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Ephesians 4

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

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

(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

But ye have not so learned Christ;

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Neither give place to the devil.

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

What does Ephesians 4:1 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 4:1 serves as a powerful exhortation by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Ephesus.

Paul identifies himself as "the prisoner of the Lord," which is not only a literal reference to his physical imprisonment at the time of writing this letter but also a metaphorical expression of his complete devotion and submission to Jesus Christ.

In this verse, Paul is making an urgent appeal ("beseech") to the Ephesian Christians to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with their calling as followers of Christ.

"Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" means that their behavior should reflect the high standards and holy calling of being Christians, which involves living out the ethical, moral, and spiritual values taught by Jesus and the apostles.

This involves a lifestyle that mirrors the character and teachings of Christ, maintaining unity, peace, and love within the community of faith.

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Ephesians is one of the epistles (letters) in the New Testament written by the Apostle Paul, traditionally believed to be composed around 60–62 A.D.

Paul likely wrote this letter while he was under house arrest in Rome, making him a literal prisoner as he authored these words.

The city of Ephesus was a significant urban center in the Roman province of Asia, modern-day Turkey, known for its commercial, religious, and cultural influence.

The church in Ephesus would have been composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts, which presented unique challenges in maintaining unity and purpose.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse touches on several important concepts:

Vocation: The calling to which Christians are invited is not just a job or career but a summon to a way of life that models Christ's love and righteousness.
Sanctification: This process involves growing to become more like Christ in character. Walking worthy implies active participation in this process of sanctification.
Unity of Believers: The fact that Paul addresses the community's calling collectively indicates the importance of unity in the Christian doctrine.

Different theological traditions may slightly diverge in their interpretation of this "calling." For example, Calvinist theology might stress the sovereignty of God in the calling of believers, while Arminian theology might emphasize the believers' response to God's call.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse can be far-reaching in the life of a believer:

Personal Behavior: Individuals are encouraged to self-reflect on their actions, attitudes, and choices to ensure they align with their Christian faith.
Community Involvement: The verse compels believers to foster a spirit of unity and peace within their church and community.
Witnessing: By walking worthy of their calling, Christians serve as living testimonies to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Cross-References

Colossians 1:10 – "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"
Philippians 1:27 – "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;"

Language Study

The phrase "walk worthy" translates from the Greek "peripateō axiōs," where "peripateō" means to walk or to live one's life, and "axiōs" refers to something being worthy or suitable.

The calling ("klēsis") refers to a divine invitation to embrace the Christian life.

These original language nuances add depth to understanding the behavioral expectations of the believer's life.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, in many ancient mythologies and religions, the call to a righteous or virtuous life was also present.

In ancient Greek philosophy, for example, living a life of "arete" (virtue or excellence) was considered essential. This concept is somewhat analogous to the Christian ideal of living a life worthy of one's spiritual calling, despite the different underlying motivations and objectives.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives typically do not directly comment on religious teachings.

However, social sciences such as psychology and sociology study the effects of individuals living with a sense of purpose and belonging, which can be related to the concept of a "calling." Research has shown that individuals who feel they have a sense of purpose often have improved mental health, well-being, and even longevity.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and interpreters offer a variety of insights:

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the humbleness with which Paul addresses believers, and the reconciliatory tone that promotes unity in the church.
The MacArthur Study Bible notes the transition from doctrine to duty in this part of Ephesians, stating that understanding Christian truth must lead to Christian living.
The ESV Study Bible comments on the phrase "walk in a manner worthy," suggesting that believers' lives should match their calling in Christ, which is characterized by all humility and gentleness.

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4

What does Ephesians 4:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Ephesians 4:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?