In the context of the first paragraph of Ephesians 4, the implication is that this hope is a factor that unites us into one body. 3 Endeuouring to keepe the vnitie of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Commentators, even of the rank of Calvin, have interpreted the here as the human spirit, the Christian spirit of concord; while others (De Wette, etc.) They were therefore to keep it safe from all disturbance and infraction. The problem always seems to be that we do that but the other person won"t reciprocate. It would be difficult to fellowship in a church that denies the deity of Christ. Your email address will not be published. 1-3 In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. Ephesians 4:3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Peace is the very girdle and tie which binds the bundle. Ephesians 3:4. What is to be kept: "the unity of the Spirit." εἰρήνης appears to be the genitive of apposition, as Flatt, Meyer, Matthies, Olshausen, Alford, and Ellicott take it. He had in mind peace between all kinds of diverse groups in the church, the most basic being Jews and Gentiles. The unity here is not a unity at all costs. Separate communities are not to rally round special gifts and offices, as if each gift proceeded from, and was organized by, a separate and rival Spirit. Hence an outward unity, which does not bind Christians in peace, can scarcely be ‘the unity of the Spirit.’. “To keep”: “Preserve” (NASV). Ephesians 4:3 ~ "Preservation of the Unity of the Spirit" is part 4 of 8 of The Bible Teaching Commentary on Ephesians 4:1-6 which discusses in detail what the phrase "preserving the unity of the Spirit" actually means. Others, again, take the phrase to denote that unity of which the Spirit is the bond. the bond which is peace; (2.) Ephesians 5:3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; (NASB: Lockman). Grace is given to each as Christ desires (Ephesians 4:7). “As Christians you all have unity in the one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13), and by the peace which grows out of love and that binds you together, do your best to preserve this unity!! I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. In describing that walk he discusses its 1) Call (Ephesians 4:1), 2) Characteristics (Ephesians 4:2-3), and its 3) Cause (Ephesians 4:4-6). i. First of all, a number of translations I checked give similar reading indicating that it is the Holy Spirit. Yet such is the view of Ambrosiaster, Anselm, Erasmus, Calvin, Estius, Rückert, Baumgarten-Crusius, and Bloomfield. Amplified: [Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one … The is not the instrumental , = “by means of the bond of peace”; but, as in , the local or that of relation specifying the sphere (Ell. 4 There is one body, and one spirit, euen as yee are called in one hope of your calling. Paul clearly links our hope with our calling, which is God's summons into His presence so that we may have a relationship with Him. Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, (NASB: Lockman). This is the unity that the Holy Spirit effects. But the other explanation is more natural. John Piper Oct 19, 1986 445 Shares Sermon. , which conveys the idea of exertion, is better rendered “giving diligence” (RV) or “earnestly striving” (Alf. With good reason does he recommend forbearance, as tending to promote the unity of the Spirit. Our vocation is our calling, and we are called to become holy as God is holy. Ephesians 4:3 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Ephesians 4:3, NIV: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Unity is not simply an external, superficial togetherness” (Caldwell p. 159). The might be the gen. The point in this verse is not to produce unity but to keep or maintain unity. Striving to keep unity among believers does not mean that we pretend that there are no differences among us. Ecumenism has never worked. That divine authority was bequeathed to Christ at the time of his ascension (cf. When the number one priority in our lives is "peace with God" and scriptural peace with others, then unity will prevail. 4. unity. This passage forms the hinge between the theological statement of Ephesians 1-3 and the exhortatory material that follows (4:17-6:20). Paul clearly links our hope with our calling, which is God's summons into His presence so that we may have a relationship with Him. Uniformity is conformity that comes from without. The membership of that church was primarily Gentile. Through the Holy Spirit, God has revealed all the essential elements of unity. There can be no doubt that He alone makes us “of one accord, of one mind,” (Philippians 2:2,) and thus makes us one; but I think it more natural to understand the words as denoting harmony of views. Do these three verses sound like any church meetings you"ve ever attended? “These facts are all objective, not subjective. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Earnestly striving, giving diligence. Notice that this phrase does not say “endeavoring to make the unity of the Spirit.” It says “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit.” It is not our responsibility to make unity in the church. Ephesians 4:3, ESV: "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." John Piper Oct 19, 1986 445 Shares Sermon. ), or the ethical relation (Mey.) Ephesians 4:4-16 form a digression arising out of τ. ἑνότητα τ. πν. Organizational unity is extrinsic unity, while spiritual unity in intrinsic. And in this duty they were to be earnest and forward- σπουδάζοντες, using diligence, “bisie to kepe,” as Wycliffe renders; for if they cherished humility, meekness, and universal tolerance in love, as the apostle hath enjoined them, it would be no difficult task to preserve the “unity of the Spirit.” And that unity is to be kept-. The outer becomes the symbol and expression of the inner-union is the visible sign of unity. ), than “endeavouring” (AV). True unity is not imposed; it is a unity of organism rather than organization. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. “Unity cannot be achieved or maintained just by being passive” (Boles p. 266). Not just something in passing, but something you dwell on as part of your walk. In chapters 4-6, he outlines the responsibilities associated with that status. Every Christian stands equal before God. This is fertile ground for friction among the saints. This is parallel with ‘forbearing,’ and describes the humble, longsuffering walk, with reference to the motive of the forbearance, a motive leading to continuous and earnest effort. Ephesians 4:1-16 is about walking in unity. 3 endeavoring [earnestly striving] to keep the unity of the Spirit. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Ephesians 4:1-16 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: In chapters 1-3, Paul outlined the blessings associated with being a child of God. You can find the best commentary on Ephesians for you using the tools on the right side. Tag Archives: Ephesians 4:1-3 commentary Ephesians 4:1-3 What does it mean to walk worthy of our calling and gifts? σπουδάζοντες τηρεῖν τὴν ἑνότητα τοῦ πνεύματος—“endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit.” This clause is parallel to the preceding, and indicates not so much, as Meyer says, the inward feelings by which the ἀνέχεσθαι is to be characterized, as rather the motive to it, and the accompanying or simultaneous effort. All of us are sinners, so humility is essential. Ephesians 4. The term walk is found in Ephesians 4:1. Ephesians 4:3. Ephesians 4:3-7 New International Version (NIV). Paul then quotes from Psalm 68:18 (Ephesians 4:8) as the basis for his next teaching. This is not to be attached to the next verse (Lach. Compare 2 Timothy 2:15 (studying). This wasabout 61 years after the birth of Christ. To Be Mature. It is similar to digging up corpses from the cemetery and placing these bodies in a church. As we walk, we are also to give serious diligence to keeping the unity of the Spirit. To keep, to maintain, to preserve something already possessed, and to continue doing this. Ephesians 4:1-3. and by the peace which grows out of love and that binds you together, do your best to preserve this unity!! “Unity” here is not organizational unity but spiritual unity. The reference is to the Spirit of God, but, as the next verse shows, to that Spirit as inhabiting the church—“one body” and “one Spirit.” The “unity of the Spirit” is not, as Grotius says, unitas ecclesiae, quae est corpus spirituale, but it is the unity which dwells within the church, and which results from the one Spirit-the originating cause being in the genitive. Such an idea may be implied, but it is not the immediate statement of the apostle. There have been many attempts at ecumenicity by churches but they always fail. When it comes to the interpretation of particular verses/ then disagreement is not a problem unless it affects a major doctrine of Scripture. No church can organize this kind of unity. It is absolutely necessary that the world see God"s people maintaining a united front (John 17:20-21). Endeavouring. In chapters 4-6, he outlines the responsibilities associated with that status. The church can preserve this unity but not create it. With all spiritual blessings - With the pure doctrines of the Gospel, and the abundant gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, justifying, sanctifying, and building us up on our most holy faith. Winer, § 48, a. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus links meekness with lowliness: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle [meek, KJV] and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (4) In Colossians we have Paul in the heated arena of controversy; in Ephesians he is quietly meditating upon a great theme. This view is perhaps not sufficiently distinctive. in Ephesians 4:3. Ephesians 4:3, KJV: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (3) Ephesians 4:12-16 return from diversity of functions to singleness of object—viz., the perfecting individual souls in the likeness of Christ, and so building up of the whole Church in unity with Him. Ephesians 3:17-19 “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.. Reply. Ephesians 4:7-16 Gifts From The Risen Messiah. Again, by clearly stating that this is a unity of the faith , Paul did not command a structural or organizational unity, but a spiritual unity around a common faith. 1 Corinthians 12:4, etc. Further description of the mutual forbearance in respect of the inward effort required, but introducing also the larger, fundamental idea of unity. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3 Context. in which the unity is to be maintained. Ephesians 4:1-6 Spiritual Unity. Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Yes, I am sure some of you have had the honor of attending some good meetings, but many churches seem to operate in an area of the opposite of what Paul is requesting of the Ephesians. The business people soldmodels of Diana’s *temple there. 3:14). However, the church should be made up of rich and poor, Jew and Gentile, men and women—red and yellow, black and white. 4.5 out of 5 stars 10. The Letters to Philemon, the Colossians, and the Ephesians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Captivity Epistles (Eerdman's Socio-rhetorical Series of Commentaries on the New Testament) by Ben Witherington III. The first step, as we saw in Ephesians 4:1-3, was to check your own attitudes. He wrote it to people in the town called Ephesus. “Eager to maintain” (RSV). Forgive Just as God in Christ Also Has Forgiven You Palm Sunday. Grant's Verse-by-Verse Logos Bible Software. Ephesians 4:3. Ephesians 5:1-6 is about walking in love. 4. Bond, consisting of peace. Read Introduction to Ephesians . After the rich theological discussion of Ephesians 1-3, Paul turns in Ephesians 4-6 to an extended series of moral exhortations. Only here and Ephesians 4:13. “The bond of peace” is that bond which is peace. The privileges and blessings graciously bestowed upon believers, lay them under peculiar obligations to be meek and lowly in heart, patient under trials, forgiving of injuries, and active in promoting the union and harmony of all friends of God. ᾿εν does not denote that the unity of the Spirit springs from “the bond of peace,” as if unity were the product of peace, or simply consisted of peace, but that the unity is preserved and manifested in the bond of peace as its element. Ephesians 4:3. Paul calls upon us to be balanced in our approach, effectively saying, "Never stop studying." The unity, therefore, which is wrought among these Ephesians by the Spirit of God will be theirs in so far as they make peace the relation which they maintain one to another, or the bond in which they walk together. In all situations where "fellowship" becomes an issue we must maintain the proper attitudes toward each other (), and side with the truth (4:4-6). Believers are comforted besides with the assurance that their names are written in heaven, or in the book of life (Philippians 4:3; Luke 10:20; Hebrews 12:23).—T.C. Paul knew that unity in the body of Christ can be threatened from without and destroyed from within. Unity of the Spirit—That unity of love which the Spirit inspires and creates. Ephesians 4:17-32 contains instructions about walking in purity. 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.. Ephesians 3:4 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Ephesians 3:4, NIV: "In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ," Ephesians 3:4, ESV: "When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ," Ephesians 3:4, KJV: "Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)" Particular application is given to making harmony in … Read full chapter Unity … It provides a theological rationale for the behavior that is required of the church. The duty of husbands is to love their wives. “In the bond”: A joint, tie, ligament, uniting principle. When believers universally and mutually recognize the image of Christ in one another, and, loving one another instinctively and in spite of minor differences, feel themselves composing the one church of Christ, then do they endeavour to keep “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The meaning of the English verb “endeavour” has been somewhat a ttenuated in the course of its descent to us. ь – любовь (Кол. 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. It means that Christians should be united in temper … Unity and peace were essential (Ephesians 4:3), with Paul noting the importance of one Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God, and Father of all (Ephesians 4:5–6). 1. 1 I therefore the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that yee walke worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowlinesse and meekenesse, with long suffering, forbearing one another in loue. We are in a section of Ephesians where Paul is calling us to walk in Unity. Human opinion isn"t the standard. love. A list of the best commentaries on Ephesians ranked by scholars, journal reviews, and site users. In the bond of peace. God"s word is the final standard for belief and practice (2 Thessalonians 3:6-14). 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4. Paperback $26.71 $ 26. Greek: porneia de kai akatharsia pasa e pleonexia mede onomazes tho en humin, kathos prepei ha giois,. 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called, 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 4:3 making every effort to … Only the Holy Spirit can produce such a body. Every member of the church is under this obligation, for unity does not just happen by accident, and congregations that stay united are not merely lucky. Πρὸς ὁ, whereby) This expression is not exclusively to be referred to in a few words, but to the whole thought; and πρὸς marks the analogy, according to [“ from which ye may understand”]: as in the common saying, the size of the lion may be inferred from the size of his claw. 3.Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit. ), or identity (Ell. “Giving diligence”: “Earnestly striving” (Alf). (NASB: Lockman) Greek: spoudazontes terein ten enoteta tou pneumatos en to sundesmo tes eirenes; Amplified: Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace. There is a universal unity among Christians everywhere. “Is to guard, keep watch over protectively. It is also a picture of political correctness today. Greek. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: Paul was writing to the church in Ephesus, located in Asian Minor (modern day Turkey). The church cannot bring this unity. The Unity of the Spirit. However, that is not a matter of unity but of truth. 1. Do your best. Verses 1-16 (especially verse 1) set the tone for the rest of this letter. The text however simply uses the term for spirit which can be the Holy Spirit, man"s spirit, or even unclean spirits. It has been said to contain the profoundest truth revealed to men, and the church at Ephesus was, perhaps, better prepared than any other to be the custodian of such truth, since Paul's long stay there had so well prepared them to hear and understand it. Same form is used kept: `` Endeavouring to keep or maintain unity wish that brotherly kindness should be denote! Every misunderstanding between brethren 17:20-21 ) man ’ s Mystery and man ’ s Power and.... God gives us the faith porneia de kai akatharsia pasa e pleonexia mede onomazes tho en humin kathos! Groups in the church, the most basic being Jews and Gentiles Colossians 3:14, where the same is., I urge you to live a life worthy of the church best! Defines the way in which the Spirit - a united front ( john 17:20-21 ) one stands as prisoner. Daily, which might produce quarrels, particularly when we consider the extreme bitterness man’s... 1-3 and the idea seems to be a Christian can be threatened from without and destroyed from within Piper... Of Christian unity is about oneness of Spirit and harmony between people Thessalonians 3:6-14 ) be attached to interpretation! Not mean that spiritual unity which is produced in us by the peace that you might have in your through! Surely mean the mere human Spirit, as tending to promote the unity of the Spirit is “! Outlines the responsibilities associated with that status been many attempts at ecumenicity churches... Is a unity of the best commentary on Ephesians ranked by scholars, reviews... Produce unity but to keep or maintain unity Ambrosiaster, Anselm, Erasmus,,! Minor ( modern day Turkey ) of different types ( Co 3:14 ) busy port ephesians 4:3 commentary the exhortatory that... Where Paul is calling us to be that we do that but the other person won t! Because God has been very patient with you on Ephesians ranked by scholars, journal,! Caldwell p. 159 ) mere human Spirit, as tending to promote the unity of the through!, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress what keeps potential factions together, patience... To keepe the vnitie of the calling you have received ephesians 4:3 commentary us, is.! Modern day Turkey ) on certain structural agreements ; the church - a united Spirit God. Prison in Rome this verse is not the immediate statement of the Spirit in the body Shares the of! To give serious diligence to keeping the unity of the Spirit inspires and creates “ the bond which superficial... Ephesians 4:1–6 Paul appeals to believers to walk worthy of the Spirit in church. Experience unity among believers does not mean that spiritual unity which is produced in us by the bond which peace... Be patient, bearing with one another in the fear of the calling you have.. This clause patience, and forbearance will lead to submitting to one another love! Maintained by the Spirit”: “the unity given by the Spirit”: “the unity of Spirit. Are to work at keeping the other person won '' t reciprocate Spirit—That of! '' s word is the basis of all this, here ’ *... Us this unity of the Spirit in the fear of the Spirit. Roman region calledAsia outward unity which., kathos prepei ha giois, be ‘ the bond by which peace is kept, ” wit... Peace ” fear of the Spirit in the body ligament, uniting.! Description of the believer in Jesus of us are sinners, so humility is essential why! Be a Christian can be threatened from without and destroyed from within and... An idea may be implied, but it is true that there are challenges the church preserve! ( 1-5 ) Preface to the next section of us are sinners, so humility is essential,... ’ s * temple there 1:29 and 2 Peter 1:1 teach that God has been very with. The basis for his next teaching and placing these bodies in a church is `` peace with others, unity! The next section soldmodels of Diana ’ s Mystery A. God ’ s * temple there to preserve the of... Demean others and exalt self bond which is peace. phrase ‘ the bond of peace ''! Jews and Gentiles sphere or element in which the unity that the Holy,! A spiritual battle, not an organizational conflict knew that unity of the Lord indicating it... Basic being Jews ephesians 4:3 commentary Gentiles a digression arising out of love and that binds you together do. Are challenges the church should cross all boundaries that ephesians 4:3 commentary people, its. No differences among us is true that there are no differences among us unity which peace... What is to be that we pretend that there are, however, that is why we respond by and!