4:1–3 In Eph 1–3, Paul affirms that Gentiles (non-Jews) have been reconciled to God and brought into His people. That discussion provides the starting point for chs. 4–6, where Paul explains how believers should live in the unity and peace accomplished through Christ (2:11–22). Paul begins by emphasizing the oneness of God’s people (vv. 1–6). The material in vv. 4–6 might reflect an early Christian confession of faith (compare 1 Cor 8:6). Overview of Ephesians 4:1–16 LRC:E Ephesians 4:4–6 NICNT ColPhmEph

4:1 prisoner in the Lord See note on Eph 3:1.

live The Greek word used here, peripateō, means “walk,” but it often carries the sense of “conduct yourselves.” Paul uses this word throughout chs. 4–5 (see vv. 17; 5:2, 8, 15).

worthy of the calling God’s act of creating one family in Christ requires His children to live in a manner that honors His work.

4:2 humility and gentleness, with patience Natural results of being filled with God’s Spirit. Compare Gal 5:22–23.

putting up with one another Since believers belong to one family of God, they must bear with one another. Compare Phil 2:1–5.

4:3 unity of the Spirit Refers to unity that can only exist because of the work of the Holy Spirit.

bond of peace Earlier, Paul portrays Christ as the personification of peace (Eph 2:14). The work of Christ leads to peace between God and humanity and between Jews and Gentiles (2:15).

4:4 one body and one Spirit Compare 1 Cor 12:12–14.

4:5 one faith, one baptism In the nt, a new believer’s expression of faith is closely connected to their baptism—an outward expression of that faith. See note on Acts 2:38; note on Rom 6:3.

Baptism

4:6 God and Father of all See note on Eph 3:15.

over all, and through all, and in all Stresses the supremacy of God. He joins all people together under His sovereign rule.

4:7–16 In this passage, Paul focuses on God’s gifts that build up the body of Christ (the Church). The nt lists areas of spiritual giftedness five times (vv. 11–12; 1 Cor 12:4–11, 28–30; Rom 12:3–8; 1 Pet 4:7–11). Each list presents different gifts and emphases. Ephesians 4:11 Ephesians (PNTC)

4:7 grace In this context, the Greek word used here, charis, likely refers to a believer’s God-given calling and ability to serve in ministry. Paul associated God’s grace with his vocation as apostle to the Gentiles (Eph 3:2).

4:8 Paul quotes Psa 68:18 in reference to Christ’s ascension (Acts 1:9). Psalm 68:15–18 describes God defeating evil at Mount Bashan, which represented the gateway to the underworld in Israelite and Canaanite thought. Paul quotes the psalm to express Christ’s victory over evil powers (Eph 1:19–22; compare Col 2:15).

gave gifts to men The psalm Paul quotes (Psa 68:18) describes God receiving gifts of plunder or tribute from a defeated foe. Paul adapts the wording to describe God giving spiritual gifts to the Church.

4:9 descended to the lower regions The descent described in Eph 4:9–10 could be interpreted as Christ’s descent into the underworld after His death (compare 1 Pet 3:18–22; note on 1 Pet 3:19). Alternatively, the descent could refer to Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles (Acts 2:4; compare 16:6), or to Jesus’ incarnation, when the Word (Jesus) descended from heaven to earth (John 1:1–5, 14).

4:10 the one who ascended See note on v. 10.

4:11 Paul’s description here of particular roles (or offices) in the Church resembles his description in 1 Cor 12:28, but includes additional roles and does not include others (see note on 1 Cor 12:28). These roles are for advancing God’s work in the world through the Church.

apostles Refers to those who are sent out by Christ to speak and act with special authority. See note on Eph 2:20; note on 1 Cor 12:28.

prophets Refers to those who are designated by God to speak on His behalf. See note on Eph 2:20; note on 1 Cor 12:10.

evangelists Refers to those who proclaim the truth of the gospel and call others to live by Jesus’ standards (compare Acts 21:8; 2 Tim 4:5).

pastors Refers to those who care for, or protect, the Church. Since the Greek word used here, poimēn, literally means “shepherd” and is often translated as such, this role corresponds with the nt portrayal of the Church as God’s flock (1 Pet 5:2; Acts 20:28).

teachers Indicates those who faithfully pass on the teachings of Christ and the apostles, especially through explaining or applying Scripture (compare Titus 2:1).

4:12 work of the ministry Refers to acts of service.

building up the body of Christ Refers to strengthening the Church and helping it grow.

4:13 The unity of the faith Compare Eph 4:3–6.

knowledge Indicates knowledge that comes from experience—knowing Christ, not just knowing about Him.

Son of God See note on Rom 1:3.

4:14 infants Figuratively describes those who are immature in the faith. Compare 1 Cor 3:1; Gal 4:3; 1 Thess 2:7; Heb 5:13.

wind of teaching Refers to false teaching, which leads people astray.

4:15 speaking the truth in love Paul encourages believers to provide guidance with gentleness, keeping in mind the recipient’s best interests.

head Compare Eph 1:22; 5:23; Col 2:10.

4:16 whole body The Church is one unified group directed by Christ to accomplish His purposes—yet there are many parts to it. Paul uses this metaphor to explain how many people with different roles and gifts can work together in unity (compare 1 Cor 12:12–20).

4:17–32 Continuing his emphasis on unity, Paul urges believers to abandon former ways of living that have nothing to do with Christ. He reminds them of their previous life apart from God (Eph 4:17–19) and exhorts them to discard the old self, since they have been made new in Christ (vv. 20–24). As members of Christ’s body, believers are called to show integrity, kindness, and grace. They must overcome bitterness and anger and learn to forgive (vv. 25–32). Overview of Ephesians 4:17–5:14 LRC:E

4:17 no longer walk Just as believers are to walk in a manner worthy of Christ (v. 1), they are not to walk in the ways of their former life. The believer’s new life in Christ involves a change in direction and conduct.

futility of their mind When they lived apart from God, the Gentiles’ entire way of thinking was ineffectual, distorted by the powers of sin (2:1–3).

4:18 alienated Gentiles were not only excluded from Israel (2:12); they were cut off from the very life of God. Their ignorance of God and His ways led to enmity with God (2:12–13), resulting in the need for reconciliation.

hardness of their heart The Gentiles’ exclusion from the life of God resulted not only from their ignorance, but from their willful and stubborn rejection of Him.

4:19 gave themselves over Refers to rejecting God and His ways (compare Rom 1:24–32).

4:20 learn Christ Refers not only to conversion to the Christian faith, but also to the activity of learning about Christ.

4:21 if indeed The Greek expression used here, ei ge, is sometimes translated using a conditional statement (“if”), but it actually implies confidence. Paul’s point is that his audience does know and follow Christ. The same expression begins Eph 3:2.

4:22 former way of life Refers to life under the influence of the evil one, the desires of the flesh, and the world (2:1–3).

the old man A personification of the former way of life, before following Christ, which was self-destructive.

4:24 put on the new man As in v. 22, Paul uses the imagery of changing one’s clothes to describe believers’ responsibility to actively participate in Christ’s transformative work in their lives (compare Col 3:9–10; 2 Cor 5:17).

4:25 members of one another Relates to believers being the body of Christ (Eph 4:15–16).

4:26 Be angry and do not sin Paul quotes Psalm 4:4 from the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the ot). Paul seems to acknowledge that anger can be unavoidable, but he also recognizes that it can quickly develop into an occasion for sin.

4:27 nor give place to the devil Believers are free from the devil’s rule (Eph 2:2), and they should not allow him to cause division or influence their actions.

4:28 with his own hands Paul calls believers to work for the sake of others (compare 2:10).

4:30 do not grieve the Holy Spirit Paul seems to be indicating that poor treatment of others can constrain the work of the Spirit—essentially denying or resisting God’s indwelling presence (compare Isa 63:10).

sealed See note on Eph 1:13.

day of redemption Refers to the Day of the Lord, when Christ will return (see note on 1 Thess 5:2).

4:32 forgiving one another The Greek word used here, charizomai, implies not only forgiving, but doing so with a gracious attitude. Paul uses this same word elsewhere to describe God’s forgiveness (e.g., Col 2:13).