Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ephesians 4:1-6
The basis of unity 4:1-6 read more
エペソ人への手紙 4:2 Jcb
Thomas Constable
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ephesians 4:1-9
A. Spiritual walk 4:1-6:9Paul had explained the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers in the church and had prayed for the realization of that unity in experience (Ephesians 2:11 to Ephesians 3:21). He now told how to attain a spiritual walk, namely, a life that manifests the Holy Spirit’s control."The key word in this last half of the book is walk (Ephesians 4:1; Ephesians 4:17; Ephesians 5:2; Ephesians 5:8; Ephesians 5:15), while the key idea in the first half is wealth." [Note: Wiersbe,... read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ephesians 4:1-16
1. Walking in unity 4:1-16The apostle began by stressing the importance of walking (or living) in unity. This is one of two classic New Testament passages on unity, the other being John 17. God will not enforce unity in answer to prayer. Believers have a responsibility to obey Him as well."Instruction, intercession and exhortation constitute a formidable trio of weapons in any Christian teacher’s armoury." [Note: Stott, p. 146.] Charity, unity, diversity, and maturity are the key concepts in... read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ephesians 4:1-20
III. THE CHRISTIAN’S CONDUCT 4:1-6:20Practical application (chs. 4-6) now follows doctrinal instruction (chs. 1-3)."Now the apostle moves on from the new society to the new standards which are expected of it. So he turns from exposition to exhortation, from what God has done (in the indicative), to what we must be and do (in the imperative), from doctrine to duty, . . . from mind-stretching theology to its down-to-earth, concrete implications in everyday living." [Note: Stott, p. 146.] read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ephesians 4:2
Three virtues contribute to unity in the church. Humility is a proper assessment of oneself in God’s program."To face oneself is the most humiliating thing in the world." [Note: Barclay, p. 159.] A humble Jew or Gentile would regard his ethnic counterpart as equal with himself, not as inferior or superior to himself. Gentleness is the opposite of self-assertion. A gentle person is one whose emotions are under control.". . . meekness is a virtue of the strong, those who could exert force to get... read more
John Dummelow
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 4:1-32
Unity of the New Life. Rules for the New LifeThe Apostle passes, as usual, from doctrinal statements to practical exhortations; but doctrine is here and there introduced to support exhortation.1-6. ’Live in humility, in loving forbearance, and in unity, for we have one Body, one Head, and one Heavenly Father.’1. Prisoner] This looks back to Ephesians 3:1. ’He can no longer superintend them: they must walk alone. He lost his liberty in their service: they will do what he asks.’2. To a Greek,... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Ephesians 4:1-6
(1) Ephesians 4:1-6, although cast in a hortatory form contain the final summary of the great doctrine of the Epistle—the UNITY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH—in words which have all the glowing freedom of spiritual enthusiasm, and all the clear-cut precision of a creed.Thus (a) the ground of that unity is laid in that spiritual communion of each soul with the “one Spirit,” the “one Lord,” and the “one God and Father of all,” which underlies all outward ordinance, and which no power of man can either... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Ephesians 4:2
(2) From this general description of the regeneration of the soul out of the death of sin, in the Lord Jesus Christ, St. Paul now passes on to deal with special moral duties (Ephesians 4:25-30)—the casting out of falsehood, wrath, dishonesty, and impurity, which are the four typical sins forbidden in the four general Commandments of the Second Table—the Ninth, the Sixth, the Eighth, and the Seventh. But he treats all with a marked and striking peculiarity of treatment—in relation to the great... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Ephesians 4:2-3
(2, 3) Forbearing one another in love . . .—The word rendered “endeavouring” is, in the original, a word expressing “earnestness” of thought and exertion to secure a thing not lightly obtained. (See 2 Timothy 4:9-21; Hebrews 4:11; 2 Peter 1:10.) It shows that St. Paul here passes from the negative aspects of love, summed up in forbearance, to the more positive and energetic enthusiasm for unity and peace. Love is in both aspects, the “uniting bond” of peace. In the parallel passage of... read more
Subscribe
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Most Searched
Group of Brands
© 2025 Bibleportal.com All rights reserved.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 4:2
2, 3. lowliness—In classic Greek, the meaning is meanness of spirit: the Gospel has elevated the word to express a Christian grace, namely, the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves [TRENCH]. meekness—that spirit in which we accept God's dealings with us without disputing and resisting; and also the accepting patiently of the injuries done us by men, out of the thought that they are permitted by God for the... read more