Ephesians chapter 4 is a deeply enriching passage that offers profound insights into the nature of Christian unity, spiritual maturity, and ethical living. Written by the Apostle Paul, this chapter serves as a bridge between the theological foundations laid in the earlier chapters of Ephesians and the practical applications that follow. It is a call to live out the unity and maturity that the gospel brings, emphasizing the importance of love, humility, and growth in the Christian life.
Paul begins Ephesians 4 with an earnest plea for unity among believers. He urges the Ephesians to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Ephesians 4:1, ESV). This calling is not just an individual pursuit but a collective journey that requires humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Paul emphasizes the need to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3, ESV), highlighting the importance of relational harmony within the body of Christ. This unity is not based on superficial similarities but on the deep, spiritual reality that there is "one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6, ESV).
Following this call to unity, Paul transitions to the theme of diversity within the body of Christ. He explains that while there is one body, there are diverse gifts given by Christ to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 to illustrate that Christ, in His ascension, "gave gifts to men" (Ephesians 4:8, ESV). These gifts include apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers, whose purpose is to "equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12, ESV). The ultimate goal of this equipping is that the body of Christ may attain unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God, reaching maturity and "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13, ESV).
Paul then addresses the issue of spiritual maturity, contrasting the stability of mature believers with the instability of those who are spiritually immature. He warns against being "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes" (Ephesians 4:14, ESV). Instead, believers are to "speak the truth in love" and "grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Ephesians 4:15, ESV). This growth is a communal process, as each part of the body works together, "joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped" (Ephesians 4:16, ESV). When each part is working properly, the body grows and builds itself up in love.
The latter part of Ephesians 4 shifts focus to ethical exhortations, urging believers to live in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ. Paul contrasts the old self, characterized by futile thinking, darkened understanding, and hardness of heart, with the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:17-24, ESV). He calls the Ephesians to "put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:22-24, ESV).
Paul provides practical instructions on what this new life looks like. He addresses issues such as truth-telling, anger, stealing, and wholesome speech. Believers are to "speak the truth with his neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25, ESV) and to "be angry and do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26, ESV), ensuring that anger does not give the devil a foothold. Those who were stealing must "steal no longer, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands" (Ephesians 4:28, ESV), so that they may have something to share with those in need. Paul also emphasizes the importance of edifying speech, urging believers to "let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up" (Ephesians 4:29, ESV).
The chapter concludes with a call to kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, reflecting the character of God. Paul exhorts the Ephesians to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32, ESV). This final exhortation encapsulates the essence of Christian living: to reflect the grace and love of God in our relationships with others.
Ephesians chapter 4 is a rich tapestry of theological depth and practical wisdom. It calls believers to unity, maturity, and ethical living, grounded in the reality of their new identity in Christ. This chapter is a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not just about individual piety but about living in community, growing together, and reflecting the character of God in our daily lives.
