Ephesians 4

• As a prisoner in the Lord: (see study note on 3:1).

• Although believers cannot earn salvation, they should live in a way that honors their calling to salvation (see Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12).

• the calling you have received: (see Ephesians 1:4–5, 11).

God's saving grace for both Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles) should guide how they interact in the church. They should welcome each other warmly, just as God has welcomed them.

then: Ephesians divides into two sections:

1. The first explains the good news about Jesus (the gospel).

2. The second describes how Christians should live.

This division reflects Paul's belief about the Christian life. He believed that how Christians live should be a response of gratitude for what God has already done for them through Christ.

with all humility … gentleness … patience: Believers should be like Christ in how they treat others (see Colossians 3:12–14; compare Galatians 6:2). Jesus himself demonstrated perfect humility, gentleness, and patience in his relationships with people.

through the bond of peace: Paul emphasizes that God accepts both Gentiles and Jews (2:11–3:6). This acceptance should guide behavior. Jews and Gentiles should accept each other in the church (see Colossians 3:14–15).

• These three verses might come from an early Christian creed (a formal statement of beliefs). These verses emphasize the unity that all believers share.

• Despite their ethnic differences, Jewish and non-Jewish Christians have one Lord and one faith. Because of this, they should live together in unity.

• Christ's one body is the church (see 1:23; 2:16).

• one God and Father of all: (see 1 Corinthians 8:6; 15:28).

• who is over all and through all and in all: God is especially present in the lives of believers (see 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27; compare John 14:16–17, 23; 15:4–5).

He has given each of us a gift through his grace to strengthen the community of believers (see 1 Corinthians 12:7; compare Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:11).

Though believers share a common faith, God has given different special abilities to each individual believer for building up the church community.

• "He led captives away": This may refer to Christ’s victory over spiritual powers (see 1:21–22; Colossians 2:15). It may also refer to his capture of disobedient sinners, turning them into believers through the power of the good news.

• Christ gave gifts to his people (see Ephesians 4:11–12).

to the lower parts of the earth: This phrase has been understood in several different ways by Bible scholars. Some people have thought this phrase refers to Jesus' tomb after his crucifixion. Others have suggested it means the world of the dead, the place where spirits go after death (compare Matthew 12:40; 1 Peter 3:18–20). Still others have connected it to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. However, the phrase most likely refers to the incarnation. The incarnation is when Jesus Christ, who is God the Son, descended from heaven and became a human being (see John 1:14; 3:13; Philippians 2:7–8).

• In his letters, Paul provides four different lists of God's gifts (see also Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 12:8–10, 28). None of these lists includes all possible gifts. This list focuses on the leadership gifts that help the church grow:

  • Apostles are people God sends out as missionary evangelists. They travel around sharing the good news about Jesus.

  • Prophets are people who speak messages from God to his people.

  • Evangelists tell others the good news about Jesus.

  • Pastors (which means shepherds) are people who take care of God's people (see 1 Timothy 3:1–7).

  • Teachers are people who explain Scripture and God's truths to the church.

  • The terms pastors and teachers might refer to two separate roles, or they might describe two parts of the same role.

• God gives gifts to believers to help them strengthen the church (see 1 Corinthians 12:7; compare 1 Peter 2:5).

• to equip the saints for works of ministry: All believers are called to active Christian service.

The goal of ministry is to help all Christians understand and experience their faith more deeply and know God's Son better. When this happens, believers become mature in the Lord (see 1 Corinthians 2:6; 14:20; Philippians 3:15; Colossians 1:28; 4:12; compare Hebrews 5:14; James 1:4; 3:2). Christ himself is the standard of maturity. The Holy Spirit's work is to transform people to become fully like Christ (Romans 8:29).

carried around by every wind of teaching: Mature Christians, with a strong understanding of the good news and of Christ, can identify and resist false teachings (see Galatians 1:6–7; 3:1; Colossians 2:8–23; 1 Timothy 1:3–7; 4:1–3; 6:3–5, 20; 2 Timothy 4:3–4; Titus 1:11).

• Each part of the body of Christ has an important role and helps other parts grow. Christ, the head of the body, works through each part. He makes them fit together. He is the ultimate source of growth (see Colossians 2:19).

• When all believers serve effectively, the whole body will be healthy, growing, and full of love (compare 1 Corinthians 8:1). Love is the most important factor in Christian growth (1 Corinthians 13:1–13).

God's people are called to live in a way that is different from unbelievers in the world.

Paul gives believers specific guidelines for living a new life in Christ.

Their minds are full of darkness because their minds are closed and hearts are hard (see 2 Corinthians 4:4). This means they cannot understand spiritual truths clearly. Their minds are "closed," which means they are unwilling or unable to accept God's truth. Their hearts are "hard," which means they have become insensitive to God's guidance.

Having lost all sense of shame: Unbelievers have hard hearts, meaning they no longer listen to God's guidance. As a result, they lose the ability to know right from wrong. They do not feel guilty about doing sinful things, including sexual immorality (see Romans 1:21–31).

What you learned about Christ is the truth that comes from him. He gives true understanding (compare John 14:6). He calls his people to a completely new way of life (compare Romans 6:3–14; 13:12–14; Colossians 3:8–10).

to put on the new self: God's Spirit shows his life within the believer (see Colossians 3:10; compare Genesis 1:26; Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 5:22–23). The transforming work of God's Spirit is part of the gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8–10).

• speak truthfully to his neighbor: (compare Zechariah 8:16).

• we are all members of one another: (see Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12–13, 27).

• "Be angry, yet do not sin": This verse quotes Psalm 4:4. The literal form of the quotation does not justify anger. Anger gives the devil an way to influence us (see James 1:20). God's people should be gentle and gracious, not harsh or angry (see Ephesians 4:31–32).

• Do not let the sun set upon your anger: This means we should resolve our anger quickly. We should not allow our anger continue or grow stronger.

Christians should work hard, be honest, and care for others (see 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–12).

Believers should learn new ways of speaking that encourage others (see also 5:3–4, 12).

• Believers must not offend or push away God’s Holy Spirit, who shows that they belong to God (see Mark 3:29; Acts 5:3–5, 9; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Hebrews 6:4–8).

• in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption: The Spirit's presence confirms that believers belong to God and guarantees their future salvation (see Ephesians 1:13–14; Romans 8:16–17; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 1 John 4:13).

Forgiving others who share your faith is a natural and positive response to experiencing God's forgiving grace through Christ (compare Colossians 3:12–13; 1 John 4:19).