Easter Season · Ascension of the Lord · Year B
Ephesians 4:1-13 or Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13
Unity in the Body of Christ
Overview & Insights
“There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:4–5)
Chapter 4 begins what often is referred to as the ethical or practical section of the epistle. If chapters 1–3 provide the theological basis for Christian unity, then chapters 4–6 contain the practical instruction for its maintenance. Unity has been established (the indicative); now it becomes the duty of the believers to strengthen and maintain unity in their fellowship (the imperative).
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Commentary
Ephesians 4 - Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on the one body and one Spirit, and the ascended Christ giving gifts to the church.
Ephesians 4:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on the call to walk worthy and keep the unity of the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:1 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse by verse notes with Greek word studies on Paul's plea for humble, unified life.
Ephesians 4:1-16 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on unity, the ascended Christ's gifts, and growth into maturity.
Background & Word Study
Ephesians | Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the setting, themes and structure of Ephesians.
Book of Ephesians Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of Ephesians and its vision of unity in Christ.
Ephesians 4:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing and Strong's numbers for the exhortation to unity and the gift list.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the unity of the Spirit?
Paul urges the church to walk worthily with humility and patience, eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, for there is one body, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.
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