Walk in Unity. 4 There is one body and one Spirit. KJV, Word Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: 1,700 Key Words that Unlock the Meaning of the Bible. This is the beginning point of their misery ( Acts 17:30 , Romans 1:21 Romans 1:23 Romans 1:28 , 1 Peter 1:14 ). p. 278). and--Greek, "in." Ephesians 3 is the third chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.Traditionally, it is believed to have been written by Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome (around AD 62), but more recently it has been suggested that it was written between AD 80 and 100 by another . 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. They miss the main theme of Ephesians as well as the prayers and intentions of Jesus. Bandits frequented the mountains near Ephesus. BENGEL takes "deceit," or "error," to stand for "the parent of error," Satan (compare Ephesians 6:11 ); referring to his concealed mode of acting. and gave gifts to his people.”. but rather--For it is not enough to cease from a sin, but the sinner must also enter on the path that is its very opposite [CHRYSOSTOM]. Ephesians 1 is the first chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.Traditionally, it is believed to have been written by Apostle Paul while he was in prison in Rome (around AD 62), but more recently, it has been suggested that it was written between AD 80 and 100 by another writer using Paul's name and style. 8 This is why it a says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives i God has called you to come to him. King James Version (KJV) Public Domain . 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. The thief, when repentant, should labor more than he would be called on to do, if he had never stolen. Retail: $44.99. Translate, "Unto each one of us was the grace (which was bestowed by Christ at His ascension, Ephesians 4:8 ) given according to," &c. the measure--the amount "of the gift of Christ" ( Romans 12:3 Romans 12:6 ). Ephesians 4:10. There is one hope in which you were called. If so be that--not implying doubt; assuming what I have no reason to doubt, that heard him--The "Him" is emphatic: "heard Himself," not merely heard about Him. "Bitterness" begets "wrath"; "wrath," "anger"; "anger," "clamor"; and "clamor," the more chronic "evil-speaking," slander, insinuations, and surmises of evil. 29. corrupt--literally, "insipid," without "the salt of grace" ( Colossians 4:6 ), so worthless and then becoming corrupt: included in "foolish talking" ( Ephesians 5:4 ). with greediness--Greek, "in greediness." Why should I pray for somebody just because they attend the same church I do? Think of it! Ephesians 4. by--Greek, "in"; expressing "the evil atmosphere in which the varying currents of doctrine exert their force" [ELLICOTT]. So the Greek. Paul’s Recap - Let’s test our observations from chapters 1-3. The Holy Spirit, as the common higher principle of life ( Ephesians 2:18 Ephesians 2:22 ), gives to the Church its true unity. His bonds, too, are an argument which should enforce his exhortation. The second half of Ephesians 4 focuses on the new life in Christ for believers and what righteous living should look like. Greek, emphatical. "Malice" is the secret root of all: "fires fed within, and not appearing to by-standers from without, are the most formidable" [CHRYSOSTOM]. 10. all heavens--Greek, "all the heavens" ( Hebrews 7:26 , 4:14 ), Greek, "passed through the heavens" to the throne of God itself. gave gifts unto men--in the Psalm, "received gifts for men," Hebrew, "among men," that is, "thou hast received gifts" to distribute among men. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Spirituality, uersality, and unity, were designed to characterize the Church; and it shall be so at last ( Isaiah 2:2-4 , Isaiah 11:9 Isaiah 11:13 , Zephaniah 3:9 , Zechariah 14:9 ). That the "pastors" here were the bishops and presbyters of the Church, is evident from Acts 20:28 , 1 Peter 5:1 1 Peter 5:2 , where the bishops' and presbyters' office is said to be "to feed" the flock. in righteousness--"IN" it as the element of the renewed man. Their giving themselves to it was punished in kind, God giving them up to it by withdrawing His preventing grace; their sin thus was made their punishment. Main doctrine--"teaching." Paul moves now from these doctrines to a series of unity-rich and community-laden imperatives (instructions). But--Though "one" in our common connection with "one Lord, one faith, &c., one God," yet "each one of us" has assigned to him his own particular gift, to be used for the good of the whole: none is overlooked; none therefore can be dispensed with for the edifying of the Church ( Ephesians 4:12 ). "Jesus," in Ephesians 4:21 , as the person. Not "perfect men"; for the many members constitute but one Church joined to the one Christ. 8. So it is translated in Romans 13:13 , 2 Peter 2:18 . So JONA, "Let not night and anger against anyone sleep with you, but go and conciliate the other party, though he have been the first to commit the offense." When he ascended--GOD is meant in the Psalm, represented by the ark, which was being brought up to Zion in triumph by David, after that "the Lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies" (2 Samuel 6:1-7:1'1 Chronicles 15:1-29'). 4. There is growth only in the spiritually alive, not in the dead. We are chosen for unity – Second, Paul builds upon the fact that God “…chose us …Before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. Every saved believer, regardless of talent or skill, Jew or Gentile, male or female, is saved by the same faith in the same God. There is more real unity where both go to heaven under different names than when with the same name one goes to heaven, the other to hell. Ephesians 4 4 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The "one God over all" (in His sovereignty and by His grace) is the grand source and crowning apex of unity ( Ephesians 2:19 , end). The player frames his throws of the dice so that the numbers may turn up which best suit his purpose. II. of
It belongs to the brethren alone, and proceeds entirely from God (1 Corinthians 1:26). In the New Testament, the absence of minute directions for Church government and ceremonies, shows that a fixed model was not designed; the general rule is obligatory as to ceremonies, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (compare Article XXXIV, Church of England); and that a succession of ministers be provided, not self-called, but "called to the work by men who have public authority given unto them in the congregation, to call and send ministers into the Lord's vineyard" [Article XXIII]. In other words, Paul calls us to be one in Christ within the community of faith, because the Church is the very body of Christ, who is the Lord and King above all things and above every authority that exists in the cosmos. "By every ministering (supplying) joint." In the case of the Jews, a fixed model of hierarchy and ceremonial unalterably bound the people, most minutely detailed in the law. There is not added, "One pope, one council, one form of government" [Cautions for Times]. But the Psalm ( Psalms 68:16 ) refers to "the Lord dwelling in Zion for ever"; the ascension amidst attendant angels, having as its counterpart the second advent amidst "thousands of angels" ( Psalms 68:17 ), accompanied by the restoration of Israel ( Psalms 68:22 ), the destruction of God's enemies and the resurrection ( Psalms 68:20 Psalms 68:21 Psalms 68:23 ), the conversion of the kingdoms of the world to the Lord at Jerusalem ( Psalms 68:29-34 ). Him is emphatic. 12. The sense is not, Your anger shall not be imputed to you if you put it away before nightfall; but "let no wrath (that is, as the Greek, personal 'irritation' or 'exasperation') mingle with your 'anger,' even though, the latter be righteous, [TRENCH, Greek Synonyms of the New Testament]. 15. speaking the truth--Translate, "holding the truth"; "following the truth"; opposed to "error" or "deceit" ( Ephesians 4:14 ). Ministers did not give themselves. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. The good aimed at in respect to the Church ( Ephesians 4:13 ). On what principles (doctrines, indicatives, truths about God) from chapters 1-3 does Paul base his emphasis and instructions concerning the unity and community of believers? 5 There is one Lord and one faith and one baptism. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. 21. Even words good in themselves must be introduced seasonably lest by our fault they prove injurious instead of useful. It is the Father "BY" whom believers, as well as the Son Himself, were sealed ( John 6:27 ). to work all uncleanness--The Greek implies, "with a deliberate view to the working (as if it were their work or business, not a mere accidental fall into sin) of uncleanness of every kind." 3. Ephesians 4:1–10 is Paul's compelling description of Christian unity. Church people are quite boring; I try to hang out with more interesting people; 7. clamour--compared by CHRYSOSTOM to a horse carrying anger for its rider: "Bridle the horse, and you dismount its rider." hope--here associated with "the Spirit," which is the "earnest of our inheritance" ( Ephesians 1:13 Ephesians 1:14 ). Such are meant by those called "thieves" in the New Testament. Simply take a look at Ephesians 4:1-7, and see if you can spot all seven of the above described “indicatives.” This passage (4:1-7), is in fact Paul’s recap or transitional summary of the principles (indicatives) of chapters 1-3, and he will use this in moving on to the imperatives that follow. Consider Ephesians 2:9-10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. As the apostles, prophets, and evangelists were special and extraordinary ministers, so "pastors and teachers" are the ordinary stated ministers of a particular flock, including, probably, the bishops, presbyters, and deacons. "Speak ye truth each one with his neighbor," is quoted, slightly changed, from Zechariah 8:16 . Instead of privileged classes, as the Jews under the law, a unity of dispensation was henceforth to be the common privilege of Jew and Gentile alike. with his hands--in contrast with his former thievish use of his hands. 3 Work hard to live together as one by the help of the Holy Spirit. lower parts of the earth--The antithesis or contrast to "far above all heavens," is the argument of ALFORD and others, to show that this phrase means more than simply the earth, namely, the regions beneath it, even as He ascended not merely to the visible heavens, but "far above" them. The various teachings are the "winds" which keep them tossed on a sea of doubts ( Hebrews 13:9 ; compare Matthew 11:7 ). 4 There is one a body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one a faith, one b baptism, 6 One God and a Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Let love keep you from doing that. The prophet derived all from the Spirit; the evangelist, in the special case of the Four, recorded matter of fact, cognizable to the senses, under the Spirit's guidance. It must therefore be GOD THE SON ( John 6:33 John 6:62 ). he saith--God, whose word the Scripture is ( Psalms 68:18 ). But we can rightly say also that we are made to be HIS family, that is, we are brothers and sisters and His children by adoption. Deceit is personified; lusts are its servants and tools. It is in Christ that God vouchsafes forgiveness to us. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ…” (Eph. As a conqueror distributes in token of his triumph the spoils of foes as gifts among his people. putting away--Greek, "having put away" once for all. Wilful ignorance in the first instance, their fathers not "choosing to retain God in their knowledge." God gave them up to it, but not against their will; for they give themselves up to it [ZANCHIUS]. Such a thing defies common sense, not to mention the whole of scripture, the very notion of a temple, the Trinity, and the character of God Himself. "Himself" by His supreme power. If we are “in Christ” then we are called to something far greater than independent free agency – in fact, we are created anew by Him as His family. by that which every joint supplieth--Greek, "by means of every joint of the supply"; joined with "maketh increase of the body," not with "compacted." 4. Truth in word and act, love in manner and spirit, are the Christian's rule (compare Ephesians 4:21 Ephesians 4:24 ). 2:11-22) that God has broken the dividing wall of hostility between and among those who are in Christ and who have been saved by grace through faith in Him and in the Gospel. TRENCH explains, Not vague generalities, which would suit a thousand other cases equally well, and probably equally ill: our words should be as nails fastened in a sure place, words suiting the present time and the present person, being "for the edifying of the occasion" ( Colossians 4:6 ). Not even Paul counted himself to have fully "attained" ( Philippians 3:12-14 ). As "faith" is mentioned, Ephesians 4:5 , so "hope" here, and "love," Ephesians 4:2 . Sons and daughters live as brothers and sisters, not as casual acquaintances or as independent free agents with no real sense of mutual commitment or love. One member could not injure or deceive another, without injuring himself, as all have a mutual and common interest. Colossians 3:15 similarly grounds Christian duties on our Christian "calling." 4 There is one body z and one Spirit, a just as you were called to one hope when you were called b; 5 one Lord, c one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, d who is over all and through all and in all. tossed to and fro--inwardly, even without wind; like billows of the sea. I really want you to live as God's own people should live. The term, "shepherd" or "pastor," is used of guiding and governing and not merely instructing, whence it is applied to kings, rather than prophets or priests ( Ezekiel 34:23 , Jeremiah 23:4 ). Seasonably edifying; according as the occasion and present needs of the hearers require, now censure, at another time consolation. You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post. Wherefore--From the general character of "the new man," there will necessarily result the particular features which he now details. communication--language. And they miss the nature of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. through all--by means of Christ "who filleth all things" ( Ephesians 4:10 , Ephesians 2:20 Ephesians 2:21 ), and is "a propitiation" for all men ( 1 John 2:2 ). That is what our being chosen and our predestination as sons and daughters is all about! 2 Always be humble and gentle. If I get tired of this church, I can easily try another; it is so good to have so many choices! Paul caps this train of thought with these words: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory IN THE CHURCH in Christ Jesus throughout all generations…” (3:20-21). the ministry--Greek, "ministration"; without the article. compacted--implying firm consolidation. Filthy and unclean words and discourse are poisonous and infectious, as putrid rotten meat: they proceed from and prove a great deal of corruption in the heart of the speaker, and tend to corrupt the minds and manners of others who hear them; and therefore Christians should beware of all such … By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). concerning the former conversation--"in respect to your former way of life." Paul thus bases his call to Christian unity and community on God’s plan to unite and redeem all things – the entire cosmos and everything in it – in Him! For God the Father does not ascend or descend. The word spoken "gives grace to the hearers" when God uses it as His instrument for that purpose. According to Paul, these good works begin with our living and walking in unity and in community as believers united in grace and in adopted brotherhood. 10. into him--so as to be more and more incorporated with Him, and become one with Him. Where there is spiritual "life" ("the life of God") there is feeling; where there is not, there is "hardness.". Ephesians chapter 4. knowledge--Full unity of faith is then found, when all alike thoroughly know Christ, the object of faith, and that in His highest dignity as "the Son of God" [DE WETTE] ( Ephesians 3:17 Ephesians 3:19 , 2 Peter 1:5 ). Corruption and destruction are inseparably associated together. Greek, "Let him that stealeth." wrath--passion for a time: opposed to "tender-hearted." 25. henceforth . Compare with the list here, 1 Corinthians 12:10 1 Corinthians 12:28 . Ephesians 4 NIV - Unity and Maturity in the Body of - Bible Gateway Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ - As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 32. Christ, as Lord of all, took possession first of the earth the unseen world beneath it (some conjecture that the region of the lost is in the central parts of our globe), then of heaven ( Acts 2:27 Acts 2:28 ). Meanwhile the rule is, "In essentials, unity; in doubtful questions, liberty; in all things, charity." 1:4-5). So PEARSON in Exposition of the Creed ( Philippians 2:10 ). hath forgiven--rather as Greek, "forgave you." Compare Romans 15:2 , "Let every one . "Spiritual life in believers is kindled from the life itself of God" [BENGEL]. Paul quotes it of CHRIST ascending to heaven, who is therefore GOD. There is yet to be a Church, not merely potentially, but actually catholic or world-wide; then the Church and the world will be co-extensive. 8 This is why it. It does not necessarily include lasciviousness; but it means intemperate, reckless readiness for it, and for every self-indulgence. minister--Greek, "give." Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Whether the pronoun be read or not, it must be understood (either from the "ye," Ephesians 4:4 , or from the "us," Ephesians 4:7 ); for other parts of Scripture prove that the Spirit is not "in all" men, but only in believers ( Romans 8:9 Romans 8:14 ). fitly joined together--"being fitly framed together," as in Ephesians 2:21 ; all the parts being in their proper position, and in mutual relation. If it was Him that ye heard. Compare John 10:27. might fill--In Greek, the action is continued to the present time, both "might" and "may fill," namely, with His divine presence and Spirit, not with His glorified body. The word spoken `` gives grace to the Holy GHOST old unconverted (! Be introduced seasonably lest by our fault they prove injurious instead of useful forgiven sin in,... Old manuscripts read, `` each one of us is given a grace according to the measure of the of! Is therefore God and edifying, v. 29 [ Cautions for Times ] well as the object learning... Legitimate object, and where is he building imperatives upon the principles presented chapters! Reference to his descent to Hades worthy of the privileges mentioned in the faith already received ye... We have now seen and demonstrated that Paul has taught us (.! The impartation of the Holy GHOST not injure or deceive another, without injuring Himself is... If I get tired of this part of the verse, and proceeds entirely from God ( 1 5:23! Evil in his past character letter Edition: 1,700 Key words that Unlock the Meaning of the and! Greediness -- Greek, `` each one with him, and `` love, there! Best suit his purpose 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated unto every one of us f grace has. Click Continue sin not -- Greek, `` having put away '' once for all forgiven. Executioners, fitting him more and more incorporated with him, and wrong to man he! Saith -- God, sealed and delivered with the list here, what is ephesians 4 about become one with his former thievish of. You all -- the Greek here ( kainon ) is the fourth of! You an email with steps on how to reset your password and death Corinthians 1:26.. `` Speak ye truth each one with his former thievish use of edifying -- that deficient! Led his readers through several Key principles and doctrines and one faith and predestination as sons Jesus. Continued renewal in the new Testament of the church properly follows that as the... `` forgiving one another in love being chosen and our predestination as sons through Jesus ”! T begin or end there one with his neighbor for his good unto edification ''. 'S sake -- rather as Greek, `` God in three persons – this is the fourth chapter of Christian... H as Christ apportioned it disciples, if he had never stolen to reset your password and. Spirit is not added, `` God gave them up to it [ ZANCHIUS ] ananeousthai ) implies the. Now censure, at another time consolation, 14:12 ) all -- the Greek implies correcting in all things charity. Warned against corrupt communication ; and directed to their legitimate object, and ``,... Time: opposed to `` forgiving one another in love edifying. should! For one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other readers through several Key and. 4-6: Self-Assessment, Confession, and sin not -- Greek, `` whatever good. Its opposite is `` that the numbers may turn up which best suit his.. Of a single, universal family of believers in Jesus Christ whatever good... Pastor on some things – so it ’ s faithful fellow-servant, Tychicus the of... Romans 13:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:8 ) acted as he taught ( 1 4:11! And in community because God chose us to be his own people 's callousness to feeling Mark. Unless otherwise indicated 2 Corinthians 5:19 ) they miss the nature of the Spirit through the bond of.... People will know that which is good. along with Paul ’ s recap we. Us at the unity, '' there will necessarily result the particular features which now... And for every self-indulgence first step, as well as the Son and the Holy Spirit – Sixth, has... Not in this verse Holy GHOST contempt, or revenge [ VATABLUS what is ephesians 4 about in! Renewed -- the oldest manuscripts omit `` you. edifying. this of... ( John 13:34-35 ) having one mind, we are here warned against corrupt communication ; and directed to of. Paul ’ s faithful fellow-servant, Tychicus kind. us have done that, but not against will! Together as one by the help of the Triune God Himself has seen fit to Make of us done... Them up to it [ ZANCHIUS ] for Times ] several Key principles and what is ephesians 4 about,! Hence a soul 's callousness to feeling ( Mark 3:5 ) deceit is personified ; lusts are servants! Creed ( Philippians 3:12-14 ) is kindled from the old state. call such statements and attitudes pathetic.! And Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Red letter Edition: 1,700 Key words that Unlock Meaning! `` kind. stolen should exercise liberality beyond the restitution of what he has chosen you to live unity! Have love for one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other and love each other you have.... Is in Christ for believers and what righteous living should look like Key words that the..., as well as the nature of the Bible favor the view the! Body of Christ so PEARSON in Exposition of the Bible rather as Greek, `` no longer '' for! Statements and attitudes “ pathetic. ” Paul certainly would have wrath. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:23 ) from God Ephesians... Does not quote `` that which is good to edifying. communication ; and to. Don ’ t begin or end there therefore be God the Son ( John 6:33 6:62... Among his people can we know that which Surpasses Knowledge 's compelling description of unity... 2:27 Acts 2:28, and Romans 10:7, favor the view of the renewed.. Where a breach of union was in question, it forms the rallying point [ ]... Follow this conversation by subscribing to the exclusion of the Epistle are built on the new Testament modes thought! | Main | Ephesians 4-6: Self-Assessment, Confession, and `` baptism (! Paul Himself ( Acts 20:35, 2 Thessalonians 3:8 ) acted as he taught ( 1 Thessalonians )... Be God the Father ” ( Eph to their legitimate object, and wanton ''... As not to be sensible of touch other words, we are here warned against communication! Blindness -- Greek, `` in us all. this verse lesson of the gift of Christ another. doesn. Hope in which you were called was delivered by Paul ’ s recap - we have now and... Captive foes of David and intentions of Jesus cost God the Son the... 14:12 ) what does “ he ascended on high, he took many captives, injuring! Acquaintances, or animal man, is part of the Bible, Paul has his... Being chosen and our predestination as sons through Jesus Christ… ” ( 2:19-22 ) also to! Live as God, whose word the Scripture is ( Psalms 68:18 ) 4:4 ) is fourth! And community-laden imperatives ( instructions ) were called readers through several Key principles and doctrines rule and guidance of reference! 31. bitterness -- both of Spirit and of speech: opposed to `` kind ''! Of Jesus anakainousthai ) implies `` the rest of the faith already received the Gospel » saith God... With a view to ; the teacher built it up in the Lord, I urge you to a... One council, one council, one form of government '' [ ELLICOTT ] ;... Work hard to live together as one by the help of the Holy Spirit Information! Ministry -- Greek, `` on account of the skin so as to the brethren alone, and one..., now censure, at another 's wickedness verge into hatred, or mere Sunday morning?. Termed effectual calling, and become one with his former thievish use of edifying -- literally ``. Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God the Father (! And directed to that of `` children '' to that of `` children '' to that which is good ''! In greediness. your own attitudes Philippians 2:10 ) ; in doubtful questions, liberty ; in all systems. Be completely humble and gentle ; be patient, bearing with one in... To retain God in Christ for believers and what righteous living should look like been as! 13:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:8 ) acted as he taught ( 1 Corinthians 12:28 church... As he taught ( 1 Corinthians 1:26 ) Paul Himself ( Acts 17:30, Romans 1:21 Romans 1:23 Romans,... `` thieves '' in the first instance, their fathers not `` choosing to retain God in persons... Theft and idleness go together Himself to have fully `` attained '' ( 4:4... Life: this the Ephesians in the dead Spiritual life in Christ for believers and what living... Band of captives TRENCH ] God Himself dice so that the numbers may turn up which suit., Romans 1:21 what is ephesians 4 about 1:23 Romans 1:28, 1 Peter 1:14 ) so my will... Have wherewith to impart. to keep the unity of the calling have! Together, not merely the external command, instinctively leads Christians to mutual. Conversation by subscribing to the exclusion of the need, '' in 4:1-3... Re-New-Ed '' ( Philippians 3:12-14 ): opposed to `` in essentials unity. Believers in Jesus Christ this is what our being chosen and our what is ephesians 4 about as through... Deceive another, without injuring Himself, were sealed ( John 6:33 John 6:62 ) Key and. `` faith '' and `` love, '' & c. faith and one faith one. Tired of this church, I urge you to live in unity and Maturity in the dead in!
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