Footnotes:
4:1-3 - Paul exhorts Christians to live a life worthy of the calling they have received, with humility, gentleness, and patience. Unity in the body of Christ is essential for the building up of the church (see also Philippians 2:1-4 and Colossians 3:12-14).
4:7-10 - Each Christian receives spiritual gifts according to the measure of Christ's gift. The diversity of gifts is intended to build up the body of Christ and strengthen the church (see also 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Romans 12:6-8).
4:11-12 - The ministries given by Christ, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are given for the perfecting of the saints and the growth of the church (see also 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Acts 13:1-3).
4:17-19 - Paul warns Christians not to walk like the Gentiles, who live in impurity and blindness of heart. New life in Christ requires a radical transformation (see also Romans 12:2 and Colossians 3:5-10).
4:22-24 - Paul teaches the need to "put off" the old self and put on the new self, created according to God in righteousness and holiness. Conversion involves both internal and external renewal (see also 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Colossians 3:9-10).
Verses related to Efésios, 4:
Ephesians chapter 4 exhorts believers to unity and maturity in Christ. How should we live up to our calling? This practical text describes the unity of the body of Christ, ministerial gifts, and the process of spiritual growth. Paul contrasts the old man with the new man in Christ, offering guidelines for a transformed life. The chapter emphasizes the importance of truth, love, and mutual edification in the Christian community. Ephesians 4 sets standards for Christian behavior. Reflect with us on five biblical passages that elucidate the vital principles of this uplifting chapter.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6: "There are different types of gifts, but the Spirit is the same. There are different types of ministries, but the Lord is the same. There are different ways of acting, but it is the same God who effects everything in everyone." - These verses reflect the theme of unity in the diversity of spiritual gifts discussed in Ephesians 4:7-13.
Colossians 3:9-10: "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." - This passage echoes the concept of “putting off the old man and putting on the new” found in Ephesians 4:22-24.
Philippians 2:2-4: "complete my joy, having the same way of thinking, the same love, one spirit and one attitude. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vanity, but humbly consider others better than yourselves. Everyone must look after not only their own interests, but also the interests of others." - These verses reflect the themes of unity and humility found in Ephesians 4:1-3.
James 1:19-20: "My beloved brothers, keep this in mind: Be all quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not produce the righteousness of God." - This passage relates to the exhortations on controlling one's tongue and anger in Ephesians 4:26,29.
1 Peter 4:10: "Each person must exercise the gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its multiple forms." - This verse echoes the theme of using spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ, mentioned in Ephesians 4:12-16.
FAQ:
What does it mean to walk worthy of the Christian calling?
It means living with humility, gentleness, patience, and love, preserving the unity of the Spirit. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
Why did God give gifts to the church?
God gave gifts to build up the church, promoting maturity and unity of faith. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
What does it mean to renew your mind in Christ?
It means putting off the old sinful nature and putting on the new self created according to God. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
How should a Christian behave towards anger?
The Christian must avoid sinful anger and resolve conflicts quickly so as not to give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
What does Paul teach about forgiveness?
We must forgive one another, just as God in Christ forgave us, with kindness and compassion. (Ephesians 4:32)
