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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 4:15 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 4:15 teaches the importance of truthful expression grounded in love with the purpose of collective spiritual growth within the Christian community.

The verse emphasizes the necessity to mature in faith and unity as a body connected to Christ, who is described as the "head" of this body.

In essence, it advises believers to abandon deceit and grow by upholding truth in a loving manner, thereby enhancing their relationship with Christ and with one another.

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus, a major city of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

Ephesians is one of Paul’s epistles and dates roughly to A.D. 60-62, and is believed to have been written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome.

The city of Ephesus was known for its cultural diversity and for being a hub of early Christian thought.

At the time, new converts came from various backgrounds, including Judaism and paganism, and there was a need for instruction in Christian unity and maturity.

Theological Insights

There are several theological insights in this verse.

First is the concept of truth ('aletheuo' in Greek) as a foundational aspect of Christian life.

Secondly, it acknowledges love ('agape' in Greek) as the conduit through which truth should be expressed, reflecting Jesus' commandment to love one another.

Lastly, it attests to the Christological belief that Jesus is the "head" of the Church, signifying his authority and guidance as essential for its growth and function.

Practical Applications

This verse suggests practical applications such as being honest with one another while also being compassionate and considerate.

It teaches that personal and communal growth occurs when members of the community engage with each other authentically and lovingly.

This principle can be extended to everyday interactions, counseling, teaching, and essentially any form of communication or relationship-building within the Christian community.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:25: "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."
1 Corinthians 13:1-2: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."

Colossians 2:19: "And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God."

Language Study

The original Greek phrase for "speaking the truth" is "aletheuo," signifying an active living and expression in truth.

The term "in love" translates to “en agape,” describing the manner or condition under which truth should be exercised – with godly love and compassion.

"May grow up into him" translates to "auxesomen eis auton" indicating growth or increase towards Christ, while "which is the head, even Christ" suggests Christ as the source and leader of the Church.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient religions and myths, the emphasis on truth and love as core principles can be observed differently.

For example, in Greco-Roman mythology, virtues are often embodied by specific deities, but the personal embodiment of truth in love towards communal edification is unique to Christian teaching.

Christianity's emphasis on individuals growing into a unified body under one head, Christ, is distinctive.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological studies uphold the importance of truthfulness in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships.

Furthermore, expressing truth without love can be detrimental to relationships, while love without truth can lead to enableness or lack thereof growth.

The verse aligns with contemporary understandings that balanced, truthful communication is key to societal and communal development.

commentaries

Commentators generally agree on the interpretation of this verse.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes the need for mature Christian doctrine and living, while distinguishing the nurturing role of Christ as the head of the Church.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary emphasizes practical outworking of love and truth in congregational life.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible focuses on the necessity of this principle for the unity and edification of the Church.

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4

What does Ephesians 4:15 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 4:15 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?