True Unity

The purpose of Ephesians was to instill in both Jews and Gentiles that there is the unity of the Church in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Paul is writing to Ephesus to inform them that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is no separation or discrimination among the Jews and Gentiles. As a result, the Church can be unified as Christ is placed at the head of it. We can examine Ephesians 4:7-16 and further explore how Paul calls the Church to oneness by having an overall vision of Ephesians. Paul does this by expressing two large ideas that will be established. Within the first three verses, he describes how God is at work within the Church. In the later verses, Paul clearly illustrates to the Ephesians how they are responsible for acting as the Church body. Ultimately, we will see how Paul is encouraging the Church to an agreement, and he does this by expressing that every believer should not look the same as the other. Overall, Paul is writing to the churches in Ephesus to convey how God has uniquely given believer's spiritual gifts that unify one another through the Spirit for the sake of the Church and the work of the ministry that we are called to.

Historical Context

The letter of Ephesians is written by Paul (Ephesians 1:11) while he was in prison (Ephesians 3:1; 4:1; 6:20) either in Caesarea (Ac 28:30) or Rome (Ac 28:30) around AD 60-62. While Paul is known as the writer, Tychicus was the one who carried the letter and delivered it to the churches in Ephesus (Ephesians 6:21). The recipients of this letter were for a body of believers amid a vast and broken city. While the word Ephesus is used in our translations, the original documents do not contain an exact location. It is, however, presumed that it was written for all churches based on Asia Minor.[1] Its location can be apparent because of Paul's history serving there on mission (AD 53-56). Paul lived in Ephesus for two years sharing the Good News. During his time there, many came to know the Lord. As a result, Paul wrote back to those he ministered to urge them to strive for unity within the Church.

Ancient Ephesus was a large city near Mt. Pion and was prominent and prosperous for 400-500 years. Much of its wealth centered on the fact that it was a hub of business and trade. Because of all of its business, it attracted immigrants from many countries. They brought their own cultures, worldviews, and religious beliefs all to the place of Ephesus. Ephesus became a significant source of income, and the surrounding cities became hyperaware of the magic seen. Brought along with the immigrants, was their false beliefs and practices. The Ionians came to the land around 1100 BC, which encouraged Greeks to adopt the Ionians goddess, and they named it their own.[2] Specifically, in Acts 19, we can see that Ephesus was devoted to the Greek goddess Artemis.[3] The cult of Artemis was the most prominent during Paul's ministry.

Cultural Context

Knowing the history of Ephesians explains Paul's urgency in chapter 6 of Ephesians to be warriors against spiritual warfare. The impact of cult practices affected the way that believers were operating within the Church. Furthermore, because many of these false religions were apparent, the Jews separated themselves from the rest. Consequently, the Jews saw the Gentiles as intolerant. However, the culture began to change when Paul came to witness to the people. After Paul left Ephesus, the Church began to grow amongst the Jews and Gentiles. Yet, some of their old beliefs lingered that were taught to them from false religions. They were choosing to live with their old identity, they lived in fear of spiritual warfare, and there was great animosity between the Jews and Gentiles. Paul responds to this specifically in Ephesians 4:7-16, where he reminds them of their identity and unity that is seen through the death and resurrection of Christ. Furthermore, he propels them to admonish and edify one another so that the body of Christ may be built up and the function of the Church can be rightly accomplished.

Literary Context

From what is seen in Paul's history, we can see that the book of Ephesians is a letter written to the believers in Ephesus that He ministered to while on mission. This letter is written not as a narrative but as an encouragement to tell the believers how to live their lives. Paul writes this in a typical pattern of Hellenistic letters, within the opening and closing as he has done in previous letters.[4] In the body of the letter, it is broken into three different parts, instruction (1:3-3:21), paraenesis (4:1-6:20), and commendation (6:21-22). Looking into the other parts of the letter, it is essential to note the numerous categories, namely, didactic materials (2:1-22), a eulogy (1:3-14), prayers of thanksgiving (1:15-23), a doxology (3:20-21), and even hymnic materials (5:14).[5]

Specifically, within Ephesians 4:7-16, we see both encouragement and command. Paul writes to encourage that the conduct of the Church must be built on unity. He goes further by expressing how there are different elements of harmony given through spiritual gifts. These spiritual gifts come with a command to use them well. The immediate purpose of these gifts is to equip the Church for ministry to mature and grow in their faith. By rightly utilizing the skills given to them, it results in unity because Christ becomes the focus. Christ becomes the head of the Church. There are even more great genres and styles written within Ephesians, but the focus will be to further examine the genre in Ephesians 4:7-16.

Evaluation of the Text

Previously to verse 7, Paul is expressing how the Church is called to unity. Because of the agreement found in the Holy Spirit, the Church is to respond to their brothers and sisters in Christ through love and patience, knowing that they are all under the blood of Christ. Paul reminds the believers that they are called to oneness, and the Holy Spirit finds that unity. Though there is unity in the Holy Spirit, as believers, it is their job to obey and follow how the Spirit leads. As believers, this can be accomplished by pursuing the things of the Lord. Their focus is not to be on themselves but Christ-likeness. Specifically, we see that believers are unified by Body, Spirit, Hope, Lord, Faith, Baptism, and God.[6] Therefore, their doctrine should not bring division, but instead, it should bring unification by Christ under whom they belong. Even though they are all called to oneness, through the generosity of Christ, the Church is given different Spiritual gifts. As 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 express, one body has many parts and can accomplish other things. Paul is writing to bring a similar illustration back to this church body. Overall, our oneness developed from Christ does not take away the individual purpose that he has set out for us. Therefore, the break-down of Scripture illustrates unity in the Church, the unique giftings of the Spirit for church leadership, and closes in how these induvial gifts prompt forward further unity in Christ because of a healthy church foundation.

God at Work Within the Church

Beginning in verses 7-9, Paul introduces how God is at work within the Church. Specifically, Paul begins by quoting Psalm 68:18, which expresses how Christ has ascended to the highest place. Psalm 68:18 is a picture of God himself marching into a fallen city as a conqueror taking tribute. Paul references this passage to illustrate how Christ's death and resurrection have won the victory over Satan.[7] Because He ascended, it means clearly that he has also descended to our earthly site. Through both his descension and ascension, it shows to us how he has made himself known clearly throughout the entire universe. Verse 10 explicitly tells us that he has "filled the entire universe with himself." Christ filling the universe tells us that He is Lord over all things presently, previously, and in the future. Michael W. Goheen summarizes this by expressing that Jesus is "both the beginning of something new and the continuation of something much older."[8] He served all things to give all people an opportunity to know that He reigns (Ephesians 1:22). There is no one too far from His reach. Ultimately, Paul expresses how Jesus has descended into the lower parts of the earth, conquering all sin and death, therefore, giving him the power and authority to provide these spiritual gifts, specifically to the Church. This portion of Scripture is offered to express how these specific spiritual gifts are delivered to unify the Church further.

As a result, we can now begin to depict what this means for the Church. The Church is unified under the power of Christ. Because of the power that Christ holds, it gives the Church a basis for which they are established. Through the Church under the authority of Christ, it results in the giving of spiritual gifts. The purpose and exercise of these gifts are to help provide maintenance in the unity that is found.[9]

Distribution of Gifts

Within verses 11-13, Paul uses this to explain the gifts distributed through Christ to the leaders of the Church. Each believer is given a gift with distinction and measure (v. 7). The leaders are provided these gifts to adequately equip God's people for the ministry and service of the Church. It is important to note that the spiritual gifts shown do not express their overall worth or value. Specifically, in verse 11, Paul explains the gifts of church leaders such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. The literal Greek translation of these gifts describes apostles as a messenger sent on mission, prophets as an interpreter and forth-teller of Truth (God's Word), evangelists as someone who preaches the Gospel, and a pastor as one who shepherds the flock.

Interestingly, throughout the Gospels, the Greek word for "teacher" is used almost strictly to how people addressed Jesus. In that, the definition of teacher can be seen as an explainer of Truth as that was what the example shown by Jesus. All of these gifts are divinely given through the Spirit for the leaders of the Church so that they can direct the Church rightly.[10]

With these gifts distributed, everything that the Church requires has been directly put in its place. Through these leadership positions, the Church is given what is necessary to implement the task at hand. Additionally, through leadership, they are expected to help cultivate the Church's gifts and be rightly utilized in their functional role. One Theologian, Gelder, describes their responsibilities clearly by expressing, "the main responsibilities of the ordained leadership are identifying members' spiritual gifts to cultivate them for effectiveness before allocating them to appropriate ministries."[11] With this role assumed, it is essential to note that those given these gifts should understand the weight and responsibility at hand. Because they lead and teach the Church, they are liable for equipping members of the Church to do His work and build up the body. With that, it is essential to note that if this is not done well, it could lead to the misleading of the Church. However, when properly training up the Church, through the faith and knowledge of Christ, it will also unify them.

Verse 12 instills the proper training, including the Great Commission's call, alluded to within the following two verses. We are all called to the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20. This can be further accomplished when we work together as the Church to express the fullness of God. This shows to the reader that proper church growth comes into effect when it is missiological. A missional mindset should be the inherent nature of a church altogether. Goheen describes a missional church by explaining, "it is not a specific activity of the church but the very essence and identity of the church as it takes up its role in God story in the context of culture and participates in God's mission to the world."[12] Believers should be urged to join in on what God is already doing within the world, and it should be done through the facilitation of church leadership. Overall, the leaders contain the instruments that the Holy Spirit enables to accomplish His purpose to bring others within the Church. As Believers, we can confidently know that we too have received these gifts through the Holy Spirit. We must ask ourselves how we are stewarding them. Are we spiritually mature? Are we actively looking for opportunities to serve the Church in the ways that we are gifted? If all things are done to glorify and honor the Lord, our spiritual gifts must be given back to the Lord through service. We can use our gifts to strengthen and uplift the Church for the sake of Christ's name.[13]

When seeking to do work for the Kingdom, it is evident that what the body can accomplish is far greater than what a Believer can do as an individual. Kingdom work is shown further in Ephesians 3:19, which states, "May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all fullness of life and power that comes from God." Therefore, when the Church can come together and use rightly the gifts that have been graciously given to them, they together can experience and express the fullness of God.[14]

Christian Life and Church Ministry

Now that these gifts are distributed, the Christian Life and Church ministry must be further expressed. One way that these are established is by rightly understanding verses 14-16. When the Church is rightly established under Christ through exemplary leadership, they will no longer be swayed by things that are not true. What we know about Truth is that Christ is the Absolute (John 14:6), the Holy Spirit is the driving force for the Church and is the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13); however, the opposite of that is Satan who is the author of lies and deceit (John 8:44).[15] When not founded on absolute Truth, the Church will be easily swayed. For that reason, it is vital that the Church be founded on leadership who look to unify the body under Christ, who is Absolute Truth.

The Church must know the Truth about who they are by understanding first whose they are. Additionally, they must know where their identity lies. When they understand where their identity lies, they will no longer be persuaded by the Enemy's schemes, as verse 14 explains. Instead, they will stand confidently on the Word of God, which will propel them to be an agent of God's story.[16] When the Church is taught rightly, naturally, they will be exposed to absolute Truth. Paul later indicates this in Ephesians 6, where he describes the Belt of Truth which is seen as what holds everything together. Truth is the foundational piece. If the Church wants to take part in Christ's work actively, then our words and actions should reflect true. Those obediently walking in the gifts distributed to them will rightly guide the Church in that Truth. However, it is necessary to live in obedience to Christ rightly. The final passages reveal what it means to be a mature Christian, walking in the fullness that God has given to us.

We are called to speak in Truth and respond with love. Both are essential and not to be separated from one another. In fact, by telling the truth with love, we can follow Christ's example to us Himself. By doing so, we can grow to be more like Christ within our own Christian walk. For example, if an individual stumbles, the church body is to pick up the other person. If someone sins, the Church can be accountable and find restoration (Galatian 6:1). As we follow this example as individuals, our love for the Lord will further unite us together. Specifically speaking, the literal translation of the word "love" within verse 15 points to a deep love that expresses a deep bond between God and man and man and man.[17] A spiritual bond develops a deep love and unity for one another, shown through Christ's love for the Church. It is a divine love that is only found for those who seek the Lord. Overall, as Christ is the head, everything else will fall in its place, as others follow the Lord in obedience according to their giftedness, so will it allow others to grow as they are shown to Truth. This leads to a healthy church. Within the Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age, it states, "The Creator perfectly designed the ecology of the human body to strengthen and grow in response to proper exercise and nutrition, and thus body ecology serves as an apt illustration for the church; as the body of Christ."[18] Therefore, the mission and maturity of the Church are accomplished when individuals exercise their gifts and are fed the Word of God. When this is done efficiently, the Church will continue to be strengthened and grow in the likeness of Christ.

Conclusion

Through the examination of Ephesians 4:7-16, Believers can be encouraged by the unity of the Church in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, there is no separation, but instead, He has prompted believers to be unified all as the body of Christ. Paul expresses this clearly to the Ephesians by defining two main ideas. Within the beginning, he explained how God is working within the Church and how the Holy Spirit has given leadership gifts. Later, Paul illustrates how the Ephesians are to respond as the Church body by focusing on the ultimate mission and maturity of the Church. Through the Scriptures that were studied, it was found that through the work of Christ on the cross and the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Church can be unified. Additionally, leaders can use the gifts they have been given to build the Body of Christ for the sake of the Church and the ultimate mission of the Gospel. As Blaise Pascal, Pensées states, "To be a member is to have neither life, being, nor movement except through the Spirit of the body and for the body."[19]

Bibliography

Coekin, Richard. Essay. In Ephesians for You, 8. The Good Book Company, 2015.

Goheen, Michael W. A Light to the Nations: The Missional Church and the Biblical Story. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011.

Heisey, Nancy R. "Ephesians." The Mennonite quarterly review 78, no. 3 (2004).

Hoehner, Harold W. Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker

Academic, 2009.

Ferreira, Ignatius W. and Wilbert Chipenyu. "Leadership Functions and Church Decline in the

Reformed Churches in South Africa: Considering Ephesians 4:11–16." Verbum Et Ecclesia 42, no. 1 (2021), http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2Fleadership-functions-church-decline-reformed%2Fdocview%2F2552757682%2Fse-2.

Lowe, Stephen D., and Mary Ella Lowe. Essay. In Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth through Online Education. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2018.

Nee, Watchman. Sit, Walk, Stand: The Process of Christian Maturity. Fort Washington, PA:

CLC Publications, 2015.

Nielson, Jon. Ephesians: The Glory of Christ in the Life of the Church, a 13-Lesson Study.

Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 2021. Accessed October 25, 2021. ProQuest Ebook Central.

NLT Study Bible. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008.

Roberts, Mark D. Ephesians. Grand Rapids: HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 2016.

Accessed October 25, 2021. ProQuest Ebook Central.

Wintle, Brian, and Gnanakan, Ken. Ephesians: A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary.

Carlisle: Langham Creative Projects, 2020. Accessed October 25, 2021. ProQuest Ebook Central.

Zodhiates, Spiros. Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible: Key Insights into God's Word: NASB,

New American Standard Bible. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2008.

"13. Ephesians, Colossians & Philemon." Journal for the Study of the New Testament 43, no. 5

(August 2021): 79–80. https://doi.org/10.1177/0142064X211016659.

[1] Richard Coekin, in Ephesians for You (The Good Book Company, 2015), pp. 8. [2] Harold W. Hoehner, Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), pp. 81. [3] Coekin, pp. 8. [4] Hoehner, pp. 70. [5] Ibid, pp.76-77 [6] Hoener, pp 77. [7] Hoener, Ibid. [8] Michael W. Goheen, A Light to the Nations: The Missional Church and the Biblical Story (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2011), 20. [9] Hoener, pp. 78 [10] Ibid. [11] Ferreira, Ignatius W. and Wilbert Chipenyu. "Leadership Functions and Church Decline in the Reformed Churches in South Africa: Considering Ephesians 4:11–16." Verbum Et Ecclesia 42, no. 1 (2021), 20. [12] Goheen, pp.4 [13] NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008). [14] NLT, Ibid. [15] NLT, Ibid. [16] Goheen, pp. 5 [17] Spiros Zodhiates, Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible: Key Insights into God's Word: NASB, New American Standard Bible (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2008). [18] Stephen D. Lowe and Mary Ella Lowe, in Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth through Online Education (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2018), 50. [19] Lowe, Ibid.