Ephesians 4:1-32 (KJV)
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Note on Ephesians 4:1
In Ephesians 4-6, Paul admonished the Ephesians to live holy lives. But notice that he didn’t do that before he spoke of all the wonderful things the Lord had done for them in Ephesians 1-3. Our holy lives should be the fruit of our personal relationship with the Lord and not the root (see my notes at Romans 6:20 and 22). We don’t live holy in order to get God’s love; that comes only by grace through faith (see my note at Ephesians 2:8). But we live holy lives in response to the love that God had for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).The English word “vocation” in this verse was translated from the Greek word “KLESIS,” which means “an invitation (figurative)” (Strong’s Concordance). This is the only time this Greek word was translated “vocation.” Ten other times it was translated “calling” (Romans 11:29; 1 Corinthians 1:26, 7:20; Ephesians 1:18, 4:4; Philippians 3:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 3:1; and 2 Peter 1:10).
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 1 at Ephesians 4:1: The book of Ephesians can roughly be divided into two sections. In Ephesians 1-3, Paul presented theological, positional, and doctrinal truths. In Ephesians 4-6, the practical, experimental, and outworking of Christ’s life through the believer is the focus.At Paul’s conversion, he asked two questions: “Who art thou, Lord?” (Acts 9:5) and “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). The first question was doctrinal, and the second question was practical. It’s not enough to merely learn about God. That knowledge has to be translated into practical actions in our everyday lives. It won’t work to try to just live for God, either. We need to come to know Him intimately before we can accurately represent Him to a lost world. The theological and practical have to be merged. That’s what Paul did in this letter to the Ephesians.
Beginning in Ephesians 4, the conduct of the children of God is spoken about in at least five areas: the believers’ conduct in relation to fellow believers (Ephesians 4:1-16), their conduct in relation to the unbelievers around them (Ephesians 4:17 and 25), their relationship and conduct toward the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30 and 5:18), their conduct in relation to their homes and families (Ephesians 5:22-33 and 6:1-4), and their conduct in relation to the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Note 2 at Ephesians 4:1: Paul described the glorious things that are ours in Christ in the first three chapters of this letter. At the end of Ephesians 3, he prayed for a revelation of these truths to come to the Ephesians that would cause them to have all the fullness of God manifested in them (see note 14 at Ephesians 3:19). Therefore, because of all the goodness of God, Paul called the Ephesians to a life totally committed to Him.
This is the same reasoning that he used with the Romans when he said, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). Many people serve the Lord through the negative motivation of fear, but Paul used the positive motivation of love to get people committed to God. It’s better to serve the Lord out of fear than not to serve the Lord at all, but “fear hath torment” (1 John 4:18). Those who do not move beyond fear into love as their motivation for serving the Lord will be tormented with the fear that they may not be doing enough.
Those who walk in love serve the Lord out of thankfulness for what God has already done. Those who serve out of fear are trying to get God’s blessing or avert God’s judgment. The motivation of love rests in what’s already been done. The motivation of fear is predicated on the assumption that the verdict has yet to be decided. Love rests. Fear frets.
Note 3 at Ephesians 4:1: The word “worthy” is defined as “1. Having worth, merit, or value; useful or valuable. 2. Honorable; admirable. 3. Having sufficient worth; deserving” (American Heritage Dictionary). We often apply the third meaning to this word “worthy,” but no one, saved or lost, can truly be deserving of what Jesus has done for us or what He has called us to do. This must be understood to be talking about honoring the Lord through our actions.
The phrase “walk worthy” is used three times in the New Testament (this verse, Colossians 1:10, and 1 Thessalonians 2:12).
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Note on Ephesians 4:2
Hebrews 12:28 says we have to have grace to serve the Lord acceptably. James 4:6 says the Lord gives grace to the humble. Therefore, in order to get the grace we need to serve the Lord, we have to humble ourselves. That’s why Paul said we had to be lowly and meek.Proverbs reveals that all strife comes because of pride (see my note at Proverbs 13:10). Therefore, the only way we are ever going to achieve the unity spoken of in this chapter is for each member of the body of Christ to deal with their pride.
Notice that lowliness and meekness are mentioned before longsuffering and forbearance. We can only be longsuffering and bear with others if we have humbled ourselves and put God and others ahead of ourselves (Philippians 2:3).
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
First, Paul spoke of “lowliness.” Lowliness is “having a humble opinion of oneself” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). It was translated in the King James Version as “humility of mind” (Acts 20:19), “lowliness” (this verse), “lowliness of mind” (Philippians 2:3), “humility” (Colossians 2:18, 23; and 1 Peter 5:5), and “humbleness of mind” (Colossians 3:12).
Second, he mentioned “meekness.” Meekness is being kind and gentle (1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:1; Galatians 5:23, 6:1; this verse; Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:25; and Titus 3:2).
The third virtue is “longsuffering.” Long-suffering is patient endurance (Romans 2:4, 9:22; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Galatians 5:22; this verse; Colossians 1:11, 3:12; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:10, 4:2; 1 Peter 3:20; and 2 Peter 3:15). This same Greek word, “MAKROTHUMIA,” was also translated “patience” in Hebrews 6:12 and James 5:10.
The fourth thing Paul mentioned is “forbearing.” That is tolerance, restraint, and patience (this verse and Colossians 3:13). This same Greek word, “ANECHOMAI,” was also translated in the King James Version as “shall I suffer” (Matthew 17:17 and Mark 9:19), “suffer” (Luke 9:41 and Hebrews 13:22), “that I should bear” (Acts 18:14), “we suffer it” (1 Corinthians 4:12), “ye could bear” and “bear” (2 Corinthians 11:1), “ye might...bear with” (2 Corinthians 11:4), “ye suffer” (2 Corinthians 11:19-20), “ye endure” (2 Thessalonians 1:4), and “they will...endure” (2 Timothy 4:3).
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Note on Ephesians 4:3
The Greek word “SPOUDAZO,” which was translated “endeavouring” in this verse, means “to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest” (Strong’s Concordance). So, we are to make every effort to keep the unity of the faith, but we need to remember that it takes two to be in unity. We can’t accomplish this if others are unwilling to be in unity with us. As Paul said in Romans 12:18, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 6 at Ephesians 4:3: Notice that this scripture doesn’t tell us to produce unity. It says “keep the unity.” We Christians have all already been joined to each other through the body of Christ, and God the Father sees us all as His children. All divisions among Christians are made by man, not God. For a brief period of time, the church enjoyed unity here on earth. Regardless of what strife and division have occurred, we believers are still one in Christ, and we will live in perfect oneness throughout all eternity. We are now one in the Spirit. We just need to experience that unity here on earth. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
In the next few verses, Paul gave seven arguments that prove that we truly are one in Christ Jesus.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
We all are “one body” in Jesus Christ, we all have “one Spirit” giving us life, and we all have the same “hope” of seeing Christ and being transformed into His likeness (this verse). We all have “one Lord” who is our Master, and there is only “one faith” in Christ and His atonement, and “one baptism” into Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:5). We are all one family because we all share “one God and Father” (Ephesians 4:6). One God is above all, through all (i.e., working through us), and in us all (indwelling every believer).
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 9 at Ephesians 4:5: Many times we will hear people ask the question “What faith are you?” and the reply will come “I’m of the Catholic faith” or “I’m of the Baptist faith” or any one of the other denominational groups. This implies that there are different faiths or different ways of believing that will all get us to heaven. That’s not true. There is only one saving faith.
It is true that there are many different sects within Christianity that can all be distinguished by different beliefs. But if the foundational faith in the true Gospel is not adhered to, then whatever belief system people have will not save them. There is only one saving faith.
God has not initiated or condoned all the different beliefs in the body of Christ. He delivered just one faith to His followers, and any deviation from His Word is not according to the faith spoken of here.
Note 10 at Ephesians 4:5: Hebrews 6:2 clearly mentions that there are baptisms (plural). There is the baptism into the body of Christ that is performed by the Holy Spirit at salvation (see note 2 at 1 Corinthians 12:13 and note 5 at Romans 6:3). Water baptism is to be administered after conversion (see note 9 at Mark 16:16 and note 2 at Acts 2:38). Jesus spoke of His suffering as a baptism (Matthew 20:22-23). John the Baptist spoke of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire (Luke 3:16, see note 5 at Acts 1:8 and note 6 at Acts 2:4).
The Greek word “BAPTISMA” comes from the word meaning “to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet)” (Strong’s Concordance) (see note 4 at Matthew 20:22). We can be immersed into Christ, water, suffering, or the Holy Spirit. So, there are many baptisms spoken of in the New Testament.
However, Paul was singling out one specific baptism here. He was probably speaking of the first baptism mentioned in this note, when the Holy Spirit takes all of us who are truly saved and places us into the body of Christ at the moment of salvation. This fits the context well and helps make Paul’s point about unity. There is only one person who administers this baptism (the Holy Spirit), and there is only one thing that we are all baptized into (i.e., the body of Christ). Since we are all one body through this baptism, we ought to function as one body.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 11 at Ephesians 4:6: The Scriptures proclaim Jesus as God and the Holy Spirit as God (see note 4 at Acts 5:4), yet Paul proclaimed that there is just one God. The answer lies in what Christians call the Trinity (see note 8 at 1 Corinthians 8:4 and note 2 at Mark 1:10).Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Note on Ephesians 4:7
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are spoken of as graces (Romans 12:6 and 1 Peter 4:10). We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), but the Lord can give more grace to the humble (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, and Romans 5:20). Therefore, there are varying amounts of grace. All people have had the grace that brings salvation presented to them (Titus 2:11).The context of this verse reveals that this is speaking of different gifts (Ephesians 4:8 and 11). Some have the grace of God to be apostles, others prophets, others evangelists, and others pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 12 at Ephesians 4:8: This phrase, “led captivity captive,” is referring to Jesus liberating the Old Testament saints. O.T. saints who died went to a place in the center of the earth called “SH@‘OWL” in the Hebrew language (see note 3 at Matthew 12:40 and note 3 at Luke 16:22). This word SH@‘OWL was translated “hell” in Psalms 16:10 where, prophesying of Jesus, it says, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption” (compare with Acts 2:27-30).The ungodly dead also went to Sheol (SH@‘OWL), but Jesus’ teaching in Luke 16:19-31 shows that there was a great gulf fixed between the two. Those in torment (hell) envied those who were enjoying the blessings of the Lord in the part of Sheol that was called Abraham’s bosom or paradise (see note 4 at Luke 23:43).
Even though these O.T. saints were blessed, they were not able to enter into the presence of the Lord Himself, because the atonement of Christ had not been completed. So, in that sense, they were captives. At the death of Jesus, He descended into Sheol and took these captives captive. He then took them to heaven, into the very presence of God, and vacated that part of Sheol. Now all that’s left in Sheol is hell. In the New Testament, the Greek word that is used to refer to this area is “HADES,” and it is only applied to a place of torment.
Note 13 at Ephesians 4:8: The gifts that this Old Testament quote are referring to are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. Ephesians 4:9-10 are a parenthetical phrase expounding on Jesus descending “into the lower parts of the earth” (see note 14 at Ephesians 4:9).
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 14 at Ephesians 4:9: This phrase, “the lower parts of the earth,” is referring to the place in the center of the earth where all the spirits of people who died went prior to the sacrifice of Jesus. The Hebrew word for this place was “SH@‘OWL” (see note 12 at Ephesians 4:8).Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fulfill all things.)
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 15 at Ephesians 4:10: Paul made it crystal clear that Jesus died, went to Sheol (see note 12 at Ephesians 4:8), was resurrected, and ascended to the right hand of God the Father.Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Note on Ephesians 4:11
These gifts that Christ gave to the church are supposed to function more like a coach than how we typically see them function today. In most churches, the pastor is the one doing the work of the ministry. Instead, the pastor, teacher, et al., are supposed to train the members of the body, and then the members of the body are the actual players who get the job done.PROPHETS:
Abraham and Aaron were called prophets, yet there are no recorded prophetic gifts in their lives. John the Baptist was a prophet, and there are no recorded prophetic gifts in his life. Words of knowledge were expected of prophets (John 4:16-19). Miracles were expected of prophets (John 6:14).
PASTORS:
The same Greek word that was translated “pastors” in this verse was translated “Shepherd” in 1 Peter 2:25.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 17 at Ephesians 4:11: There are two different ways people have interpreted this word “some.” There are those who think this is referring to some individuals receiving the gifts, and there are those who think this is referring to some churches who receive these ministry gifts.
The first interpretation would describe the individuals who were called to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. God gave some people the gift of being an apostle, some people the gift of being a prophet, etc. The second view is saying that God gave some churches apostles, while He gave other churches prophets, others evangelists, and others pastors and teachers.
Note 18 at Ephesians 4:11: This is the only time the word “evangelists” is used in Scripture. The word “evangelist” is used twice (Acts 21:8 and 2 Timothy 4:5). In Acts 21:8, Philip, one of the first six deacons chosen by the Jerusalem church, was called an evangelist. However, there is no explanation of what he did that made him an evangelist. In 2 Timothy 4:5, Timothy–who was the first bishop, or pastor, of the church at Ephesus–was told to do the work of an evangelist. This implies that even those who may not be gifted with that specific calling can function as an evangelist.
It is commonly thought that an evangelist is someone who has a passion to lead people to the Lord. But every believer should have a passion for souls. It is more probable that an evangelist is someone who has a supernatural gift to bring people to the Lord. All believers should share their faith with others, drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit. But an evangelist ministers under a special anointing and does this as a vocation.
All believers are to teach (1 Peter 3:15), but that doesn’t make them teachers. All believers can prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:31), but that doesn’t make them prophets. Likewise, all believers can and should minister to the lost, but that doesn’t make them evangelists.
Note 19 at Ephesians 4:11: This is the only time the word “pastors” is used in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the word “pastor” was used once (Jeremiah 17:16), and the plural “pastors” was used seven times by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 2:8, 3:15, 10:21, 12:10, 22:22, and 23:1-2).
The Greek word “POIMEN” was translated “pastors” here. This word means “a shepherd” (Strong’s Concordance), and it was translated “shepherd” or “shepherds” seventeen times in the N.T. Each time Jeremiah used the word “pastor” or “pastors,” he used it in conjunction with sheep, reflecting the origin of the word.
We can see from this that the word “pastor” was not commonly used in the first-century church. It is probable that the words “bishop” (used four times [1 Timothy 3:1-2, Titus 1:7, and 1 Peter 2:25]) and “bishops” (used once [Philippians 1:1]) were the common way of referring to the overseer of the local church. Therefore, the qualifications of a bishop listed in 1 Timothy 3 would be the qualifications of what we would call a pastor.
Note 20 at Ephesians 4:11: The use of the word “some” and the punctuation in this verse are interesting. After the first three gifts listed in this verse, there is a semicolon. However, between the words “pastors” and “teachers,” there is no semicolon. The word “some” precedes apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors. But “teachers” seems to be grouped with “pastors.” This has led some to believe that “pastor and teacher” is one gift, making this list contain only four gifts instead of five. It could be that pastors are also teachers. If that is so, then this could clarify why pastors were not mentioned in the “chain of command” list given in 1 Corinthians 12:28 (see note 17 at 1 Corinthians 12:28). The mention of teachers could have been referring to pastors.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
It is a mistake to place the burden of ministry on what we call “the clergy.” Full-time ministers are to minister the Word to the saints, but the saints are to go out and reach the lost and carry the bulk of the ministry within the church. Shepherds don’t have sheep; they tend the sheep, and the sheep reproduce.
It has been a big mistake to “hire” ministers to do what the individual members of the church are supposed to do. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are simply leaders who equip average saints so that they can be successful in the ministries God has given them.
As explained in note 2 at Acts 2:38, the word “for” can mean because of, as a result of, since, or it can mean so as to obtain. It is the latter definition that is meant here. The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers of Ephesians 4:11 minister “so as to obtain” the saints being equipped so that they can do the work of the ministry, which in turn obtains the edifying of the body of Christ. The clergy doesn’t do all these things. They start the process through leadership, and the body edifies itself in love (Ephesians 4:16).
Note 22 at Ephesians 4:12: The Greek word that was translated “perfecting” here is “KATARTISMOS,” and it means “a fitting or preparing fully” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary). It does not denote the absence of all flaws. The Lord gave the gifted ministers listed in Ephesians 4:11 to help fully prepare the saints so that they could do the work of the ministry (see note 21 at this verse).
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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13 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 fullness of Christ:
Note on Ephesians 4:13
The ministry gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11 were given “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 certainly hasn’t happened yet, so we can rest assured that all of these ministry gifts (Ephesians 4:11) are still functioning today. None of them have passed away.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 23 at Ephesians 4:13: The duration of the gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11 is given here in this verse: “Till we all come in the unity of the faith”; i.e., until every Christian sees and believes alike on the fundamentals of the faith. These gifts will also continue to function until we all come into “the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man”; i.e., unto a perfect knowledge that results in maturity. These gifts will continue until we come “unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” This phrase contains the idea of a child developing into maturity.The result of all this should be that we are no longer immature, tossed to and fro by every teaching, caught by the sleight and cunning craftiness of others. It is certain that this result hasn’t happened yet, so apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers must still be around today.
Note 24 at Ephesians 4:13: Many people think that all Christians coming into unity and a maturity approaching that of Christ will never happen. This verse, however, makes it very clear that this is the purpose and design of God in giving these gifts to man. He anticipates the church growing up (Ephesians 4:14).
Note 25 at Ephesians 4:13: It is amazing that Paul proclaimed that Christians should come to the full stature of Christ. That was the design of the Lord when He gave gifts to man (Ephesians 4:11). This isn’t considered possible by most Christians today, and therefore, it certainly is not their goal. However, if this is what the Lord intended, we should at least be striving toward this mark (Philippians 3:14).
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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14 That we henceforth are 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;
Note on Ephesians 4:14
The Greek word that was translated “children” in this verse is “NEPIOS,” and it means “not speaking, i.e. an infant” (Strong’s Concordance). It was translated “infant” in the New International Version’s translation of this verse. It is describing an infant who cannot do anything to control their circumstances, as opposed to an adult who can. An infant in a boat would just have to go with the flow, but an adult in a boat could row or swim and not be at the mercy of the current. Likewise, we should be spiritual adults and not just go with the flow. We have to get a vision of where the Lord wants us to go and use all the power God has given us to reach those goals.Children are especially susceptible to deception, primarily due to lack of experience and teaching. It also has to do with trust. They will believe in a rabbit who lays eggs and a fat man in a red suit who has flying reindeer if someone they trust tells them it’s so. Part of growing up is challenging things we have been taught, based on observation and our own reasoning (Acts 17:11). This is good, but it’s also potentially bad.
If we had to prove everything on our own and were not able to benefit from the study and experience of others, we would still be walking everywhere and not using the modern conveniences that are such a part of our lives. So, there is great benefit in trusting others’ research and experience, but it can also lead us into error (Mark 7:13).
So, who do we trust? The Word of God is tried and proven (Psalms 18:30). It has to be the standard against which everything is tried (see my notes at Proverbs 21:30 and Philippians 1:10). The fact that the body of Christ as a whole hasn’t matured to the point where they aren’t following every wind of doctrine is an indictment against those in the fivefold ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12) for not doing their job.
The Greek word “METHODEIA,” which was translated “lie in wait” in this verse, was only used one other time in Scripture. In Ephesians 6:11, it was translated “wiles,” referring to the wiles of the devil.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 27 at Ephesians 4:14: The Greek word that was translated “tossed to and fro” here is “KLUDONIZOMAI.” It means “to surge, i.e. (figuratively) to fluctuate” (Strong’s Concordance). It comes from the root word “KLUDON,” and this describes a wave of the sea (Strong’s Concordance). Paul was speaking of being tossed about the way something floating in the sea would be. Mature Christians are not “like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:6). That’s double-mindedness, and it prevents us from receiving from God (James 1:7-8).
Note 28 at Ephesians 4:14: The word “sleight” was translated from the Greek word “KUBEIA.” This Greek word comes from the word “KUBOS,” the name for a cube for dice playing, and KUBEIA literally means “gambling” (Strong’s Concordance). In the same way that “card sharks” deceive with sleight of hand, Paul was saying people can deceive immature Christians, promising them everything but delivering nothing. This is the only time this word–English or Greek–was used in the Bible.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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15 But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Note on Ephesians 4:15
Ephesians 4:15-16 compares the way all the members of Christ function to the way the human body functions. Christ is the head, controlling all the different parts of the body. But each part, or member, has to grow to express what the head wants to accomplish.Ephesians 4:25 shows lying and speaking the truth as opposites. So, if we aren’t speaking the truth in love to each other, we are lying. We are bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16) when we withhold truth.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supply, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Note on Ephesians 4:16
The same Greek word SUMBIBAZO, which was translated “compacted” here was translated “knit together” in Colossians 2:2 and 2:19. Colossians 2:2 says, “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.” Colossians 2:19 says, “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.” This is speaking about how the body of Christ can only function to its full potential when every part is doing its job, just like a physical body can only perform at its highest level when every part is working together.Lack of cooperation or supply from any part of a physical body makes what we call a handicap. The individual may still be able to survive, but there are limitations that restrict some activities. Likewise, as long as the members of the body of Christ are not knit together in unity and functioning as one, the body of Christ is handicapped. This restricts our ability to fully represent Christ here on the earth.
The end result of the whole body of Christ functioning properly would be that all the body would be built up in love. When we operate in love, then all the world will know that we are Christ’s disciples (John 13:34-35).
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 31 at Ephesians 4:16: The word “compact” means “to press or join firmly together” (American Heritage Dictionary). It’s descriptive of the way particle board is made from joining small wood scraps in such a way that they become as strong as a solid piece of wood. The strength comes from each piece being in union with the other pieces. Separately, each small piece cannot bear much stress, but when compacted with many other scraps of wood, great strength can be achieved.
Note 32 at Ephesians 4:16: This joining (see note 30 at this verse) and compacting (see note 31 at this verse) can only be achieved by that which every joint supplies. That is to say, every member of the body of Christ (see note 14 at 1 Corinthians 12:27 and note 3 at 1 Corinthians 12:14) has to be doing his or her part for the whole to reach the fullness of the stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). It must be a joint effort of all believers. Only when believers all function where God has placed them can they truly perform as Christ’s body. No one person or group can do it alone. It takes a collective effort. This is one reason unity among all believers is so important.
Note 33 at Ephesians 4:16: Through a number of analogies in this verse, Paul was stressing that every part of the body of Christ (see note 14 at 1 Corinthians 12:27 and note 3 at 1 Corinthians 12:14) has to function properly for the whole body of Christ to reach its full potential (see notes 31 and 32 at this verse). This has not been true of Christ’s church up to now.
Very few believers in any generation seem to live up to their God-given abilities. To continue Paul’s analogy, this would be like a man who has well-developed legs, but other parts of his body, such as his arms and hands, are so weak as to be useless. In this condition, there is no way he could perform as well as he could if every part of his body was working properly. That’s the way it is with Christ’s body. We’ve only had a few individuals manifesting God’s power while the majority of the church is powerless. The end result is a body at less than its full vigor and giving a less-than-desirable witness to the world.
The maturing of every part of the body of Christ must be a priority if we are ever to accomplish the Lord’s instructions. Reaching the stature of the fullness of Christ (see notes 24 and 25 at Ephesians 4:13) must be a collective effort.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Note on Ephesians 4:17
The word “therefore” links the instructions to what was said in the previous verses. Because we have to have every part of the body of Christ functioning together to accomplish what our Head, Christ, wants us to do, Paul tells us how to reach our full potential in these verses.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Such evil conduct is the result of (1) the vanity of the mind (this verse), which is the absence of any purpose; (2) having the understanding darkened (Ephesians 4:18), of which purposelessness is a direct result; (3) separation from God’s life (Ephesians 4:18), which is spiritual death; (4) blindness, or hardness, of heart (Ephesians 4:18); (5) being past feeling (Ephesians 4:19), which means having no conscience; and (6) given over to lasciviousness, uncleanness, and greed (Ephesians 4:19).
Note 2 at Ephesians 4:17: The word “therefore” refers back to Paul’s previous statements (see note 2 at Galatians 5:1). Paul had stated that the only way Christ’s body would ever reach its full stature was through every individual member doing his or her part (see note 32 at Ephesians 4:16). That’s the reason Paul was arguing for the believers to “straighten up.” If they won’t do it for themselves, they should think about the other believers and a lost world that needs them.
Note 3 at Ephesians 4:17: The word “Gentile” literally means anyone who was not a Jew (see note 45 at Matthew 6:32). Before Christ’s atonement, Gentiles were “without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12, see note 2 at that verse). They were lost. These Ephesians had been lost Gentiles, but they had become saved Gentiles. Paul was telling them not to live like their lost neighbors.
The application for us today is that we should not live like unsaved people. Paul proceeded to explain the root areas where unbelievers are ensnared.
Note 4 at Ephesians 4:17: The Greek word “PERIPATEO” was translated “walk” twice in this verse. The figurative meaning of this word, employed here, is “to live, deport oneself, follow” (Strong’s Concordance). Paul was speaking of lifestyle.
Note 5 at Ephesians 4:17: The Greek word that was translated “vanity” here is “MATAIOTES.” It means “inutility; figuratively, transientness; morally, depravity” (Strong’s Concordance). Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon describes it as “what is devoid of truth and appropriateness...perverseness, depravation.”
The word “inutility” is a compound word that literally means not to utilize. Paul was saying that lost people don’t use their brains. This is quite a statement. In fact, one of the criticisms against Christians by those who are unsaved is that faith is foolish. We are the ones who are often characterized as brainless. But faith isn’t foolish. In fact, a truly thinking person would have to come to the conclusion that there is a God and that He intervenes in the affairs of man (see note 6 at 1 Corinthians 1:21).
People who really thought things through would embrace the truths of Scripture even if they didn’t do it because of a reverence or love for God. Sin isn’t smart; it’s stupid. Ask those who are in jail, or who have destroyed their marriages or ministries because of sin, what they were thinking when they did such things. They will tell you they weren’t thinking. At the moment, they were driven by passions, not logic.
The word “transientness” is talking about passing through or over things, such as transient workers. It’s the opposite of abiding or dwelling. Paul was saying that lost people don’t focus on anything for long. They don’t meditate. They love to be entertained by others so that they don’t have to think. They can’t stand to be still or quiet and confront the issues. The word “amuse” is a compound word consisting of “a,” which is an absolute negative, and “muse,” which means to think. The word literally means absolutely no thinking. They have to be amused so that they don’t have to listen to their pain inside.
These things that Paul said about the lost are all too true of us Christians also. If we think like the world, we will get the same results as the world. We need to change the way we think. As Christians, our hearts are perfect. It’s our heads that give us problems. The battle is in the mind.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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18 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:
Note on Ephesians 4:18
The Greek word that was translated “understanding” in this verse is “DIANOIA,” and it means “deep thought” (Strong’s Concordance). This same word was translated “imagination” in Luke 1:51. I believe imagination is just a word for negative hope (see my note at Romans 8:24). So, this is saying when our imagination is darkened, we become alienated from the life of God. It equals having a hard heart (see my notes at Mark 6:52 and Romans 1:21). Also see my notes at Ephesians 1:18 and 2:3. The Greek word “POROSIS,” which was translated “blindness” in this verse, was translated “hardness” in Mark 3:5.See these notes on imagination: Genesis 6:5, 11:6, 30:37, 39; Joshua 1:8; 1 Chronicles 29:18; Psalms 2:1, 5:1, 42:5, 103:14, 143:5; Proverbs 15:28, 23:7, 29:18; Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 22:37; Luke 1:51; Acts 4:25, 16:19, 27:20; Romans 1:21, 8:24-25, 15:4, 13, 29; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Ephesians 1:18, 2:3, 12, 4:18; 1 Timothy 4:15; and Hebrews 11:1.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Psalms 32:9 says, “Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.” A horse thinks, but it doesn’t seem to have any understanding. People who have their understanding darkened live like animals.
The word “understanding” is mentioned fifty-four times in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is the principal thing, and understanding is next unto it (Proverbs 4:7). Walking in the vanity of our minds (see note 5 at Ephesians 4:17) leads to clouding the understanding, with the end result being the hardening (see note 10 at Mark 6:52 and note 3 at Mark 8:17) or blinding (see note 9 at this verse) of our hearts.
Note 7 at Ephesians 4:18: Paul spoke about our understanding in 1 Corinthians 13:11. Then, in 1 Corinthians 13:12, he said we all “see through a glass, darkly,” describing us at our best as being very limited in understanding. If we are already restricted in our understanding, we sure don’t need anything to darken it further. We should avoid walking in the vanity of our minds at all costs (see note 5 at Ephesians 4:17).
Note 8 at Ephesians 4:18: Notice that this alienation wasn’t God’s choice. It is the ignorance within people that alienates them from the life of God. The Lord “so loved the world, that he gave” (John 3:16). His grace has appeared to all (Titus 2:11), but not all receive it, because of the ignorance within them.
Note 9 at Ephesians 4:18: The blindness of the heart that Paul was speaking of here is the same thing that the Gospel writers spoke of as “hardness of heart.” Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines the Greek word “POROSIS,” translated “blindness” here, as “‘a covering with a callus,’ a ‘hardening.’” John 12:40 describes spiritual blindness and hardness of heart as adversely affecting our understanding.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Note on Ephesians 4:19
The Amplified Bible translated this as “In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless and have abandoned themselves [a prey] to unbridled sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity [that their depraved desires may suggest and demand].”This is saying that the people who are walking as Ephesians 4:17-18 describe have gone beyond any proper use of their feelings and are totally given over to sensuality. Their feelings are dominating and driving them to every kind of depravity. That pretty much sums up many people today.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 11 at Ephesians 4:20: Paul ought to have known how these Ephesians learned about Christ; he’s the one who taught them. He hadn’t instructed them to live like the lost (see note 3 at Ephesians 4:17). He had taught them to glorify God with their actions. He was reminding them of their training.Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 12 at Ephesians 4:21: The phrase “If so be” is what is called a conditional clause. It is not expressing doubt that these Ephesians had heard the Lord speak to them and teach them. It’s just the opposite. The statement could be paraphrased, “You did hear (Jesus), didn’t you? You were taught by Him, weren’t you? The truth is in Jesus, and if that is so, you know there is no room for the conduct or behavior of the world [see note 3 at Ephesians 4:17] in the Christian life!”Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Note on Ephesians 4:22
Wuest translated this as “that you have put off once for all.” I think that is the accurate meaning here.Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Just as in Ephesians 4:24, putting on the “new man” is not speaking of getting a new self but rather letting that new self dominate our actions. Likewise, in this verse, putting off the “old man” is not speaking of still having an “old man.” It is referring to denying the lusts that were taught us by our old selves when they were still alive.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 14 at Ephesians 4:23: The word “spirit” here is not designating the Holy Spirit or even the born-again spirit. In fact, it is not referring to a part of us at all. It is speaking of our attitude. The New International Version translates this as “to be made new in the attitude of your minds.” Strong’s Concordance says that the Greek word “PNEUMA,” which was translated “spirit” in this verse, can mean “mental disposition.” That’s the way it is used here.Paul was saying that we have to not only reprogram our minds with new information but also allow these new truths to change our attitudes. Synonyms for “attitude” are outlook, feeling, sentiment, and disposition. Our perspectives have to change.
Many people have heard biblical truths and can recall them, but often they don’t dwell upon them to the degree that those truths change their attitudes. For instance, they can know that it is God’s will to prosper them financially, but if they don’t start seeing themselves with their needs met, then their attitude hasn’t changed. A poverty attitude will cause them to stay poor even though they know God wants them to prosper.
So, it is not good enough to just learn facts from God’s Word and store those facts so that we can recall them. We have to meditate on the truths of God’s Word until our outlook, feelings, sentiments, and dispositions have been renewed to God’s way of thinking.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 15 at Ephesians 4:24: The Greek word that was translated “put on” in this verse is “ENDYO,” and it means “to sink into (clothing), put on, clothe one’s self” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). This is a word picture describing the way we should wear our new, born-again selves on the outside, through our actions, in a way that all can see. In the same way that people see our clothes instead of our nakedness, so our new attitudes and actions should be visible instead of our flesh (see note 3 at Romans 7:18).Note 16 at Ephesians 4:24: The New International Version translates the phrase “which after God” as “created to be like God.” Today’s English Version translates this same phrase as “which is created in God’s likeness.” That’s the point Paul was making. Our “new man” was created just like Jesus (see note 9 at 2 Corinthians 5:17). In our spirits, we are right now as Jesus is (1 John 4:17).
Note 17 at Ephesians 4:24: Notice the use of the word “created.” As believers, our righteousness and holiness is not something that we grow into. We were created that way when we were born again (see note 2 at John 3:3). This righteousness and holiness is in our new spirits that we received from God (see note 9 at 2 Corinthians 5:17). We are still working out this righteousness and holiness in our actions (Philippians 2:12), but our born-again spirits were created that way.
Note 18 at Ephesians 4:24: By specifying “true holiness,” Paul was implying that there is false holiness. False holiness is assumed from the good we do. While it is important to act holy in our relationships with others (see note 56 at John 15:10), we need to remember that anything other than the “true holiness” that is the gift of God is inadequate when relating to God. God is a Spirit (John 4:24), and we must worship Him in spirit (see note 17 at this verse) and in truth (true holiness). God looks at us through our spirits and deals with us based on this true holiness that is in the “new man.”
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
Note on Ephesians 4:25
Ephesians 4:15 says we are supposed to speak the truth in love so we may grow into a mature body of Christ.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 20 at Ephesians 4:25: All believers are united to each other through the body of Christ (see note 14 at 1 Corinthians 12:27). Lying to a member of the body of Christ is like lying to yourself.
You will be damaged.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Note on Ephesians 4:26
The context of this verse is about living holy (see my note at Ephesians 4:1) and unity among believers (see my notes at Ephesians 4:13-15). A godly anger is part of holiness and unity. We have to hate disunity. As long as we can tolerate it, we will.Wuest translated this verse as “Be constantly angry with a righteous indignation, and stop sinning. Do not allow the sun to go down upon your irritated, exasperated, embittered anger.”
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Paul was commanding us to have a righteous anger that is not sin. Jesus got angry without sinning, and we should too (see notes 5-6 at Mark 3:5). We are commanded to hate evil (Psalms 97:10, Proverbs 8:13, Amos 5:15, and Romans 12:9). Paul was speaking of a good type of anger–an anger that is not directed at people but at evil. We need to keep this righteous type of anger stirred up. We can’t ever let it take a rest or go to sleep (“let not the sun go down upon your wrath”). We have to work at not being passive.
Ephesians 4:27 goes on to talk about not giving place to the devil. Being passive instead of angry at the devil gives place to him. We are supposed to resist, to actively fight against him, and this righteous anger is an important part of a violent attitude (see note 2 at Matthew 11:12).
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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27 Neither gives place to the devil.
Note on Ephesians 4:27
If we don’t have a righteous anger, as Ephesians 4:26 commands, then we are giving place to the devil. Godly anger is a weapon against the devil. The word “resist” in James 4:7 means to actively fight against. We need to get mad at the devil and all he is trying to do to us and God’s kingdom.Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs.
Note on Ephesians 4:28
Notice that laboring with our hands is the opposite of stealing. I believe it’s correct to say that those who don’t labor but just “mooch” off others are stealing. Anyone might need help at times or temporarily, but to live off others is wrong (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
If this is used as a true definition of stealing, then there are many more thieves than most realize. Many people live for themselves in more areas than just money. They are like vacuums, always taking and never giving. Those who live to receive instead of living to give violate the spirit of what Paul was speaking of here. In that sense, selfishness of any kind is stealing. Covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good for the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 24 at Ephesians 4:29: All of our speech is supposed to edify and encourage others in the goodness of God. If some Christians would take this verse to heart, they would have to develop a whole new vocabulary. Profanity is obviously wrong, but many Christians think gossip, criticism, and complaining are God-given rights. That’s not what Paul promoted here.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Note on Ephesians 4:30
See my note on being sealed at Ephesians 1:13.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Note on Ephesians 4:31
The Houghton Mifflin American Heritage Electronic Dictionary defines “malice” as “the desire to harm others or to see others suffer; spite.”
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 27 at Ephesians 4:31: Strong’s Concordance defines “clamour” as “an outcry (...tumult or grief).” It comes from a word that means “to scream” (Strong’s Concordance). Wuest Word Studies from the Greek New Testament defines it as “the outcry of passion, the outward manifestation of anger in vociferation or brawling.”
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Note on Ephesians 4:32
Kindness is a characteristic of God’s kind of love (see my note at 1 Corinthians 13:4). If we love others with God’s love, we will be kind.The Amplified Bible defines “tenderhearted” as “compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted.”
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
He forgave us before we repented or asked for forgiveness. The offense against Him was infinitely greater than any offense we have ever suffered. So, since He forgave us, we can forgive anyone.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
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