Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4 focuses on unity and maturity in the body of Christ. Paul encourages believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, emphasizing the importance of unity, spiritual gifts, and growing into spiritual maturity to reflect Christ. He also contrasts the old way of life with the new life in Christ, calling for a transformation of behavior and attitudes.

Ephesians 4:1 (NKJV) "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,"

Paul, writing from prison, urges the believers to live lives that reflect the high calling they have received in Christ. Their actions, behavior, and attitudes should align with their identity as followers of Christ, demonstrating the character of the one who called them. This calling is not just a personal one but a call to reflect the unity and purpose found in Christ.

Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV) "with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,"

Paul outlines the virtues that should characterize their walk: humility, gentleness, patience, and love. These qualities are essential for maintaining unity in the body of Christ. Humility helps them avoid selfishness, gentleness tempers interactions, patience enables endurance through difficulties, and love binds everything together, fostering an environment of peace and mutual support.

Ephesians 4:3 (NKJV) "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Paul emphasizes the importance of diligently working to preserve the unity that comes from the Holy Spirit. This unity is not something believers create but something given by God that must be maintained. The "bond of peace" suggests that peace is the glue that holds this unity together, requiring effort and intentionality in their relationships with one another.

Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV) "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

Paul highlights the oneness that defines the Christian faith. There is one body (the church), one Spirit (the Holy Spirit), one hope (eternal life), one Lord (Jesus Christ), one faith (the gospel), one baptism (identification with Christ), and one God (the Father). This unity of faith reflects the singularity of God's plan and purpose, emphasizing that the church must remain united under these foundational truths.

Ephesians 4:7 (NKJV) "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."

While there is unity, Paul acknowledges diversity within the body of Christ. Each believer receives grace, or divine enablement, in accordance with Christ’s gift. This grace equips individuals with specific roles and functions within the body of Christ, contributing to the overall growth and health of the church. Christ Himself determines the measure and type of gifts given to each person.

Ephesians 4:8-10 (NKJV) "Therefore He says: 'When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.' (Now this, 'He ascended'—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)"

Paul quotes from Psalm 68:18 to explain Christ’s victory and His authority to distribute gifts. Christ's ascension signifies His triumph over all powers, and in His victory, He distributes gifts to His followers. His descent likely refers to His incarnation and suffering on Earth, followed by His exaltation. This demonstrates His complete authority and His fulfillment of God’s plan in all creation.

Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV) "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,"

Christ provided specific roles—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—to the church. These roles serve to equip and train believers for ministry. Their purpose is not only to lead but to prepare the entire body of Christ to function effectively, helping believers grow in their faith and strengthening the church as a whole. The focus is on building up the body, both in maturity and in unity.

Ephesians 4:13 (NKJV) "till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;"

The goal of this equipping is to bring the church into complete unity in faith and understanding of Christ. Maturity is described as attaining the "fullness of Christ," meaning believers should grow to reflect His character and life fully. The maturity Paul envisions involves both personal growth and corporate unity, culminating in a body that functions harmoniously and effectively for the glory of God.

Ephesians 4:14 (NKJV) "that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,"

Paul warns against remaining spiritually immature, vulnerable to false teachings and deceit. Spiritual maturity, anchored in truth, protects believers from being swayed by deceptive doctrines. Immature believers are easily influenced, but as they grow in Christ, they become discerning and able to resist manipulation and error, standing firm in their faith.

Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV) "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—"

Paul encourages believers to communicate truth, but to do so with love. Truth and love must go hand in hand in the body of Christ, allowing for healthy growth. The goal is to become more like Christ, who is the head of the church. As believers grow in their relationship with Him, they are able to build each other up in truth and unity.

Ephesians 4:16 (NKJV) "from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

Christ, as the head, enables the entire body (the church) to work together. Each member has a unique role and function, contributing to the growth and health of the body. When each part is functioning properly, the body grows in love and unity. This image emphasizes mutual dependence and cooperation within the church, with love being the foundation of its growth.

Ephesians 4:17 (NKJV) "This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,"

Paul urges the believers not to live like the Gentiles (unbelievers), whose minds are consumed with vanity and emptiness. Their way of thinking is futile because it is disconnected from God, leading to actions and lives devoid of true purpose. Paul calls for a distinct way of life that reflects the renewal they have experienced in Christ.

Ephesians 4:18 (NKJV) "having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;"

Paul explains why the Gentiles' minds are futile: their understanding is darkened, and they are separated from God's life due to their ignorance and hardened hearts. This spiritual blindness results in alienation from God, preventing them from seeing the truth and embracing the life God offers through Christ. It’s a state of spiritual death.

Ephesians 4:19 (NKJV) "who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."

Because of their spiritual blindness and hardness of heart, they no longer feel conviction or guilt for their sinful actions. They have surrendered themselves to sinful desires, engaging in immoral behavior without restraint, driven by selfish cravings and greed. This describes the downward spiral of sin when left unchecked by God’s truth.

Ephesians 4:20-21 (NKJV) "But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:"

Paul contrasts the believers with the ungodly behavior of the Gentiles. He reminds them that they have learned a different way through Christ. If they have truly heard and been taught by Jesus, then they know that His teachings are rooted in truth. Christ's way leads to life, not the destructive, sinful path described earlier.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV) "that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."

Paul calls for a transformation: believers must "put off" their old sinful self (the old man), which is corrupted by deceitful desires, and "put on" the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This renewal happens in the mind and spirit, as believers embrace their new identity in Christ and live accordingly.

Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV) "Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another."

As part of putting off the old self, believers must abandon lying and practice honesty with one another. The reason for this is that believers are all members of one body—deceiving one another damages the unity and trust within the body of Christ. Speaking truth fosters unity and strengthens relationships within the church.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV) "‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil."

Paul acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion, but it should not lead to sin. Anger should be resolved quickly, not allowed to fester, lest it give the devil a foothold in their lives. Prolonged anger can lead to bitterness, resentment, and division, which are detrimental to spiritual growth and unity.

Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV) "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need."

Those who previously engaged in theft must stop and instead work honestly, using their labor to provide for themselves and to help others in need. This transformation from taking to giving reflects the new life in Christ, where believers are called to love and serve others rather than living selfishly.

Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."

Paul urges believers to guard their speech, ensuring that no harmful or corrupt words come from their mouths. Instead, they should speak words that build others up, encouraging and edifying them. Speech has the power to impart grace and bless those who hear, reflecting the love and truth of Christ.

Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV) "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Believers are warned not to grieve the Holy Spirit, who has sealed them as God’s own until the day of redemption. Grieving the Spirit involves engaging in sinful behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to the new life in Christ. The Holy Spirit is essential in guiding believers to live in holiness and unity with God.

Ephesians 4:31 (NKJV) "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."

Paul instructs the believers to rid themselves of negative attitudes and behaviors such as bitterness, wrath, anger, shouting (clamor), slander, and malice. These behaviors are destructive and hinder the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ. Instead, they are called to live in peace and love.

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

Paul concludes by calling believers to show kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to one another, just as God has forgiven them in Christ. This reflects the heart of the gospel: God’s grace toward humanity should inspire believers to extend the same grace to others. Forgiveness and kindness are essential for maintaining unity and peace within the church.