Exploring the Scripture

Ephesians 1–3 focused on the theology of unity, with Christ as the barrier-breaker, destroying the walls between Jews and Gentiles. Ephesians 4–6 provide practical instruction about responding to Christ’s reconciling grace through obedience and living life as disciples. “Therefore” in 4:1 shows the logical result of receiving the reconciling love of Christ is to “lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” Such a life is characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, and mutual recognition of one another’s personal worth. The primary purpose of these 16 verses is to urge the members to preserve the unity Christ set up.          

Verses 4–6 outline seven features integral to oneness—not choices made by humans, but Divine facets of unified faith. “One body” challenged the congregations around Asia Minor and Judea to see themselves as one church, despite differences and conflicts (v. 4). God’s Spirit moves within that body to call members to represent Christ’s teachings, mission, and ministry genuinely. 

“One Lord” is Jesus Christ (v. 5). Loyal Roman citizens poured public drinks to the emperor while proclaiming, “Caesar is Lord.” Christians refused to pledge loyalty to Caesar. “Jesus is Lord” became a defiant doctrinal statement that resulted in many Christians being imprisoned or killed.

“One faith” stressed the need to reject old religious practices and beliefs (v. 5). Mixing ideas from different religions was unacceptable in early Christianity. “One baptism” meant that Jews and Gentiles alike received the same sacrament of baptism, dying to old ways, and raised again to new life in Christ (v. 5). There wasn’t one procedure for Jewish Christians and a different one for Gentiles. All baptized converts were equal.

“One God and Father of all” expresses the monotheism of Christianity (v. 6). Pagan converts were expected to renounce the old gods and spirits and cling tenaciously to One God, the Creator, the Father of their new household of faith. The One God is superior to any other being, more powerful, more holy, perfect, and more knowing. But to state that God is “above all and through all and in all” goes a step beyond (v. 6). 

Verse 7 moves from Divine features of unity to recognizing the diversity of spiritual gifts among members. Paul quotes Psalm 68:18, which praises the mighty acts of God and includes an image of God as a conquering hero, followed by captives taken in war. God rises to the holy throne in the temple to receive gifts from the people, even those who rebelled.

Paul alters the verses, so it is captivity itself that God holds captive, and God gives gifts to the people he frees. Paul expands on the ascension, applying it to the Risen Christ, alive again after “descending” into the Earth in death (v. 9). Jesus, who was killed, is the same as Christ, who rose again, fulfilling ancient prophecy.

Within the church’s unity, diverse gifts are given and expressed in ministry: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. But the various gifts of ministry have the same purpose: to build up the body of Christ, preserve unity, give witness of Jesus Christ, and help disciples mature. Maturity includes speaking the truth in love, not in a spirit of competition or criticism. It means helping each member grow while developing unity in the body.

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. Today’s text moves from the theology of oneness to the practicalities of living as one within the body of Christ.
2. True oneness includes seven Divine facets of unified faith: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, the parent of all.
3. Christ provides through the Holy Spirit diverse spiritual gifts to build up and equip the body—not for personal gain.
4. Mature ministry includes speaking the truth gently with love and helping one another grow and mature as disciples.

Questions to Consider

1. How unified is your congregation? What could increase the maturity and unity of the members? Of seekers? Of the larger community?
2. How connected is your congregation to other congregations in your mission center? In your nation? In the worldwide church? How are you contributing to the unity of the whole?
3. How do your congregational goals express the unity God intends? What can be done to increase engagement with Christ’s reconciling act?
4. How do the purposes of ministry in verses 12–13 compare to the Mission Initiatives of Community of Christ?