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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 4:17 mean?

Explanation

The Apostle Paul is urging the members of the church in Ephesus to live lives distinct from those around them, particularly non-believers, who are referred to as "Gentiles." The phrase "the vanity of their mind" suggests a purposeless or futile way of thinking, indicating an empty lifestyle disconnected from God's truth and righteousness.

In essence, Paul is advocating for a transformation in the believers' lives, reflecting their new identity in Christ through a renewed way of thinking and behaving.

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Ephesians was written by Paul around A.D. 60-62 while he was imprisoned in Rome. The city of Ephesus, a major center of trade and pagan worship, was deeply entrenched in Greco-Roman culture and idolatry. The church in Ephesus comprised mostly of Gentile converts.

This verse addresses the stark contrast between the former pagan way of life and the new life they were to lead as Christians.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse underscores the doctrine of sanctification, which involves the spiritual growth and moral transformation of believers' lives into Christ's likeness.

In Reformed theology, this is a continuing process that follows justification.

In Wesleyan theology, it emphasizes a personal holiness reflecting the believers' relationship with God.

Liberation theology might see this verse as a call to reject the consumerist and materialistic values of the world, fostering a life of simplicity and justice.

Practical Applications

This verse reminds us to be conscious of how we live our lives in a society that may not share the same values and beliefs as Christians do.

It encourages us to adopt a lifestyle that reflects our faith, which includes making ethical decisions, maintaining integrity in our relationships, and generally seeking purpose and meaning through a spiritual lens, rather than through material or societal success.

Cross-References

Romans 12:2 - "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
1 Peter 4:3 - "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries."
Colossians 3:7 - "In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "vanity" is translated from "mataiotēti," which can mean emptiness, futility, or purposelessness.

The word emphasizes a lack of true purpose or value.

"Mind" translates from "nous," often referring to the mind as the seat of understanding or intellect. So the phrase conveys a mind-set that is devoid of meaningful direction or grounding in spiritual truth.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman culture of Ephesus, there was a prevalent belief in various gods and engagement in numerous religious rituals that Christians considered empty or even deceptive.

The call to not walk in the "vanity of their mind" can be seen as a direct challenge to those prevailing cultural norms and religious practices of that time which were in conflict with the monotheistic and ethical teachings of Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a psychological standpoint, the concept of a purpose-driven life contributing to overall well-being aligns with the modern understanding of mental health.

Living according to a set of values and beliefs has been shown to be beneficial for mental health, providing a sense of meaning and direction which can counter feelings of emptiness or purposelessness.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's commentary on this verse emphasizes the transition from the old self to the new self that should be evident in Christian behavior.

John Gill speaks to the ignorance and blindness inherent in the former Gentile way of life, highlighting the Christian's calling to walk in knowledge and truth.

Many modern commentaries echo these sentiments, suggesting that Paul's exhortation was meant to embolden Christians to live out their convictions in all areas of life, thus distinguishing themselves from prevailing societal norms.

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4

What does Ephesians 4:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

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What does Ephesians 4:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

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