direct OT parallel to 'no fellowship with darkness'.
Proverbs 28:4 contrasts those who praise the wicked with those who contend against them—matching Paul's call to expose rather than join evil.
Proverbs 1:10 warns against consenting when sinners entice — the same command to avoid fellowship with evil.
2 Chronicles 19:2 has Jehu rebuke Jehoshaphat for helping the wicked — directly illustrating the sin of fellowship with darkness.
2 Chronicles 18:3 similarly records Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab — reinforcing the danger of partnering with the wicked.
1 Kings 22:4 records Jehoshaphat's alliance with wicked Ahab — a concrete example of the fellowship with darkness Paul warns against.
1 Timothy 5:22 warns not to share in others' sins—the same principle of avoiding fruitless deeds of darkness.
In Matthew 18:15, private reproof of a brother is commanded — a specific application of the general call here to expose darkness within the community.
Leviticus 19:17 commands rebuking a neighbor to avoid sharing guilt—paralleling Paul's call to expose darkness for communal holiness.
In Luke 3:19, John the Baptist reproves Herod — a narrative example of rebuking public sin, illustrating the 'reprove' command here.
Proverbs 9:7 warns that correcting a mocker invites abuse—highlighting the risk Paul's command entails, though he still calls for exposure.
Proverbs 9:8 distinguishes rebuking mockers (who hate) from the wise (who love)—suggesting discernment in whom to expose.
Proverbs 13:18 promises honor to those who heed correction—showing the positive outcome when darkness is exposed and received rightly.
Proverbs 15:12 says mockers resent correction—illustrating the resistance Paul's exposure of darkness may face.
Proverbs 19:25 notes rebuke can teach the discerning—showing corrective discipline can be effective, aligning with exposing darkness.
In 2 Thessalonians 3:14, Paul instructs not to associate with the disobedient, paralleling the avoidance of dark deeds.
In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, Paul commands to keep away from idle believers, a similar separation but within the church.
Proverbs 25:12 compares a wise rebuke to fine gold—affirming that exposing darkness is precious when met with a receptive heart.
Proverbs 29:1 warns that stubborn refusal of rebuke leads to destruction—underscoring the urgency of heeding Paul's exposure.
Galatians 6:8 contrasts sowing to the flesh (works of darkness) with sowing to the Spirit, showing the corruption that comes from such works.
In Luke 23:40, the repentant thief rebukes the other, exposing his sin—a direct example of the command to expose darkness.
Joshua 23:7 commands Israel not to mingle with pagan nations — a parallel warning against associating with the unfruitful works of darkness.
In 2 John 1:10, believers are told not to welcome false teachers, a similar call to avoid association with evil.
In Joshua 6:18, Israel must keep from the accursed thing — a command to avoid what is devoted to destruction, paralleling the call to reject dark works.
In Deuteronomy 20:18, Israel is warned not to adopt pagan abominations — a principle of separation from corrupting influence mirrored here.