Growing into Fullness: Exploring Unity and Maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4)

Executive Summary

Ephesians 4 delves into the profound calling of believers to live in unity and pursue spiritual maturity within the Body of Christ. This chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the bond of peace, guided by the Holy Spirit, and growing into the fullness of Christ. Paul, through divine inspiration, outlines the diverse gifts bestowed upon the Church, equipping its members for ministry and mutual edification. He contrasts the immature, wavering life with the steadfast pursuit of truth in love, leading to spiritual growth. The apostle urges believers to abandon falsehood and embrace honesty, manage anger constructively, resist the temptations of theft and idleness, and cultivate a spirit of generosity and edifying communication. Ultimately, Ephesians 4 calls for a radical transformation, shedding the old self and clothing ourselves with the new self, created in God’s likeness, impacting every aspect of our lives and shaping our interactions with the world around us. This transformative journey is central to achieving unity and maturity in Christ.

This chapter of Ephesians highlights the crucial role each member plays in fostering the Church’s unity and maturity. It calls believers to actively participate in building up the Body of Christ through the exercise of their spiritual gifts and the cultivation of godly character.

Commentary on Ephesians 4: Unity and Maturity in Christ

Ephesians 4:1-3 – The Call to Unity

Ephesians 4:1-3 (KJV): I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:1-3 (NKJV): I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Here, Paul, identifying himself as a “prisoner of the Lord” – a powerful testament to his dedication – implores the Ephesians to live a life worthy of their divine calling. This worthiness isn’t about achieving perfection, but rather striving for a life characterized by humility (“lowliness”), gentleness (“meekness”), patience (“longsuffering”), and love. These virtues form the bedrock of Christian community. The phrase “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit” is paramount. The unity is not something we create, but something we maintain. The Holy Spirit is the source of this unity, and our responsibility is to guard it diligently through “the bond of peace.”

St. Athanasius, in his work *Contra Arianos*, emphasizes the divine origin of unity, stating that the Holy Spirit is the bond that connects believers to Christ and to one another: “τὸ γὰρ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ἑνοποιεῖ τοὺς πιστοὺς ἐν Χριστῷ” (to gar Pneuma to Hagion henopoiei tous pistous en Christō) – “For the Holy Spirit unites the believers in Christ” (Athanasius, *Contra Arianos* 3.25).

Historically, Ephesus was a bustling port city, a melting pot of cultures and religions. This diversity presented a unique challenge to the early church in maintaining unity. Just as the city’s architecture required strong foundations to withstand the turbulent winds, so too did the church require the virtues Paul outlines to withstand the potential for division.

Spiritual Application: In our own lives, we must actively cultivate humility, gentleness, and patience in our relationships. When disagreements arise, let us strive to maintain the “bond of peace” through prayer, forgiveness, and a willingness to understand the other person’s perspective. Consider using dohost to create a private online space for your small group where you can practice these principles together.

Ephesians 4:4-6 – One Body, One Spirit, One Hope

Ephesians 4:4-6 (KJV): There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV): There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

This passage powerfully articulates the sevenfold unity of the Christian faith. The repetition of “one” emphasizes the indivisible nature of the Body of Christ. We are unified by: 1) “One body” – the Church. 2) “One Spirit” – the Holy Spirit, the life-giver and unifier. 3) “One hope” – the promise of eternal life. 4) “One Lord” – Jesus Christ, the head of the Church. 5) “One faith” – the body of beliefs passed down from the apostles. 6) “One baptism” – the sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith. 7) “One God and Father of all” – the source of all creation and the ultimate object of our worship.

St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on John’s Gospel, speaks of the unity of believers through Christ: “Ἕν ἐσμὲν ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ, διὰ τῆς κοινωνίας τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος” (Hen esmen en tō Christō, dia tēs koinōnias tou Hagiou Pneumatos) – “We are one in Christ, through the communion of the Holy Spirit” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on John* 17.21).

The concept of “one faith” is crucial. It signifies the shared understanding of the Gospel message passed down through generations, ensuring the continuity of the Church’s teaching. Archaeological discoveries, such as ancient creeds inscribed on papyri, corroborate the existence of a unified doctrinal framework in the early Church.

Spiritual Application: Reflect on the profound unity we share with all believers throughout the world and throughout history. Pray for the unity of the Church, striving to overcome divisions and embrace our shared identity in Christ. Actively participate in your local church, contributing your gifts and talents to the building up of the Body.

Ephesians 4:7-10 – Gifts for Ministry

Ephesians 4:7-10 (KJV): But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Ephesians 4:7-10 (NKJV): But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

This section highlights the diversity of gifts bestowed upon the Church by Christ. These gifts are not distributed equally, but rather “according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Quoting Psalm 68:18, Paul emphasizes that Christ’s ascension and victory over death (“He led captivity captive”) resulted in the giving of gifts to men. This refers to various spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities that equip believers for ministry and service.

The phrase “He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth” is subject to various interpretations. Some understand it to refer to Christ’s incarnation and his humbling himself to become human. Others see it as a reference to his descent into Hades to proclaim victory over death and liberate the righteous souls held captive there. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the passage emphasizes the totality of Christ’s work, encompassing both his descent and his ascension.

Spiritual Application: Recognize and embrace the unique gifts that God has given you. Seek to discover how you can use your gifts to serve others and contribute to the building up of the Body of Christ. Don’t compare yourself to others, but rather focus on developing and using your own God-given abilities. Volunteer your time, resources, or talents within your church or community. Consider taking a spiritual gifts assessment to better understand your strengths.

Ephesians 4:11-16 – Equipping the Saints

Ephesians 4:11-16 (KJV): And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NKJV): And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Here, Paul outlines specific roles within the Church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These are not simply titles, but functions aimed at “the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” The ultimate goal is for believers to reach “the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” This is a lifelong process of spiritual growth and maturation.

The image of “children, tossed to and fro” powerfully illustrates the danger of spiritual immaturity. Without a firm foundation in the truth, believers are vulnerable to being misled by false teachings and deceptive schemes. This highlights the importance of sound doctrine and discerning leadership within the Church.

St. Irenaeus, in *Against Heresies*, warns against the dangers of false teachers and the importance of adhering to the apostolic tradition: “καὶ ἡ παράδοσις τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐν παντὶ κόσμῳ φανερά ἐστιν” (kai hē paradosis tōn apostolōn en panti kosmō phanera estin) – “And the tradition of the apostles is manifest in the whole world” (Irenaeus, *Against Heresies* 3.3.1).

Spiritual Application: Commit yourself to lifelong learning and spiritual growth. Seek out sound teaching from trusted pastors and teachers. Be discerning about the information you consume, guarding yourself against false teachings and deceptive ideologies. Actively participate in the life of your church, contributing your gifts and talents to the building up of the Body of Christ. Spend time in prayer and Scripture study to deepen your understanding of God’s truth. Speak the truth in love, challenging error with gentleness and compassion. Embrace opportunities for mentorship and discipleship, both as a mentor and a mentee.

Ephesians 4:17-19 – The Old Self

Ephesians 4:17-19 (KJV): This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Ephesians 4:17-19 (NKJV): This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Paul transitions from exhorting believers to grow into maturity, to warning against the characteristics of the “old self” – the unregenerate nature that is characterized by “the futility of their mind,” “darkened understanding,” and alienation from God. This is the life lived apart from the grace and truth of Christ. The Gentiles, in this context, represent those who are living according to worldly values and desires, rather than according to God’s will. Their hearts are hardened, leading them to pursue sensual pleasures and “all uncleanness with greediness.”

The environmental context of Ephesus, with its idolatry and moral decay associated with the Temple of Artemis (Diana), provides a stark backdrop for Paul’s warning. The city was known for its immorality and devotion to pagan practices, highlighting the stark contrast between the Christian life and the life of the world.

Spiritual Application: Examine your own life and identify any areas where you may be clinging to the “old self.” Confess these sins to God and ask for his forgiveness and cleansing. Be vigilant against the temptations of the world, resisting the pull of worldly values and desires. Cultivate a renewed mind through prayer, Scripture study, and fellowship with other believers. Seek accountability and support from trusted friends and mentors.

Ephesians 4:20-24 – Putting on the New Self

Ephesians 4:20-24 (KJV): But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:20-24 (NKJV): But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

This passage provides the antidote to the “old self”: putting on the “new self.” This involves a radical transformation, a complete renewal of the mind and spirit. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own, but rather it is a work of God’s grace. The “new self” is “created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” This means that we are being conformed to the image of Christ, reflecting his character and attributes in our lives.

The imagery of “putting off” the old self and “putting on” the new self is powerful. It suggests a deliberate act of choosing to reject the old ways and embrace the new life in Christ. This is an ongoing process, a daily commitment to following Christ and living according to his teachings.

St. Macarius the Great emphasizes the transformative power of grace in creating the new man: “οὐκ ἔστιν ἡ ἀρετὴ ἄνευ τῆς θείας χάριτος” (ouk estin hē aretē aneu tēs theias charitos) – “Virtue is not possible without divine grace” (Macarius the Great, *Homily* 15.20).

Spiritual Application: Make a conscious decision to “put off” the old self and “put on” the new self each day. Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and transform your heart. Read and meditate on Scripture, allowing God’s word to shape your thoughts and actions. Seek opportunities to serve others and demonstrate the love of Christ in your relationships. Identify specific behaviors or attitudes that are hindering your spiritual growth and ask God to help you overcome them. Embrace the process of sanctification, trusting that God will continue to work in you until you are fully conformed to the image of Christ.

Ephesians 4:25-32 – Practical Implications of the New Life

Ephesians 4:25-32 (KJV): Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:25-32 (NKJV): Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

This final section provides practical instructions for living out the new life in Christ. It addresses specific areas of behavior, including truthfulness, anger management, honesty, speech, and relationships. Paul urges believers to “put away lying” and “speak truth with his neighbor,” emphasizing the importance of integrity in our interactions with others. He acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion, but warns against allowing it to lead to sin. He encourages those who have stolen to “steal no longer” and instead to work diligently and generously. He cautions against “corrupt communication” and encourages speech that is edifying and imparts grace to others. He warns against “grieving the Holy Spirit” and urges believers to put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking. Finally, he exhorts believers to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God has forgiven us in Christ.

The phrase “grieve not the holy Spirit of God” is a solemn reminder that our actions have consequences for our relationship with God. The Holy Spirit is our comforter, guide, and seal of redemption. When we sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit and hinder his work in our lives.

Spiritual Application: Apply these practical instructions to your daily life. Be intentional about speaking truth, managing your anger, being honest and generous, and using your words to build others up. Confess any areas where you are falling short and ask for God’s help to live a life that is pleasing to him. Practice forgiveness, extending grace to those who have wronged you. Strive to cultivate a spirit of kindness, tenderness, and compassion in all your relationships. Develop a plan for proactively addressing areas of weakness in your life.

Subtopic Sections

The Importance of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not merely an emotional release; it is a foundational element of Christian living. Just as Christ forgave us, we are called to extend forgiveness to others. Without forgiveness, bitterness festers, hindering spiritual growth and damaging relationships. Forgiveness is a conscious act of obedience, releasing the offender from the debt they owe us and trusting God to bring justice.

• Forgiveness is an act of obedience: We are commanded to forgive.
• Forgiveness releases bitterness: Holding onto anger poisons our hearts.
• Forgiveness mirrors God’s grace: We are forgiven much, so we must forgive much.
• Forgiveness opens the door to reconciliation: Restoring broken relationships.
• Forgiveness frees the offender: Releasing them from the debt.

Renewing the Mind

The battleground for spiritual growth is often the mind. We must actively “renew the spirit of our mind” by filling it with truth and rejecting falsehood. This involves intentional effort, including prayer, Scripture study, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences. A renewed mind is a mind that is focused on Christ and his teachings, leading to transformed thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

• Fill your mind with Scripture: Meditate on God’s word daily.
• Pray without ceasing: Cultivate a constant awareness of God’s presence.
• Guard your thoughts: Be selective about what you allow into your mind.
• Challenge negative thinking: Replace lies with truth.
• Seek godly counsel: Surround yourself with wise mentors.

FAQ ❓

Q: How can I know what my spiritual gifts are?

A: Spiritual gifts can be discovered through prayerful self-reflection, seeking input from trusted leaders, and experimenting with different areas of service within the church. Observe what you are naturally drawn to and where you see fruit in your ministry.

Q: What if I struggle to forgive someone who has deeply hurt me?

A: Forgiveness is a process, not an event. Begin by praying for the person who has hurt you, asking God to soften your heart and grant you the grace to forgive. Focus on God’s forgiveness of you and remember that holding onto unforgiveness only hurts you.

Q: How can I avoid being “tossed to and fro” by false teachings?

A: Ground yourself in the solid foundation of Scripture and sound doctrine. Be discerning about the sources of information you consume and seek guidance from trusted pastors and teachers. Develop a critical thinking mindset and be willing to question everything.

Q: What does it mean to “grieve the Holy Spirit”?

A: Grieving the Holy Spirit means acting in ways that contradict his character and his leading in your life. This can include sinning, ignoring his promptings, resisting his guidance, or neglecting your spiritual growth. It’s important to remain attentive to the Spirit’s presence and respond obediently to His direction.

Conclusion

Ephesians 4 paints a vibrant picture of the Church as a unified body, growing into the fullness of Christ. The chapter emphasizes the vital importance of maintaining unity through humility, gentleness, and patience. It highlights the diversity of gifts within the Church, each playing a crucial role in the building up of the Body. It warns against the dangers of spiritual immaturity and the allure of the “old self,” urging believers to “put on the new self,” created in God’s likeness. Ultimately, Ephesians 4 calls for a radical transformation, impacting every aspect of our lives and shaping our interactions with the world around us. The ultimate goal for us as Orthodox Christians is to achieve unity and maturity in Christ, reflecting His light to the world, glorifying His Holy Name.

Tags

Christian Living, Spiritual Growth, Unity, Maturity, Holy Spirit, Church, Ephesians, Bible Study, Theology, Coptic Orthodox

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Explore Ephesians 4 verse-by-verse commentary on unity and maturity in Christ. Learn how to live a transformed life, guided by the Holy Spirit and rooted in Coptic Orthodox theology.