Ephesians 4:1-16

Previewing in Outline Form (Ephesians 4:1-16)

II.

Duties. Ephesians 4:1-32; Ephesians 5:1-33; Ephesians 6:1-20.

A.

Keep the unity of the Spirit. Ephesians 4:1-16.

1.

Walk worthily of your calling. Ephesians 4:1-3.

a.

With lowliness and meekness. Ephesians 4:2.

b.

With longsuffering.

c.

Forbearing one another in love.

d.

Giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit, Ephesians 4:3.

2.

Unity of the Spirit described. Ephesians 4:4-6.

a.

One body.

b.

One Spirit.

c.

One hope.

d.

One Lord.

e.

One faith.

f.

One baptism.

g.

One God.

3.

Unity is served by a diversity of gifts. Ephesians 4:7-16.

a.

Christ has given different gifts to each one. Ephesians 4:7-11.

(1)

This is proved by a prophecy. Ephesians 4:8-10.

(2)

The different gifts listed. Ephesians 4:11.

b.

Purposes of the gifts. Ephesians 4:12.

(1)

For the perfecting of the saints.

The perfected saints devote themselves to the work of ministering.

(2)

For the building up of the body of Christ.

c.

Objectives to be reached by the gifts. Ephesians 4:13-16.

(1)

Unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. Ephesians 4:13.

(2)

Unto a full-grown man.

(3)

Unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13-16.

(a)

We are not to remain children. Ephesians 4:14.

1

Children are tossed about.

2

Children are carried about by every wind of doctrine.

(b)

We are to grow up into Christ. Ephesians 4:15-16.

1

Speaking the truth in love.

2

Grow up in all things.

3 Christ is the head.

From Christ all the body working together makes the increase of the body. Ephesians 4:16.

Text (Ephesians 4:1)

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:1)

179.

Is it sufficient to know the doctrines of Christ, without living a transformed life?

180.

What is the walk of a Christian?

181.

What is God's calling by which we were called?

182.

What type of a life is worthy of our calling?

Paraphrase

1.

On account of the impelling force in the glorious doctrines of the church, I Paul, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort and beseech you to live in a manner that will be worthy of the gospel, that glorious calling by which you were called.

Notes (Ephesians 4:1)

1.

Paul mentions that he was the prisoner in the Lord. Paul was blessed (happy) in suffering. He was more blessed for being in bonds for the Lord's cause than for having once been caught up into Paradise (2 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 12:7). The word prisoner used here (and in Ephesians 3:1) designates one in bonds.

2.

Christian living is not done because a stern and specific law demands it. Rather, Paul beseeches (exhorts, or stands by calling) us to live the proper kind of life. The law of God must be written in our hearts, not just on the law books. When it is written in our hearts, we will do the will of God even when we will not be seen by our fellow men.

3.

Paul wanted us to marry in the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:39), rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1), and, if need be, to go to prison in the Lord.

4.

The adverb worthily comes from an adjective meaning having the same weight; of like value. In the balances of life our walk (or daily manner of life) should be of the same weight as our calling.

5.

Our calling (or vocation) refers to the Gospel by which God has called us (2 Thessalonians 2:14). Certainly the gospel is good, noble, and undefiled. Our daily walk must be of like value with the Gospel by which we have been called, The Christian life is often described as a walk (Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 2:2; Philippians 3:18; Colossians 1:10).

Fact Questions

179.

By what are we called?

180.

What is the walk of the Christian?

181.

How is our walk to compare with our calling?

Text (Ephesians 4:2-3)

2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:2-3)

183.

Why shouldn-'t Christians have an attitude of superiority?

184.

What does it mean to forbear one another?

185.

How far should the Christian go in putting up with the shortcomings of others?

186.

Can Christians have unity without working for it?

187.

Are Christians to devise methods to produce unity, or to preserve the unity provided for them?

188.

Can we have unity without peace?

Paraphrase

2.

In order to live (or walk) in a manner worthy of our noble calling we must have a humble opinion of ourselves and a gentle disposition toward others, We need furthermore to exercise great patience in giving vent to anger, supporting one another in the miseries and shortcomings of life, because we are ruled by love and not by personal ambition;

3.

Giving haste and attention as we seek to walk worthily, to keep that unity of the church which the Holy Spirit has provided. This unity can only be had when the members of the body are tied together by the bond of peace.

Notes (Ephesians 4:2-3)

1.

These verses hint that personal differences and strains are constantly being felt within the church. Out in the world there are certainly strains, divisions, and contentions nation against nation, capital against labor, race against race, North against South, etc. In the church, God is seeking to bring all things under one head, Christ (Ephesians 1:10). In order for this to be done, those in the church must be most careful about how they feel and act toward their brethren.

2.

Lowliness is a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of moral littleness. We need this attitude because we are all sinful, and really know so very little.

3.

Meekness is that characteristic and attitude that grows out of lowliness. It is mildness or gentleness. Meekness is not weakness. Moses was the meekest of men (Numbers 12:3), but he certainly was no sissy.

4.

Longsuffering is patience, control of anger, endurance, slowness in avenging wrongs.

5.

To forbear is to hold up, sustain, or support. The attitude that we can push others down to exalt ourselves is not the attitude of love. We must forbear the shortcomings and imperfections of others, because we are ruled by love. We may teach, reprove, or correct those who have shortcomings, but in doing it, we need to demonstrate the patience and forbearance of love.

6.

It is not easy to keep unity. We must endeavor (or, literally, give haste) to preserve it. It must be worked at. Unity is the design of God for all the universe (Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 2:15). Those who please God must promote unity.

7.

However, we cannot create unity, nor methods of unity. A divine unity is granted to the church. When men are in Christ, they are automatically one with all others who are in Christ, unless they make divisions by joining denominations organized by men. Two souls who are in Christ will flow together as two drops of water. They will have fellowship with one another unless some barrier is created between them. All barriers are of men, not of God.

There is nothing to be gained by creating councils of denominations. We are only to keep or guard the unity that has been supplied to the church by the Holy Spirit. We shun and oppose all human teachings, inventions, and denominations as being causes of division, stumbling, and discord.

8.

To divide the spiritual body of Christ is as cruel a crime against God and man as it is to pierce the fleshly body of Jesus with a spear. (David Lipscomb)

9.

The unity of the Spirit is that unity which the Holy Spirit provided when He established the church. It is a Spirit-led kind of unity. When the church had this type of unity, it was all of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32).

10.

The phrase, unity of the Spirit, does not hint that there is some unseen spiritual unity between the divisions of the church. We cannot have spiritual unity when external divisions exist, for these divisions are evidence of a lack of internal unity. If unity is not visible, and cannot be demonstrated outwardly, it does not exist.

11.

In the bond of peace; A bond is something which binds together, a band. Peace is the bond which ties the unity of the Spirit together. It is not possible for unity to exist where there is enmity or discord. Nothing good can happen where fighting is going on (James 3:16; James 3:18).

Fact Questions

182.

What three characteristics must we have to walk worthily of our calling (Ephesians 4:2)?

183.

In what are we to forbear one another?

184.

Describe the kind of unity indicated by the phrase unity of the Spirit.

185.

Is it necessary to invent methods of achieving unity? Why or why not?

186.

In what bond are we to keep the unity of the Spirit?

DUTIES

UNKNOWN AND NEGLECTED BY MOST CHURCH MEMBERS

1.

KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT, Ephesians 4:1-16

2.

WALK AS BECOMETH SAINTS, Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:1-20

3.

SUBJECT YOURSELVES ONE TO ANOTHER, Ephesians 5:21-33; Ephesians 6:1-9

4.

PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, Ephesians 6:10-20

Text (Ephesians 4:4)

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:4)

189.

What is the one body?

190.

How should the fact that there is only one body, one Spirit, etc., affect our relationships toward our brethren?

191.

Does the one hope of the Christian consist of the hope of making this present world a better place?

Paraphrase

4.

The unity of the Spirit which we are to keep consists of seven unities: (1) one body, the church of Christ; (2) one Spirit, the Holy Spirit; and, just as there is only one body and Spirit, so also (3) ye were called in only one hope of your calling. This one hope rests upon the grace that is to be brought to us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven.

Notes (Ephesians 4:4)

1.

Note that the words there is at the beginning of Ephesians 4:4 are in italics, which indicates that they are not in the original Greek text, but are supplied into the English version for clarity and smoothness. Notice how verses three and four read when the there is is omitted: Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, one body, and one Spirit This plainly indicates that the unity of the Spirit consists in maintaining the seven unities of Ephesians 4:4-6.

All the divisions of the religious world Christian, professed Christian, and non-Christian are a result of violation of one or more of these seven unities. Instead of preserving the one body, men have created a multitude of denominations. Instead of clinging to the one hope, many have set their hope upon this world only. The social gospel places most of its hope upon making this sin-cursed world perfect.

2.

The plea for one body is not a plea for denominational union or federation, since there were no denominations in Paul's time.

3.

The one body is the church of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Christ has only one church. We can all be one body if we will accept and abide by God's Word as our only authority, and if we will receive and recognize as brothers all who are truly saved, and if membership in any one church (assembly or congregation) is recognized as sufficient qualification for membership in any other congregation.

4.

The one Spirit is the Holy Spirit.

5.

The one hope of the Christian has always rested upon the return of Christ and the blessings of the future life (Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:13). Set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19). The corruption in the nature of sinners is not taken away by giving them sufficient food, clothing, shelter, and entertainment. The curse which God pronounced on the earth and man when Adam sinned (thorns, death, pain, labor, sweat, suffering, etc.) shall not be removed until the end of time (Revelation 22:3). The future does not look good, according to God's Word (2 Timothy 3:1-6; 2 Peter 3:3; Matthew 24:37-39). Social progress is pleasant and desirable, but social progress has not kept our crime rate from climbing, nor will it ever make this world a paradise.

Fact Questions

187.

What relationship does the unity of. the Spirit have to the seven ones of Ephesians 4:4-6?

188.

What does the one hope of the Christian rest upon?

Text (Ephesians 4:5-6)

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:5-6)

192.

Did Paul have the question of sprinkling, pouring, or immersion in mind when he said, There is one baptism?

193.

Is it correct to speak of interfaith activities? Why or why not?

194.

Why should the fact that there is only one God make us to be united as Christians?

195.

How can God be the Father of all when multitudes are the children of the Devil?

Paraphrase

5.

The unity of the Spirit further consists of these unities: (4) the one Lord, Jesus Christ; (5) one faith, the Gospel; and (6) one baptism, immersion in water in the name of the Lord Jesus, that baptism which is the common experience of all the church.

6.

And the grand apex of the seven unities that together make up the unity of the Spirit is the truth that (7) there is one God and Father of all, who is high above all things, but yet through all, and in all things. We must therefore be united, for we are all of one family, all brothers, children of one father.

Notes (Ephesians 4:5-6)

1.

The one Lord is Jesus Christ. He is Lord of all. (Compare Acts 10:36; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:12; Matthew 28:18.) No pope, prophet, teacher, editor, elder, preacher, reformer, president, or any other man has authority to act as Lord of the church.

2.

The one faith does not refer to the act of believing, but to the body of doctrines which we believe. The one faith is the Gospel. Philippians 1:27 speaks of those who were striving together for THE FAITH of the gospel. See also Jude 1:3. It is not scriptural to speak of many faiths or interfaith activities, as many do.

3.

When speaking of the one baptism, Paul could not have had in mind the question of pouring, or sprinkling, or immersion. Only immersion was practiced in the time of the apostles. The earliest case of sprinkling for baptism on record is that of Novation in 251 A.D., who was baptized upon his bed while sick by pouring a large quantity of water over him. According to the historians, immersion was nearly the universal practice until the Middle Ages when the Roman Catholic church declared at the Council of Ravenna (1311) that immersion and sprinkling were of equal validity.

4.

Paul was certainly not referring to Holy Spirit baptism as the one baptism that was the common experience of the church. Baptism in the Holy Spirit was a most exceptional experience. On the day of Pentecost the apostles were baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5; Acts 2:4). About ten years later, at the house of Cornelius, Peter saw the Holy Spirit fall on Cornelius and his household. In telling about this, Peter said that the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord how that he had said, John indeed baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:15-16). These are the only cases of Holy Spirit baptism recorded in the Bible. The experiences of those who claim to have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit in modern times are so contradictory that no confidence can be placed in them.

5.

If there is only one baptism, surely there ought not be any disagreement as to how it is to be performed, or in what it is done.

6.

The Christian believes as firmly as does the Jew or Mohammedan that there is ONE God. However, the Christian accepts the profound revelation which God has given about Himself, namely that although He is one God, yet there are three perfectly harmonious identities within that one God: the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

7.

God is called the Father of all in verse six, because He is the Father of all by creation. Of course, He is not the spiritual Father of sinners, and they cannot claim His blessings (John 8:44).

8.

God is over all. He is supreme, high above all material and sinful things. God says, I dwell in the high and holy place (Isaiah 57:15).

9.

God is through all. He is so omnipotent and powerful that He can do all things. No barriers limit His power.

10.

God is in all. His power energizes the atoms of all creation. He dwells not only in the high and holy place, but also with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15).

11.

Since there is only one body, spirit, etc., Christians ought to be knit together as one. Being united by God upon these seven things is such a solid basis for unity that it ought to hold Christians together in spite of everything that tends to divide them.

Fact Questions

189.

Who is the one Lord?

190.

What is the one faith?

191.

Why cannot the one baptism be Holy Spirit baptism?

192.

Why cannot the teaching of one baptism have had reference to the question of sprinkling, pouring, or immersion?

193.

In what three relationships does God stand to all things?

194.

Quote Ephesians 4:4-6 from memory.

The Unity of the Spirit

Text (Ephesians 4:7)

7 But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:7)

196.

How can we be one body in Christ when each of us is so different?

197.

Who has given the various special gifts, talents, and abilities to each of us?

Paraphrase

7.

But, though there is one body, one spirit, etc., each one of us has received a different outpouring of grace by being given different gifts. These gifts have been given according to the way that Christ Himself saw fit to measure them out to each one.

Notes (Ephesians 4:7)

1.

This verse begins a new section in the discussion about keeping the unity of the Spirit. It still deals with unity (see Ephesians 4:13), but takes up a new phase of the subject, namely the fact that unity is served, not hindered, by a diversity of individual gifts.

2.

There are the seven items upon which the Holy Spirit has united the church Ephesians 4:4-6). Although we are united upon these seven matters, each of us is different because we have received different gifts. This diversity of gifts will not cause us to be disunited if each uses his own gift without envying others. Actually the difference in gifts helps, not hinders, in the work of perfecting the saints and building up the church.

3.

The grace mentioned in this verse refers to particular gifts and abilities which Christ has given. Probably the primary reference is to the offices mentioned in Ephesians 4:12, and such miraculous gifts as are described in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. But the grace probably also refers to the different abilities of Christians, because the gifts are described as being given to each one of us, and certainly not everyone received miraculous gifts or offices.

4.

The grace (or gifts) is said to be given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. He knows what gifts we can use the most effectively. The word gift here signifies a gratuity or expression of favor. Christ always gives bountifully and graciously.

The gift of Christ does not here refer to God's gift of His Son for us (John 3:16), but to Christ's own gracious bestowal of gifts to us. This is indicated by the next verse, Ephesians 4:8.

5.

Inasmuch as the gifts bestowed upon us come from Christ and the Holy Spirit, we should therefore find no harmful overlapping, no insufficiency in any necessary works, and no contradictions, for the Holy Spirit is never at odds with Himself.

Fact Questions

195.

To what does the word grace refer in Ephesians 4:7?

196.

What effect does the fact that Christians have received differing gifts have upon their unity?

197.

According to what measure has grace been dispensed to each one?

Text (Ephesians 4:8)

8 Wherefore he saith, when he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:8)

198.

Who is it that has ascended on high?

199.

What is the captivity which was taken captive? Can you think of anything (or any things) which holds men captive?

200.

What gifts did Christ give to men after He ascended?

Paraphrase

8.

As a proof that Christ has given different gifts to each one, note that the Scripture saith (Psalms 68:18), in referring to Christ, that when he ascended into the heights of heaven, he took captive the things that held man in captivity, and he gave gifts unto men.

Notes (Ephesians 4:8)

1.

Wherefore he saith is more clearly translated, Wherefore, it says, in Psalms 68:18, etc. Paul quoted this verse, which was actually a prophecy, to prove that Christ indeed had given various gifts to the members of the church.

2.

Psalms 68:1-35, which is quoted here, is a psalm glorifying God for His power and victories in battle, for His wonders at Sinai and in the wilderness, and for His glory in the temple. Paul, by inspiration of God, informs us that at least part of the psalm had reference to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul gives his interpretation of the passage in verse nine.

3.

What is the captivity which Christ led captive?

Some have thought that this is a reference to what Christ supposedly did after He died. This doctrine sets forth the idea that between the time of His death and resurrection Christ descended into Hades to preach, and to bring out the souls of the saints of Old Testament times. These saints supposedly could not previously be taken into God's presence because no atonement price had been paid for their sins before Christ died. It is our firm belief that this doctrine is not taught in the Bible. and contradicts many plain Bible teachings. See Special Study I in back.
What, then, is the captivity which is referred to?

(1)

Sin Whosoever committeth sin is the servant (doulos, slave) of sin (John 8:34; Luke 4:18).

(2)

Fear of death Christ died to deliver them, who through fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:15).

(3)

The law of sin Romans 8:2-3. Our human weakness toward sin, and fleshly inclination toward sin is a great captivity from which Christ has granted us deliverance if we will receive it.

By His death and ascension, Christ has taken captive these things that formerly held His people captive, and in the time to come, He shall even redeem us from the captivity of death.

4.

What gifts did Christ* give unto men after He ascended? Victorious generals often gave to their warriors gifts from the spoils of battle, or from the royal treasure.

The gifts which Christ gave are listed in part in Ephesians 4:11. These consisted of certain offices apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Also the Holy Spirit is spoken of as a gift, and the Holy Spirit was poured out after Christ ascended (Acts 2:33; Acts 2:38; Acts 11:15; Acts 11:17).

*The INTERPRETER'S BIBLE says that as the rabbis had applied Psalms 68:18 to Moses going up onto Sinai, likewise the writer of Ephesians adopts a form of the text then current among the rabbis, and then follows it with an arbitrary midrashic interpretation by applying it to Christ's ascension. Actually there is no more natural and obvious application of Psalms 68:18 possible than to apply it to Christ and His ascension. And since Paul, an inspired man, says that that is the meaning of it, all gainsaying should end.

5.

Paul has been accused of misapplying Psalms 68:18 in this verse. He has been accused of using a form of the text which was different from the Hebrew version of Psalms 68:18. There is an apparent difference, In the psalm the text reads, Thou hast received gifts for men, (Revised Version, among men.) As quoted in Ephesians 4:8, it reads, that He gave gifts unto men. There is actually no contradiction here between receiving (in Psalms) and giving (in Ephesians). The Hebrew word laqach, which ordinarily means to take or receive, sometimes carries the idea of taking something for someone else, which amounts to the same thing as giving it to them.

For example, Genesis 38:6: And Judah took a wife for (gave one unto) Er, his firstborn. Paul has not misapplied the Old Testament Scriptures.

Fact Questions

198.

Why did Paul quote Psalms 68:18?

199.

What three things are listed as being part of the captivity which Christ led captive?

200.

When did Christ give gifts to men?

Text (Ephesians 4:9-10)

9 Now this, he ascended, what is it but that he also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:9-19)

201.

If the Scripture speaks about God ascending, does not that imply that He must first have descended?

202.

What are the lower parts of the earth into which Christ descended? Do you know what the phrase, the lower parts of the earth, is applied to in the Bible?

203.

For what purpose did Christ descend and then ascend, according to verse ten?

Paraphrase

9.

Now this statement in Psalms 68:1-35 that He ascended, what can that imply, except that God, about Whom the Psalm is written, must have first descended into the earth, thus entering the lower parts? For God could not be said to have ascended from heaven. He must needs have descended first to the earth.

10.

Since only Jesus Christ has descended, He is the one of whom the Psalm speaks. He has descended, and He has ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill and rule all things.

Notes (Ephesians 4:9-10)

1.

These two verses are a parenthesis between verses eight and eleven, to prove that the verse quoted from Psalms 68:1-35 can apply only to Christ. Jesus Himself said in John 3:13, No man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man. This being true, when Psalms 68:1-35 spoke of one ascending into heaven, it must of necessity have referred to Jesus, for He alone has descended from heaven and ascended again.

2.

The lower parts of the earth into which Christ descended refer to all the places into which Christ entered from His conception in Mary, until His ascension.

a.

The lower parts of the earth may refer to the womb of Mary, for David, in Psalms 139:13; Psalms 139:15 used the phrase lower parts of the earth to refer to his mother's womb.

b.

The earth itself is the lower parts of the universe. Some have taken the words, the earth, as being in apposition and synonymous with the lower parts. For example, in the phrase, the city of Ephesus, the city and Ephesus are the same. Likewise, the lower parts and the earth may be the same. (We mention this interpretation because it is frequently suggested. Frankly, it seems a bit forced to us, because it is hard to use a word in apposition to a comparative form like the lower parts.)

c.

The lower parts of the earth refer to the grave, and perhaps to Sheol (Hades), which is described as being an underworld (Isaiah 14:9; Ezekiel 26:20). Note Psalms 63:9 Those who seek my soul to destroy it shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

Christ certainly descended into the grave and into Hades. Acts 2:27. Thus He was in the lower parts of the earth.

d.

The tomb of Jesus is referred to as the heart of the earth in Matthew 12:40. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

3.

Christ ascended far above all the heavens, There are several heavens mentioned in the Scriptures. The third heaven is mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:2, The atmosphere is spoken of as a heaven in such phrases as the birds of heaven. Outer space is spoken of as a heaven in such phrases as the stars of heaven (Jeremiah 4:25; Deuteronomy 28:62). The Jewish rabbis spoke of seven heavens, Christ is so exalted that He is far above all the heavens, (Compare Hebrews 7:26.)

4.

After Christ ascended, there was given unto Him dominion, glory, and a kingdom (Daniel 7:14), Truly. He fills all things, for in Him all things consist (or hold together). (See Colossians 1:17.)

Fact Questions

201.

What is implied in the statement, He ascended?

202.

What are the lower parts of the earth into which Christ descended?

203.

How high did Christ ascend?

204.

For what purpose did Christ ascend?

Text (Ephesians 4:11)

11 And he gave some to be apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers:

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:11)

204.

How could the offices in the church be considered gifts?

205.

Does the church of today have apostles?

206.

What is the difference between an evangelist and a pastor?

Paraphrase

11.

When Christ ascended on high, he gave gifts to men. These gifts consisted of certain offices and powers, such as apostles, and prophets, and evangelists, pastors and teachers.

Notes (Ephesians 4:11)

1.

Servants of the gospel may take considerable pleasure in the thought that the various offices of the church are Christ's choice gifts to mankind.

The list of offices in this verse is not exhaustive. For a similar list of gifts, see 1 Corinthians 12:28.

2.

The apostles were the special messengers, the eyewitnesses of Christ's resurrection (Acts 1:21-22; Luke 6:13). Men may still be called apostles, in the sense that anyone who is sent is an apostle of the one who sends him. But strictly speaking, the twelve apostles had no successors.

While the office of apostle was temporary, the teachings of the twelve apostles will always direct the church. In one sense, we can say that the church still has apostles, the same ones it had in the beginning.

3.

The prophets held another temporary office. (See Zechariah 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 13:8. See notes on Ephesians 3:5 concerning the prophets.)

4.

Preachers such as Timothy, Philip, etc., were called evangelists (2 Timothy 4:5; Acts 21:8). The word evangelist means a bringer of good news. Evangelists may be called ministers (1 Timothy 4:6). This office, by its very nature, must be permanent in the church. Evangelists will be needed as long as any person on earth has not heard the good news.

5.

The pastors and teachers are those who are elsewhere called elders (presbyters) or bishops (overseers) (Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5-7). These men are the overseers and teachers of individual congregations, and there should be more than one such pastor in each church (Acts 14:23).

The absence of the article the before teachers in the Greek text, plus the fact that it is connected with pastors by a different conjunction than is used to separate the other offices, seems to indicate that the pastors and teachers are the same office viewed from two different aspects, namely from the teaching and shepherding aspects.

The common notion that an evangelist is a travelling preacher who holds revivals, and a pastor is a located preacher, has no foundation in the Scripture. Any preacher or minister of the gospel may be called an evangelist, and the elders ought to be called pastors.

Pastors and teachers are, of course, permanent officers in the church.

6.

The offices (or gifts) here listed were originally given by miraculous endowment. Even the offices that would remain permanently in the church were given miraculous help in the early years of the church. Evangelists were enabled to preach without long years of study and training. Pastors and teachers were empowered to do their work without the necessity of long preparation. Such assistance was necessary to get the church firmly and quickly established, but there is no indication that such help was to be continued indefinitely.

Fact Questions

205.

Name the five offices which Christ gave to be in the church at the beginning.

206.

Which of the offices were permanent, and which were temporary?

207.

Which two of the five offices probably refer to the same office under different names?

208.

In what way were even the permanent offices miraculously given?

Text (Ephesians 4:12)

12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:12)

207.

What was it that was given for the perfecting of the saints, and the building up of the body of Christ? (See Ephesians 4:11.)

208.

Why do the saints need to be perfected?

209.

When Christians are perfected, what work should they do?

Paraphrase

12.

The different gifts that Christ gave to the church apostles, prophets, etc. were given to bring about the perfecting of the saints, who are then to devote themselves unto the work of ministering. This perfecting of the saints and their work of ministering will lead unto the growth and building up of the church, the body of Christ.

Notes (Ephesians 4:12)

1.

Perfecting means equipping, fitting out, preparing, or strengthening. Every new Christian needs to be fitted out for service to Christ. Especially was this true of the Christians of the apostolic age, most of whom had been idolaters and knew little about the true God and His ways.

2.

When saints are perfected, they are to devote themselves to the work of ministering, such as ministering to the needs of the afflicted and the untaught. Every Christian household should imitate the example of the house of Stephanas, who addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints (1 Corinthians 16:15). That would be a wonderful type of addiction: We have perverted the scriptural concept of the word ministering, until it has become in most people's minds a description of a clergyman's work. ALL of us are to devote ourselves to ministering, which includes helping both the material and spiritual needs of people.

3.

When the officers which Christ has given for the church are doing their work, and getting the people to do their work, then the churches will be building up. They will be growing in numbers, piety, good works, and happiness.

Fact Questions

209.

For what purpose were the gifts given?

210.

When the saints are perfected, what work will they do?

211.

Unto what will the perfecting and ministering of the saints lead?

Text (Ephesians 4:13)

13 till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:13)

210.

What is it that was to last till we all attain unto the unity of the faith? (Ephesians 4:11-12 can help you answer this.)

211.

When did, or when will, we all attain unto the unity of the faith?

212.

By what means should the church be able to come to a unity of the knowledge of the Son of God?

213.

Is the fullgrown man a description of what we are to become as individuals, or a description of the whole church when it is fully matured?

214.

Unto what measure are we to grow? Is it actually possible to attain unto this measure?

Paraphrase

13.

The gifts which Christ gave to the church for its building up are to continue until we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and the unity of the knowledge of Christ the Son of God; unto a state of development when we shall be like a fullgrown man; and indeed develop unto that required measure of growth wherein we shall have reached the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Notes (Ephesians 4:13)

1.

According to Ephesians 4:3, we already have a unity which needs only to be kept or guarded. Here we are told that we must attain unto unity, We may be only one body in the sight of God, but this oneness is often strained to the breaking point. Even in Paul's time the Jewish and Gentile Christians had little unity. They would probably have had no unity at all if Paul and others had not labored as they did. The word of God was not yet fully revealed at that time. Hence, there were many things that we know and can be united upon which were at that time matters of uncertainty.

2.

The phrase, unity of the faith, probably means the unity demanded by faith in Christ. Our differing gifts and backgrounds should not keep us from having unity. In fact, the differences among us only serve to meet many needs. No one member can do everything necessary. Every member depends on every other member to do those things that he cannot do. Therefore, our differences should help us to attain unity, rather than hinder it.

3.

We are also to attain to the unity of the knowledge of Christ, The knowledge mentioned here is precise, personal knowledge of Christ, not merely a knowledge of who He is, but a close personal acquaintance and a profound understanding of Him. The church should have been able to attain unto such knowledge when the apostles had finished their teachings and writings.

4.

Verse Ephesians 4:13 seems to set a time limit on the gifts of Christ. They were to last till we all attain to the unity of the faith. It might seem that the church has never yet attained to the unity of the faith. However, this goal was almost a reality in the latter part of the first century. The church then reached a degree of unity of belief, fellowship, and practice that it has not duplicated since that time.

In the early generations after the church was established, Christ gave it many gifts and powers to hasten its growth from infancy to a fullgrown man. (See 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 and Ephesians 4:11 for lists of such gifts.)

While these gifts may have sometimes been given directly from Christ, we know that they were given by the laying on of the apostles-' hands. However, those upon whom the apostles laid their hands apparently could not pass on the gifts that they received (2 Timothy 1:6; Romans 1:11; Acts 8:17-18).

At that time, the New Testament was not completed, as we have it today. Not all of the New Testament books had been written, nor were those which were written collected together into one group and widely distributed. If a man wished to preach the gospel, he had no book of authority and information to rely upon as we have. To take care of this temporary deficiency, Christ bestowed various gifts upon the church.
For example: A man who received the gift of knowledge or prophecy could know and preach the gospel without having to spend years in study and preparation. WE, however, are told to study in order to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). A person with the gift of tongues, or interpretation of tongues, could go into a foreign area and speak so as to be understood without the struggle of having to learn a new language. The power to do this would be a mighty sign to unbelievers. A person with the gift of discerning of spirits could detect false teaching without having a Bible to prove that the teacher was a deceiver.

By these gifts, Christ enabled the church to become quickly rooted and to spread rapidly. It was very important in that early age that the gospel should quickly and securely take root all over the world.

But the gifts actually belonged to the childish age of the church. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:8-11 that the spiritual gifts were like childish things. When the church became a fullgrown man, it would put away childish things, such as prophecies, tongues, knowledge.

In accordance with this, we find that the spiritual gifts that existed in the early generations of the church began to disappear after the lifetime of the apostles.
While many people have claimed to have supernatural gifts even down to the present time, we do not find people on earth today who can work miracles like Christ and His apostles did. We are of the persuasion that the gifts were only to last till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and we understand that this took place when the writings of the apostles were completed and made available to the church.
Of course, the permanent officers which Christ gave to the church are still with us. They serve as God's appointed agents to lead the church once again to the unity of the faith.

5.

The church is described as the body of Christ in many places in Ephesians, It is therefore most appropriate to describe the fully matured church as a fullgrown man.

6.

Ephesians 4:13 discusses the church as a whole, rather than as individual members, It is we all who are to come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man.

7.

As stated in the notes on Ephesians 1:23, the term fulness has a passive sense: that which is filled. If we are to develop spiritually until we measure up to the stature of that which is filled by Christ, we ought to develop very greatly, and arrive at a time of life when we shall be like Christ Who has filled us.

Fact Questions

212.

What was to last until the church attained unto the unity of the faith?

213.

What are the three things listed in Ephesians 4:13 that the church was to attain unto?

214.

According to the notes, when did the church attain unto the unity of the faith, etc.?

Text (Ephesians 4:14)

14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:14)

215.

How is a young Christian who is exposed to many conflicting teachings like a ship on a stormy sea?

216.

Why are the young easily led to accept falsehoods?

217.

Are false teachers always bad, working by the sleight of men, in craftiness? Are not some of them sincere?

218.

What are wiles? Why does error use wiles?

Paraphrase

14.

The church must develop into a fullgrown man, so that we may no longer be children in spiritual development. Spiritual children are like ships on a stormy sea, tossed about and carried around by every wind of teaching they hear. And those teachings which toss the uninstructed to and fro are often most deceptive, being presented by the dishonest methods of men, and by every cunning way of working that is suited to the wiles of error.

Notes (Ephesians 4:14)

1.

The word children used here refers to little children or infants, those who are young Christians. Such little children will believe almost anything that they may be told, even if it is a lie. We should not long remain in spiritual infancy, and there is no need of so remaining.

2.

The force of false doctrine upon the uninstructed is like the force of a storm upon a ship without a rudder.

3.

The winds of doctrine that blow the uninstructed around blow in (or by) two things:

(1)

In the sleight of men.

(2)

In craftiness after the wiles of error. (Rotherham translates this: In knavery suited to the artifice of error.)

4.

The word sleight (from Kubos, meaning cube) actually refers to dice-playing. The false doctrines that are taught are sometimes presented by dishonest means, even as dice players use dishonesty. Like a small child who finds himself the victim of card sharks, so is an untrained soul before the winds of doctrine.

5.

The term craftiness carries the idea of bad working. The root of the word means all workings. False teachers do not overlook a single opportunity to promote their doctrines.

This craftiness is practiced by the wiles (or trickeries) of error. Wiles are tricks, or sneaky schemes. Error never comes out into the open and honestly represents itself. It uses wiles to deceive the unsuspecting. (Compare Ephesians 6:11.)

6.

Error is never harmless, nor are false teachers good. They may be morally outstanding, like wolves in sheep's clothing. In fact, they may not even be aware of their own errors. But this does not make them harmless. In truth, those who live good and exemplary lives but do not teach the truth are the most dangerous people of all.

Fact Questions

215.

What are we no longer to be (Ephesians 4:14)?

216.

What is it that tosses and blows about those who are spiritual children?

217.

In (or by) what two things do the winds of doctrine blow?

218.

To what does the word sleight refer? What does this indicate about those who teach false doctrines?

Text (Ephesians 4:15)

15 but speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ;

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:15)

219.

Why must truth be spoken in love? Can truth be spoken without love? Can love be demonstrated without speaking the truth?

220.

Is there any difference between becoming like Christ and growing up into Christ?

Paraphrase

15.

Rather than remaining spiritual children who are subject to such perils, we must grow up. As we grow, we must live according to truth in everything we do. Then we shall grow up in all things into Christ, who is the head of the church.

Notes (Ephesians 4:15)

1.

Verse fourteen told us what we should not do: Be no more children. This verse tells us what we should do: Grow up into Christ.

We should not merely imitate some of Christ's good characteristics. We must grow up INTO Him. Our nature, thoughts, and deeds should be absorbed into those of Christ. As we serve Him, pray unto Him, and learn of Him, we shall grow into Him.

2.

Speaking truth carries the idea of living the truth, or of truthing it, or pursuing truth (Rotherham). It is very hard to be completely truthful at all times, but such is the will of God for us.

3.

Truth and love must be joined together, Together they are powerful. Truth can be uttered without love. We can have such a superior attitude that the truth we speak will repel people instead of attracting them.

However, you cannot show real love without holding to the truth. It is not true love to allow a person to go to hell to avoid hurting his feelings. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God that we keep his commandments (1 John 5:2-3).

4.

The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes that Christ is the head of the church.

Fact Questions

219.

How must we speak truth?

220.

Into whom are we to grow?

221.

In what things are we to grow up into Christ?

Text (Ephesians 4:16)

16 from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love.

Thought Questions (Ephesians 4:16)

221.

Who is it from whom all the body (is) fitly framed?

222.

Can you find the principal parts (subject, predicate, and object) of verse sixteen?

223.

This verse says that the body (the church) must be fitly framed and knit together. What does the word knit mean when applied to the human body, as to a broken bone, for example? How would this indicate that the members of the church should be joined together?

224.

What must each several part do if the body is to make increase?

225.

What is that which every joint supplieth that causes the body to be knit together and to make increase?

226.

When does the church build itself up in love?

Paraphrase

16.

From Christ, the head, all the body is bound together closely, indeed even coalesced or grown together. This joining is done as that vital supply of spiritual life passes from Christ through every joint (contact) to the parts next to it. And when every single member of the body is thus functioning in the measure that it should, the whole body will make the increase of the body, and it will build itself up in love.

Notes (Ephesians 4:16)

1.

Stripped of its many qualifying phrases, the gist of verse sixteen is this: The whole body makes the increase of the body, In other words, all the members of the church must work together if the church is going to grow.

The evil in the church today is that we lay too much stress on certain offices and too little on the work required of every member of the body.

2.

Fitly framed means bound together, joined together closely, As bones are bound together at the joints by ligaments, so all members of the body of Christ are closely joined together.

Knit together suggests growing together, or coalesced. The members of the church are not just placed side by side, but should become coalesced into one living body. The ties that bind brethren in Christ are as close as those that bind the leg bone to the thigh bone.

3.

Through that which every joint supplieth literally reads, through every joint of the supply.

Christ, of course, furnishes the supply, the vital nourishment of the spiritual body, This vital supply goes out from Christ through every joint of the body to the parts next to it. Thus the members are knit together.

This suggests that as we have been nourished in spiritual things from Christ, we must pass on our spiritual sustenance to the members of the body next to us. Thus the whole body will be knit together.

4.

Each member of the body (church) must function according to the working in due measure of each single part. When one part of the human body fails to function, the whole body suffers. The same thing happens in the church.

5.

The church builds itself up in love when every member is working to make the increase of the body. A church that is busy, and has its members working to win souls, usually has no time for quarreling. It builds itself up in love.

Fact Questions

222.

What is the gist of Ephesians 4:16, stripped of its many qualifying phrases?

223.

What is supplied from Christ? Through what does it pass?

224.

How must each several part of the body work?

225.

In what does the body build itself up when it is increasing?

Ephesians 4:16

FROM CHRIST (The Head)

ALL THE BODY
MAKES THE INCREASE OF THE BODY.

THE BODY MUST BE

JOINED TOGETHER HARMONIOUSLY
AND KNIT TOGETHER INTO

ONE ORGANISM

EACH MEMBER WORKING IN THE

MEASURE THAT IS DUE

EVERY MEMBER MUST WORK

IF THE CHURCH IS TO INCREASE