Ephesians 4:1-16: The Unity of the Body of Christ
Introduction
Why is unity so essential in the church, and how can we maintain it? Ephesians 4:1-16 offers us a powerful picture of the church as the body of Christ, emphasizing that unity is not optional but a command for the body’s growth and maturity.
In these verses, Paul calls us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, patience, and love, as we contribute to the unity and maturity of the body. This passage challenges us to reflect God’s calling in our lives by living in harmony with one another and pursuing the maturity that Christ desires for his church.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Ephesians 4:1-16 and Commentary
Walking Worthy of the Calling (Ephesians 4:1-3)
Paul opens this passage by urging the believers to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). This summons is not just a moral or ethical call but a high spiritual standard that reflects God’s character through Christ. It is not enough for the church to merely exist as a group of people; we are called to live in a way that is aligned with God’s purposes for us as his body on earth.
Unity is the outcome of such a life. But it requires intentional effort. As Paul emphasizes, we must “be completely humble and gentle” (Ephesians 4:2), exhibiting patience and bearing with one another in love. These qualities are vital because they are what hold the body of Christ together, even when tension arises. Our relationships with one another in the church are not merely horizontal but deeply spiritual, grounded in our vertical relationship with God through Christ.
These virtues are echoed in Philippians 2:1-4, where Paul exhorts the Philippians to adopt the mindset of Christ. He writes, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” In these verses, Paul connects the unity of believers directly to our relationship with Christ, suggesting that true unity flows from being united in Him.
Ephesians 4:2 also echoes Jesus’ teaching on patience and forgiveness, as seen in Matthew 18:21-22, when Jesus instructs Peter to forgive “seventy-seven times.” This radical forgiveness and patience are the bedrock of unity within the church.
The Oneness of the Church (Ephesians 4:4-6)
In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul shifts from personal conduct to theological foundation, reminding the believers that unity in the church is grounded in the oneness of God. He emphasizes that there is “one body and one Spirit” (Ephesians 4:4), a single, unified existence created by God’s design. This oneness is not a mere organizational fact but a deep spiritual reality that undergirds all of our relationships within the body of Christ.
The seven “ones” Paul enumerates—one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all—are not just abstract concepts but pillars that define the identity of the church. This oneness is the foundation of all Christian unity, as all believers are called to be united in these truths. This theme is reinforced in 1 John 4:13-16, where John writes, “We know that we live in him and He in us, because He has given us of his Spirit.” The Spirit of God, who unites the body, dwells in each believer and ties us together in one common faith and love.
Philippians 2:1-2 also mirrors this reality of oneness. In urging the Philippians to be united in mind and spirit, Paul appeals to the shared identity of believers in Christ, stressing that unity is not just about agreement but about reflecting the love and character of God. The oneness Paul speaks of is grounded in the work of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and this unity is meant to be reflected in the church’s life and mission.
Gifts Given for the Building of the Body (Ephesians 4:7-12)
In verses 7-12, Paul speaks of the spiritual gifts Christ has given to the church, “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12). These gifts are not for personal gain or status; rather, they are given to build up the body and equip believers for ministry. Just as a body has many different parts, so does the church have many different members, each contributing uniquely to the health and growth of the whole.
Paul mentions roles such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, each serving a specific purpose within the body (Ephesians 4:11). These roles are meant to edify and equip believers, not to create divisions. They point to a crucial truth: unity does not mean uniformity. While the church is united in Christ, the diversity of gifts within the church is essential to its health and maturity. This is reflected in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, where Paul emphasizes that there are many gifts but the same Spirit who distributes them.
Jesus Himself modeled this principle of service and humility when He washed his disciples’ feet in John 13:12-17. He, the Lord and Teacher, took on the role of a servant, showing that the greatest among us is the one who serves. This humility in serving each other within the church body is a key aspect of maintaining unity.
Maturing the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:13-16)
The goal of all these gifts and efforts is for the body of Christ to “attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). This goal is about spiritual maturity—growing into the likeness of Christ in our relationships, doctrine, and practice. It is not just about unity for its own sake, but unity in truth and love, reflecting the character of Christ.
Paul contrasts this goal with spiritual immaturity, which is marked by being “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14). Maturity in the faith is not about agreeing on every detail but about being firmly rooted in the truth of the gospel and growing in love and humility. This maturity allows believers to remain united even in the face of differing opinions or difficult circumstances.
In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul speaks of pressing on toward the goal of spiritual maturity, saying, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” This spiritual pursuit requires intentional effort, humility, and dependence on God. It is a process that continues until we are fully conformed to the image of Christ.
Jesus’ prayer for the unity and maturity of his followers in John 17:20-23 highlights the centrality of unity to God’s mission in the world. Jesus asks the Father to make his followers one, just as he and the Father are one, so that the world may believe that God sent Him. This unity is not just for the benefit of the church but serves as a testimony to the world of the transforming power of Christ’s love.
Ephesians 4:1-16 Explained
In summary, Paul’s call for unity in Ephesians 4:1-16 is both practical and theological. He exhorts the church to live in a manner worthy of its calling by cultivating humility, gentleness, patience, and love. This unity is grounded in the oneness of God and is reflected through the use of spiritual gifts, which serve to build up the body. The ultimate goal is for the church to grow into maturity, reflecting the fullness of Christ in its relationships and mission.
The unity Paul describes is not a uniformity of thought or practice but a deep, spiritual unity grounded in the truth of the gospel and the love of Christ. This unity, coupled with spiritual maturity, enables the church to stand firm against false teachings and divisive influences, and to fulfill its mission of reflecting God’s love to the world.
Meaning for Today
Paul’s message in Ephesians 4:1-16 speaks powerfully to the church today. In a world increasingly marked by division, the church is called to be a witness of unity, not through conformity but through shared commitment to Christ. Unity in the body is a testimony to the world of the transformative power of Christ’s love. This unity is not passive; it requires active participation, service, and sacrifice.
The church today, like the Ephesian church, is made up of individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and gifts. Yet we are called to use those differences to build each other up in love. This requires humility, patience, and a willingness to put others first. As we grow in our understanding of Christ and use our gifts for the common good, we contribute to the maturity and unity of the body of Christ.
Key Takeaways from Ephesians 4:1-16:
• Unity in Diversity: The church is one body, but it is made up of many diverse members, each contributing to the whole.
• Living Worthy of the Calling: Unity requires humility, patience, gentleness, and love. We are called to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
• Maturity and Growth: The goal of unity is to grow in the knowledge of Christ and to mature as believers, reflecting his character and truth in the world.
In a fragmented world, the church is called to be a picture of unity. As we grow in Christ, use our gifts to build one another up, and pursue spiritual maturity, we contribute to fulfilling God’s mission of love and reconciliation.
