How can believers know they are filled with the Spirit?
Paul has anticipated and answered this question toward the end of Ephesians 5: “Do not get intoxicated—that leads to sensual indulgence—but always be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18). In Greek, Ephesians 5:18–21 is a single sentence. The main verb is plērousthe (“be filled”), which is the second-person plural present passive imperative of plēroō, “fill.” Each of these elements is important: • Second-person plural: “You (all) are to be filled.” The Spirit’s filling is not a privilege reserved for the few; all believers are involved. • Present tense: “Always be filled.” A continuous appropriation of the Spirit is necessary; it is not an isolated, single experience. • Passive voice: “Be filled.” Active yielding to the Spirit’s sway is implied. • Imperative mood: “You must be filled.” This is a divine directive to be obeyed. Following this main or finite verb (“be filled”) are five participles (see below). By their natur...