Trinity/After Pentecost · The Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity
Ephesians 4:1-6
Unity in the Body of Christ
September 27, 2026
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
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Ephesians Chapter 4 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on the worthy walk and the sevenfold unity of the Spirit in one body.
Ephesians 4:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators from the start of the reading on lowliness, meekness and bearing with one another.
Ephesians 4 Resources Precept Austin
A large gathering of verse studies and sermons on Ephesians 4.
Ephesians 4:1-16 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on unity grounded in the unity of the triune God.
Background & Word Study
Ephesians Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on Ephesians and its turn to practical exhortation in chapter 4.
Overview: Ephesians BibleProject
An animated overview of Ephesians and its vision of one new humanity.
Ephesians 4:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word for the reading, useful for the bond (syndesmos) of peace in verse 3.
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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