Bible Commentaries
Ephesians 4

Verses 1-32

The apostle at once proceeded to apply this great doctrine to the present life of the Church. From the heavenly calling he passed to the earthly conduct. The matter of first importance is maintenance of the unity of the Spirit. The fact of that unity is then declared. 'There is one body, and one Spirit"; the function of the instrument so described is revealed in the words, "one hope of your calling." He then showed how the unity is created: "one Lord," the Object of faith; "one faith," centered on the one Lord; "one baptism," that of the Spirit. The great result is "one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all."

The ascended Christ received gifts, and bestowed them "for the perfecting of the saints unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ."

Having referred to the ascension of Christ, the apostle linked that ascension to His descent. These Christians are called to the maintenance of unity, and how each one is equipped for such obedience is then declared. Grace sufficient is supplied to each until all shall attain to the fulness of the stature of Christ.

In order to realize these things there must be an absolute turning away from the old manner of life in accepting the new. In a series of eight remarkable contrasts the apostle showed the difference between the old and the new. In order to fulfil these injunctions, it is solemnly charged, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God." Putting away all these things of the old is the work of the Holy Spirit, as is also the realization in life and character of the things of the new. If we will let the Spirit have His way, we shall find these evil things wither and die, and it will be possible, in the power of the new life, to obey the positive injunctions. If, on the other hand, we cling to, and indulge in, the things condemned, we shall cause sorrow to the great Indweller.