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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:3

Striving to keep the unity of the Spirit . σπουδάζοντες is stronger than the A.V. "endeavoring," and denotes an object to be carefully and earnestly watched for and promoted. "The unity of the Spirit" is equivalent to the unity of which the Spirit is the Author. In all in whom he works savingly, the Spirit produces a certain oneness in faith, in repentance, in knowledge, in their views of sin, grace, Christ, the world, etc. This oneness exists, and cannot but exist, even when Christians... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:3

The unity of the Spirit and the mode of its keeping. "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond- of peace." I. CONSIDER THE NATURE OF THIS UNITY . 1. It is not the unity of the body, the Church. That is an immutable unity which man cannot keep. God alone keeps it. Neither are we commanded to make the unity of the Spirit, but simply to keep it—for it exists, in a sense, independently of man's fidelity; but in the degree in which it is kept in the bond of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:3-6

The unities of Christianity a reason for union amongst Christians. "Endeavoring 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." These various unities in Christianity are here specified by the apostle in order to enforce the importance and obligation of a loving concord amongst all true... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:4-6

WHEREIN UNITY CONSISTS — SEVEN PARTICULARS . There is one body (see Ephesians 2:16 ). The Church is an organic whole, of which believers are the members, and Christ the Head, supplying the vitalizing power: The real body, being constituted by vital union with Christ, is not synonymous with any single outward society. One Spirit ; viz. the Holy Spirit, who alone applies the redemption of Christ, and works in the members of the Church the graces of the new creation. As ye also... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:4-6

The sevenfold unity. The apostle proceeds to state the nature and grounds of the unity which is to be so carefully guarded. It has its basis in the fact that the Church is one, and does not consist of two rival societies. I. " THERE IS ONE BODY ." The body with its many members and its many functions is yet one. Similarly, "we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another" ( Romans 12:5 ); so that believers, no matter how separated by race, color,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:4-6

Christian unity. This is a frequently recurring theme in the Epistle to the Ephesians, and it is always treated with an emphasis that marks its supreme importance, and with a prophetic hopefulness that regards the higher development of it as one of the grandest features of the ideal future. I. WHEREIN CHRISTIAN UNITY CONSISTS . 1. Externally it consists in the " one body ." Plainly the "one body" is the Church, the community of Christians. It should be clear to an... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 4:2

With all lowliness - Humility; see the notes on Acts 20:19, where the same Greek word is used; compare also the following places, where the same Greek word occurs: Philippians 2:3, “in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves;” Colossians 2:18, “in a voluntary humility;” Colossians 2:23; Col 3:12; 1 Peter 5:5. The word does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. The idea is, that humility of mind becomes those who are “called” Ephesians 4:1, and that we walk worthy of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 4:3

The unity of the Spirit - A united spirit, or oneness of spirit. This does not refer to the fact that there is one Holy Spirit; but it refers to unity of affection, of confidence, of love. It means that Christians should be united in temper and affection, and not be split up into factions and parties. It may be implied here, as is undoubtedly true, that such a unity would be produced only by the Holy Spirit; and that, as there was but one Spirit which had acted on their hearts to renew them,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 4:4

There is one body - One church - for so the word “body” means here - denoting the body of Christ; see the notes on Romans 12:5; compare notes on Ephesians 1:23. The meaning here is, that as there is really but one church on earth, there ought to be unity. The church is, at present, divided into many denominations. It has different forms of worship, and different rites and ceremonies. It embraces those of different complexions and ranks in life, and it cannot be denied that there are often... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ephesians 4:2-3

Ephesians 4:2-3. With all lowliness Or humility of mind, having mean thoughts of yourselves because of your former sinfulness and guilt, depravity, weakness, and misery, and your unworthiness of that mercy which God hath exercised toward you; and meekness Maintaining calmness, serenity, and peace of mind, amid the infirmities and indiscretions of your Christian friends, and even amid the affronts and injuries of your enemies; with long-suffering Toward all men, whether saints or... read more

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