1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
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.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Overview of Ephesians Chapter 4
Ephesians Chapter 4 serves as a pivotal section in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, emphasizing the importance of unity, maturity, and ethical living within the Christian community. The chapter is structured around the themes of calling, spiritual gifts, and the transformation of believers into the likeness of Christ.
Unity in the Body of Christ
The chapter opens with a strong appeal for unity among believers. Paul urges the Ephesians to live a life worthy of their calling, emphasizing humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
- Calling to Unity: Paul stresses that believers are called to be one body and one Spirit, highlighting the oneness of faith and baptism.
- Character Traits: The characteristics of humility, gentleness, patience, and love are essential for maintaining unity.
The Role of Spiritual Gifts
In verses 7-13, Paul discusses the distribution of spiritual gifts within the church, which are given by Christ to equip the saints for ministry and to build up the body of Christ.
- Grace Given: Each believer receives grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
- Ascension Gifts: Paul references Psalm 68, indicating that Christ, after His ascension, gave gifts to His people.
- Purpose of Gifts: The gifts serve to prepare God’s people for works of service, leading to the edification of the church.
Maturity in Faith
Paul emphasizes the goal of spiritual growth and maturity, urging believers to attain the fullness of Christ.
- Equipping the Saints: The role of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers is to equip the church for service.
- Attaining Unity: The aim is to reach unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God, resulting in spiritual maturity.
- Stability in Doctrine: Maturity protects believers from being swayed by false teachings and deceitful schemes.
Living a Transformed Life
In the latter part of the chapter, Paul shifts focus to the ethical implications of the Christian faith, urging believers to live in a manner consistent with their new identity in Christ.
- Put Off the Old Self: Believers are called to discard their former way of life, characterized by corruption and deceit.
- Renewal of the Mind: A transformation occurs through the renewal of the mind, enabling believers to understand and embrace their new identity.
- Put On the New Self: The new self is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Practical Exhortations
Paul concludes the chapter with practical instructions on how to live out this transformed life.
- Speak Truthfully: Believers are encouraged to speak truthfully to one another, as they are members of one body.
- Manage Anger: Paul advises not to let anger lead to sin and to resolve conflicts quickly.
- Work Honestly: He encourages those who steal to stop and instead work with their hands to share with those in need.
- Watch Your Words: Believers should use words that build others up and impart grace.
- Forgive: The chapter ends with a call to forgive one another, reflecting the forgiveness received from God.
Conclusion
Ephesians Chapter 4 encapsulates the essence of Christian community life, emphasizing unity, the importance of spiritual gifts, and the necessity of living a transformed life. Paul’s teachings challenge believers to reflect Christ in their conduct and relationships, fostering a healthy and vibrant church body.
