Ephesians 4:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:1-16

Exhortation. I. TRANSITION FROM THE DOCTRINAL TO THE PRACTICAL . "I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you." There is a similar transition at Romans 12:1 , "I beseech you therefore." In both cases the " therefore " is the link of connection between doctrine and duty . In both cases the apostle follows up his exposition of doctrine by an affectionate enforcement of duty. In the other case his affectionate tone is caught from a consideration of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 4:2-6

Details of a walk worthy of the vocation. This walk demands— I. THE PRESERVATION OF SOCIAL CONCORD , THROUGH THE QUIET OR PASSIVE VIRTUES , which, having been very characteristic of Christ, are eminently incumbent on all who bear his Name. 1. Lowliness , arising from a chastened sense of our sin and unworthiness. 2. Meekness , which is in speech what lowliness is in spirit. 3. Long-suffering and forbearance in love ; in opposition to hastiness,... read more

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

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

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

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Ephesians 4:3

Endeavouring . Compare 2 Timothy 2:15 (studying). unity . Literally oneness. Greek. henotes. Only here and Ephesians 4:13 . Spirit . App-101 . bond . See Acts 8:23 . peace = the peace. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Ephesians 4:3

Giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.Our holy Saviour prayed for unity among the believers in Christ; and here it appears that unity was a major concern of the most gifted of the apostles; and it may be inquired, in the light of this, why is there so much disunity in the world? In a word, we do not know. It is obvious to all who ever contemplated it that there are no magic devices available for bringing unity out of chaos. Furthermore, it appears in this verse... read more

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