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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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 4:5

One Lord - This evidently refers to the Lord Jesus. The “Spirit” is mentioned in the previous verse; the Father in the verse following. On the application of the word “Lord” to the Saviour, see the notes on Acts 1:24. The argument here is, that there ought to be unity among Christians, because they have one Lord and Saviour. They have not different Saviours adapted to different classes; not one for the Jew and another for the Greek; not one for the rich and another for the poor; not one for the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 4:6

One God - The same God; therefore there should be unity. Were there many gods to be worshipped, there could be no more hope of unity than there is among the worshippers of Mammon and Bacchus, and the various other idols that people set up. People who have different pursuits, and different objects of supreme affection, can be expected to have no union. People who worship many gods, cannot hope to be united. Their affections are directed to different objects, and there is no harmony or sympathy... 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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ephesians 4:4-6

Ephesians 4:4-6. The apostle proceeds to remind the believers at Ephesus of some of the many very powerful considerations which had force enough, if attended to and laid to heart, to induce them to cultivate and preserve the unity to which he exhorts them. There is one body One mystical body of Christ, of which he is the living head, and ye all are members; and as such should sympathize with, care for, and assist one another, as the members of the human body do. And in this one body ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ephesians 4:1-16

4:1-6:24 THE DAILY LIFE OF THE CHURCH MEMBERSUnity in the church (4:1-16)God’s great purposes for his church should produce a new quality in the lives of the church members. The blessings that God gives should not lead the believers to pride. On the contrary, when they see that these blessings are an indication of the standard God expects, they will develop a new humility. When people or circumstances annoy them and try their patience, they will show love by being patient and helpful... read more

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