Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ephesians 4:1-6
The basis of unity 4:1-6 read more
以弗所書 4:2-4 Rcuvts
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
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ephesians 4:3
Christians must preserve the unity between believers that God has created in the church. Paul viewed peace as what keeps potential factions together. He had in mind peace between all kinds of diverse groups in the church, the most basic being Jews and Gentiles. read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ephesians 4:4
Seven elements of unity follow that unite believers in the church. Believers should remember them when tempted to break unity. Again all three members of the Trinity are in view and play a part in this process."Paul now gives the basis [for unity] by explaining in more detail how elements of the Christian faith revolve around the three persons of the Trinity. Unity is stressed by the sevenfold use of ’one’ (eis, mia, en)." [Note: Hoehner, Ephesians, p. 513.] The one body is the church, the... read more
John Darby
Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - Ephesians 4:3
4:3 bond (c-13) It is not only 'bond,' but the 'bond-together.' It is not the power of union -- that is the Holy Spirit; but the practically uniting in fact, as amongst men on earth. read more
John Darby
Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - Ephesians 4:4
4:4 body (d-4) It may be translated '[the] body is one,' and so on. If we could leave out 'there is' or 'is', the force would be so much the greater. 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 4:4
4. In the apostle's creed, the article as to THE CHURCH properly follows that as to THE HOLY GHOST. To the Trinity naturally is annexed the Church, as the house to its tenant, to God His temple, the state to its founder [AUGUSTINE, Enchiridion, c. 15]. There is yet to be a Church, not merely potentially, but actually catholic or world-wide; then the Church and the world will be co-extensive. Rome falls into inextricable error by setting up a mere man as a visible head, antedating that... read more