The book of Ephesians stands as one of the pivotal Pauline letters in the New Testament, providing profound theological insights and practical guidance for Christian life. Our focus, Ephesians 4, emerges as a key chapter that presents compelling instructions on unity, spiritual growth, transformation, and moral conduct within the church. This commentary on Ephesians 4 aims to delve into these vital aspects of the Christian faith and provide a detailed understanding of the text’s historical and theological implications.
In the grand tapestry of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, chapter 4 marks a significant shift from the primarily doctrinal first half of the letter to the more practical and ethical instructions that characterize the latter part. The emphasis on the unity of the church, the role of spiritual gifts, the stark contrast between old and new life, and the guiding principles for Christian living give this chapter its unique importance and relevance. This commentary on Ephesians 4 will illuminate these themes, exploring their depth and their implications for the Church both in Paul’s era and in our current context.
In seeking to understand Ephesians 4, we are entering a rich and profound exploration of what it means to live a life worthy of our calling as Christians. It is a journey that offers profound insights into the transformational power of faith and the unity that emerges from a shared belief in one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.
Commentary on Ephesians 4
Background of Ephesians
The book of Ephesians, also known as the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians, is one of the 13 epistles in the New Testament that have traditionally been attributed to the Apostle Paul. The letter is addressed to the Christian community in the city of Ephesus, a major commercial center in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).
Ephesians is believed to have been written around 60-62 A.D. during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. While some scholars question Pauline authorship due to stylistic and thematic differences from his other works, the traditional view holds that Paul is indeed the author.
The main theme of the letter is the Church, presented as the Body of Christ, highlighting the unity of all believers regardless of their ethnic or social background. Ephesians can be divided into two sections: the first half (chapters 1-3) is largely doctrinal, dealing with predestination, redemption, and the mystery of the Gentiles being co-heirs with Israel in God’s plan of salvation. The second half (chapters 4-6) is more practical, providing moral and ethical guidance on how Christians should live.
Ephesians holds a unique place in the New Testament because of its broad, encompassing vision of God’s eternal plan, realized in Christ, and its portrayal of the church’s vital role in that plan. It emphasizes the high calling and vast spiritual blessings that Christians have in Christ, urging them to live in a manner worthy of this calling.
Unity in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:1-6)
A. A Life Worthy of the Calling (4:1)
In the first verse of this chapter, Paul implores believers to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” This calling refers to the believer’s conversion to Christianity, a vocation that goes beyond ordinary occupations. It involves embracing and exhibiting the values of the Christian faith – love, forgiveness, service, sacrifice, and unity – in every aspect of life.
B. The Characteristics of Unity (4:2-3)
Paul then outlines the qualities that should characterize the Christian life, such as “all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” These virtues serve to maintain unity within the church, acting as the glue that holds the body of Christ together. He stresses the need for believers to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This unity is not something believers create, but rather something already established by the Spirit, and their responsibility is to maintain it.
C. The Seven Ones – Elements of Unity (4:4-6)
Paul continues to expand on the theme of unity by enumerating the ‘seven ones,’ which form the basis for the unity of the Christian faith. These are: one body (the Church), one Spirit (the Holy Spirit that indwells every believer), one hope (the hope of eternal life), one Lord (Jesus Christ), one faith (Christian belief), one baptism (the baptism of repentance and faith in Christ), and one God and Father of all (God the Father who is above all, through all, and in all). This series of ‘ones’ emphasizes the indivisible unity of the Christian community, a unity grounded in the very nature of God Himself as the source of all. The call to unity in this section is a call to reflect in our communal life the unity that exists within the triune God.
In summary, Ephesians 4:1-6 emphasizes that the unity of the church is a central aspect of Christian calling and identity. It requires personal humility, patience, and love from every believer, undergirded by the seven fundamental ‘ones’ of Christianity. The unity of the church, therefore, is both a gift from God and a responsibility for every believer to uphold.
Spiritual Gifts and Church Growth (Ephesians 4:7-16)
A. The Bestowal of Gifts by Christ (4:7-10)
In these verses, Paul introduces the concept of spiritual gifts. He begins by stating that “grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Paul then references Psalm 68:18, using an image of a victorious king distributing gifts to his subjects, which he applies to Christ bestowing spiritual gifts upon his followers. The mention of Christ’s ascension and descent provides a theological underpinning for the giving of gifts, stating that Jesus had to descend (incarnation, death, and resurrection) and ascend (ascension into heaven) in order to fill all things and equip his church with these gifts.
B. The Purpose and Role of the Gifts (4:11-13)
Paul then lists some of the specific roles Christ has assigned for the upbuilding of his church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. These roles are not exhaustive but represent different kinds of service within the church community. Their purpose is to equip God’s people for works of service, build up the body of Christ, promote unity in faith and knowledge of Christ, and aid in the journey toward spiritual maturity.
C. The Goal of Maturity and Stability (4:14-16)
The ultimate goal of these gifts is the maturity and stability of the church. Paul warns against being “children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine,” a metaphor that evokes a ship without an anchor, at the mercy of the winds and waves. The growth of the church should be characterized by stability in doctrine and practice, preventing susceptibility to false teachings. Additionally, growth should happen in a context of love, where truth is spoken in love, and the body grows and builds itself up in love. This emphasizes that spiritual maturity involves not only knowledge and doctrine but also the development of Christ-like character and love.
In summary, Ephesians 4:7-16 presents a vibrant picture of a diverse, unified, and mature body of Christ. Each member, gifted by Christ, plays a vital role in the edification and growth of the church. The ultimate goal is a robust and loving community that is firm in its understanding and able to stand against deception, exhibiting the fullness of Christ in all aspects.
The Old Life vs. the New Life (Ephesians 4:17-24)
A. The Futility of the Old Life (4:17-19)
Paul begins this section with a stern command to no longer live as the Gentiles do—in the futility of their thinking. The “Gentiles” here represent non-believers and their way of life. Paul describes the spiritual condition of those outside Christ: darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God, hard-hearted, and given over to sensuality and greed. This graphic depiction underscores the stark contrast between the Christian’s former way of life and their new identity in Christ.
B. The Transformation Process (4:20-22)
Paul then draws a contrast between the old life and the Christian way of life, which is centered on Christ. He reminds his readers that they have not learned Christ in this way – implying that the teachings and example of Jesus provide a different, transformative path. He encourages believers to put off the old self, which belongs to the former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires. This involves a decisive rejection of the attitudes and actions characteristic of their former way of life.
C. The Character of the New Life (4:23-24)
The transformation, however, is not merely about discarding old behaviors. It also involves a renewal of the mind and adopting a new self. This ‘new self’ is created after the likeness of God—in true righteousness and holiness. The focus is not merely on moral improvement but on restoration to the image of God, a renewal that leads to a life of righteousness and holiness reflective of God’s character.
In summary, Ephesians 4:17-24 lays out the dramatic transformation that follows a person’s commitment to Christ—a shift from an old life characterized by spiritual darkness and moral corruption to a new life defined by God’s righteousness and holiness. This transformation involves both a rejection of old, sinful habits and a renewal of the mind, which results in a lifestyle reflecting the likeness of God.
Instructions for Christian Living (Ephesians 4:25-32)
A. The Necessity of Truthfulness (4:25)
Building on the principles laid out in the preceding verses, Paul begins to provide specific guidance on Christian conduct. He first addresses the necessity of truthfulness: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor.” Truth is the natural behavior of the new self and strengthens unity, as it builds trust and fosters genuine relationships within the community.
B. Anger, Work, and Speech (4:26-29)
Paul then addresses three key areas: anger, work, and speech. He acknowledges that anger is a natural human emotion but warns against sinning in anger or letting anger linger, as this gives a foothold to the devil. The advice to work honestly serves a dual purpose: to refrain from theft and to have something to share with those in need. On speech, Paul suggests that it should not be unwholesome but should serve to build others up, conveying grace to those who hear.
C. The Holy Spirit and Christian Conduct (4:30)
Paul reminds believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom they were sealed for the day of redemption. This reinforces the idea that the Spirit plays a vital role in Christian transformation, and negative behaviors such as bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice can grieve the Spirit.
D. The Call to Forgiveness (4:31-32)
Finally, Paul calls the Ephesians to replace the negative behaviors listed in verse 31 with kindness, tender-heartedness, and forgiveness. He explicitly connects the call to forgive others with God’s forgiveness in Christ, reminding believers that their conduct should mirror the grace they have received in Christ.
Ephesians 4:25-32 provides a set of practical guidelines for Christian living that emerge from the transformation and renewal discussed in the previous verses. The overall message is that the believer’s conduct should reflect their new identity in Christ, marked by truth, righteous anger, positive speech, honest work, and a spirit of forgiveness.
Conclusion
The fourth chapter of Ephesians is rich in both theological insight and practical wisdom. It offers an expansive vision of the Christian life that is both communal and personal, grounded in divine realities and expressed in daily living.
Paul begins the chapter by emphasizing the importance of unity within the body of Christ, which is based not merely on human agreement but on the divine realities at the heart of the Christian faith. He then moves on to discuss the role of spiritual gifts in equipping the church for service and growth toward maturity and stability.
In the latter part of the chapter, Paul outlines the dramatic transformation that takes place in the life of a believer—from the old self, characterized by futility and corruption, to the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. The chapter concludes with specific instructions on how to live out this new life in Christ, highlighting key areas such as truthfulness, anger, work, speech, and forgiveness.
Ephesians 4, therefore, provides an essential guide for understanding and living out the Christian life. It captures the dynamic interplay between the divine and the human, the individual and the community, the theological and the ethical, calling believers to a life that reflects their calling and identity in Christ.
It’s my sincere hope that as you continue to reflect on the themes discussed in this commentary on Ephesians 4—unity, spiritual gifts, transformation, and Christian conduct—you would find fresh insights and inspiration to live out your Christian calling.
As you move forward, may you carry with you the teachings of Ephesians 4, reminding yourself of the unity that we have in Christ, the gifts He has given to His Church, and the transformation He brings about in our lives. These truths can indeed guide our daily living and our relationships with others.
