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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

May 6, 2027

Pentecost, El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos)
Pentecost, El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos), c. 1600Museo del Prado, Madrid
A tall narrow canvas with the flames coming down onto an upturned crowd and the dove directly overhead.When he ascended on high he gave gifts to his people: some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers.El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos)El Greco, who stacked the figures upward so the picture is read from the fire down.Museo del Prado, MadridThe Museo del Prado, Madrid.Museo del Prado, Madrid
Roman Lectionary
GospelMark 16:15-20Mk 16:15-20
Second ReadingEph. 4:1-13Eph 4:1-13 orEph. 4:1-7, 11-13Eph 4:1-7, 11-13
First ReadingActs 1:1-11
Responsorial PsalmPs. 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 (6)Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 (6)

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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Take it further: Ephesians 4:1-13 or Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

Commentary

Ephesians 4 - Unity and Maturity in the Body of ChristEph 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 CommentariesEph 4:1 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators on the call to walk worthy and keep the unity of the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:1 CommentaryEph 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 CommentaryEph 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 BibleEph | Enter the Bible Enter the Bible

Luther Seminary background on the setting, themes and structure of Ephesians.

Book of Ephesians OverviewBook of Eph Overview BibleProject

Animated overview of Ephesians and its vision of unity in Christ.

Ephesians 4:1 InterlinearEph 4:1 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek text with parsing and Strong's numbers for the exhortation to unity and the gift list.

The Church Fathers

Ephesians 4 - CatenaEph 4 - Catena Catena

Patristic comment on the ascended Christ leading captivity captive and gifting the church.

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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