Bible Studies at Bristol Road

Baptist Church

Life in the Body of Christ

EPHESIANS
STUDY SEVEN : UNITY & DIVERSITY

Chapter 4 1-16

David A. Green BD
May 2003
 Ephesians
Life in the Body of Christ

Study No. 7

UNITY & DIVERSITY

Chapter 4 verses 1-16

Unity in the Body of Christ

4 1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you
have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one
another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond
of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope
when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of
all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been
given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to
men.” (Psalm 68 v 18)
9
(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower,
earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all
the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
11
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be
evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for
works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity
in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to
the whole measure of the fulness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants,
tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of
teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the
Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every
supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

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 Ephesians
Life in the Body of Christ

Paul moves into the PRACTICAL section of his letter with a characteristic turn of
phrase – rendered notably in the AV “walk” (He uses this word περιπατει̂ν in 4:1,
4:17, 5:2, 5:8 and 5:15. He has already used it in 2:2.)

[Each of those references might provide us with a paragraph pointer for our next set of studies:

4 1 Unity in diversity
4 17 Purity
5 2 Like Him 5 vv 1 & 2
5 8 Find out & Wake up 5 vv 3-14
5 15 Instead 5 vv 15-20 (may deserve a separate study)

Paul then presents the theme of submission (5:21-6:9) which he develops in relationships within
family, marriage and the working world. His closing and well known paragraph (6:10-23) has the
theme of steadfastness. The summary outline for the second half of the letter is here. ]

As you might expect, his first practical point arises directly from the central theme of
the letter – Unity in Christ.

4 1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you
have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one
another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond
of peace.

As we might expect, Paul requires that every believer LIVE OUT the realities of the
Christian life – but surprisingly his first call on our obedience has to do with the one
aspect of Christian life and witness that seems most lacking in today’s communities.

Paul makes it clear that we do not have to CREATE unity – but to MAINTAIN
it. The failure to make that distinction has arguably cost us dearly in the
controversies that marked the 1950s and 60s and have been with us since. 1

1
(One of the reasons this church has the title that it has is a reflection of those days when fellowships left the Baptist Union because of deeply
held convictions about compromise and liberalism. At the heart of that debate was the issue of church unity.)

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 Ephesians
Life in the Body of Christ

There can be no doubt that the issue of unity dominates the Lord’s teaching.
He knew well that disunity would dog the church from the beginning. It is, for
example, at the heart of His High Priestly Prayer in John 17.

It is one of Satan’s greatest achievements that he has diverted attention away from
the Head of the Church to the failures and squabbles of the parts.

In this passage Paul presents us with a compelling series of reasons why keeping
the unity of the Spirit is so important:-

(a) Unity is at the heart of the Godhead – and this must be expressed in the
Church – the Body of Christ (vv 4-6)

(b) This is not uniformity – but rather a striking diversity which comes from
Christ’s distribution of gifts amongst His people. (vv7-12a)

(c) The aim of those gifts and the expected unity is maturity in Christ. (12b-14)

This is finally expressed in a reprise of verse 2 in the closing verses of the

paragraph. (vv 15 and 16)

You will notice here that Paul cites a quotation from Psalm 68 and an apparent
reference to the ascension of Christ as the Biblical basis for his appeal. The earlier
emphasis upon the resurrection and the cross is absent.

Before we see how Paul develops his argument look briefly at the instruction itself:

4 1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you
have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one
another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond
of peace.

It begins with God’s plan for His people : “a life worthy of the calling…”

We have already noticed how Paul constantly refers to the DESTINY of God’s people.
Our walk – our living out of the inner life of Christ in us – is an expression of God’s
plan for us. It is neither an accident nor an option. It flows from God’s purpose –
and His purpose will not be diverted.

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Life in the Body of Christ

So, what kind of life is this that flows from the divine destiny? Is it a triumphalist
parading of virtues – an advertising campaign of witness? No – it is a distinctive but
quiet and submissive life!
2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

This seems to go against the grain doesn’t it? Paul the prisoner appeals to his
readers to adopt the life of humility, gentleness, patience and toleration. And yet,
as we consider the Lord Himself and the witness of His life we can understand it.
He did not strive or shout or clamour. His was a ministry marked by that rare and
undervalued commodity – meekness.

Of course there will be times when He will speak out against hypocrisy in terms that
are memorable and severe – but mostly His life and ministry is marked by
gentleness blended with strength. Consider how he dealt with His followers. How
he gently rebuked, restored, warned and comforted them. And He sends them out
as those who will always be accompanied by Him.

MATTHEW 28 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them
to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

In Paul’s time the notion of humility was – as it is in our own day and age –
associated with weakness. But that which the world reckons weakness is indeed it’s
strength

And thirdly:
3
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

There is a unique blend of energy and settled confidence – personal effort and the
Spirit’s power. But it is a commandment to EFFORT

The Message abbreviates it: alert at noticing differences and quick at mending
fences.

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Life in the Body of Christ

A. God’s Nature is One 4-6

4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you
were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who
is over all and through all and in all.

As you would expect there is a clear link between the Nature of the Godhead and
the nature of the Christian. We are to be an expression of Him who made us, Him
who redeemed us and Him who transforms us.

Paul may be making a reference to the Hebrew Shemah

“Hear O Israel the Lord your God is one …” DEUT 6 v 4

But the Trinity is clearly at work here.

There are seven “ones” :

body Spirit hope

Lord faith baptism
God and Father of all

The Church should be unmistakeably a statement of that Oneness that marks the
work of God and the nature of God.

No experience of the believer or ordinance of the Church should divide it – even

though in practice some of the commonest causes of disagreement in the Church
are highlighted here!

As always the root of all conduct is the character and unity of the Godhead.

Our pattern is One – our pattern is Him.

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Life in the Body of Christ

B. Unity in diversity verses 7-12a

7
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it
says:

“When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”
(Psalm 68 v 18)
9
(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower,
earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all
the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
11
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be
evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for
works of service,

Paul returns to his favourite theme of GRACE – and he quotes the Messianic Psalm
68 (18) to remind us of the Lord Jesus’ triumphant distribution of gifts to His people.

It is worth noticing how Paul uses the words of the Psalm that is so pivotal to his
argument.

If you turn up the Psalm itself you find the wording rather different:

Psalm 68:18 (NIV)

18
When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts
from men, even from the rebellious— that you, O Lord God, might dwell there.

Spot the difference? Yes – the sense seems to quite different doesn’t it. Why?

All sorts of suggestions have been made – including that that Paul used a Rabbinic
tradition – or perhaps he was aware that by transposing just one Hebrew character
the word for received becomes the word share. (Did Paul know a textual tradition that
read chalaq (share, divide) instead of laqach (receive)—a transposition of only one
consonant in Hebrew? Did he read laqach with the (plausible) sense ‘take to, or receive for a
person’2 )

2
Carson, D., & Guthrie, D. (1997, c1994). New Bible Commentary : 21st century edition (electronic ed. of the 4th ed.)
(Eph 4:17). Downers Grove: InterVarsity.

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Life in the Body of Christ

Clearly the arguments may continue – but there is absolutely no dispute about Paul’s
understanding of the words.

Indeed Paul seems much more preoccupied with the word “ascended” doesn’t he?
See how he grapples with its meaning in verses 9 and 10.

It’s a fascinating passage for folk who like the puzzles of exegesis – but the central
theme and meaning is clear:

Christ decides how He will distribute grace to each one of us

It is part of His triumphant work (cf Col. 2 15) - emphatically linked with
what Jesus did!

It will one day be brought to a glorious conclusion “to fill the whole
universe…”

It is a mark of His honour and glory – and it is THAT which is to be worked out
in the Church which is His body.

And specifically:

It is most evident in the range of ministries within the Church

11
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be
evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for
works of service,

Please notice that the stress is on ministries NOT offices.

to be … apostles
prophets
evangelists
pastors and teachers

And for what purpose? To preach the Gospel?

12
to prepare God’s people for works of service,

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Life in the Body of Christ

There is an historical and a theological perspective here. Those who (like Paul
himself) ministered to prepare God’s people for service, and the underlying principle
that Christ decides the distribution of gifts that ensures the continuing ministry of
the Church to its members so that they may live out works of service.

If you step back into the times of the apostle as you read these words you can more
easily capture the meaning – for the folk who received this letter were those who
knew about apostles and prophets, evangelists and pastors and teachers. They
would be able to identify these ministries – especially as listening to the words of
Paul himself.

We, however, like to read into the list all manner of prescriptive rather than
descriptive roles.

Unity is expressed in the diversity of MINISTRIES within Christ’s Body.

This Church is a living and growing organism not a static role-determined

organisation.

So Paul concludes …

C. The mark of unity is Maturity 12b — 16

so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and
in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole
measure of the fulness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back
and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by
the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking
the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is,
Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting
ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

That is why I have split the passage in the middle of verse 12 – to emphasise the
OUTCOME of the unity in the diversity of Christ’s gifted ministries in His Church.

so that the body of Christ may be built up

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Life in the Body of Christ

We often miss this point. We are preoccupied with the expansion of the Church
rather than it’s growth. This is an important marker of success to set beside those
that we are more inclined to use. How do we shape up?

So we notice as Paul develops his theme of the practical outworking of the

wonderful ministry of Christ a transition from “maintaining” in verse 3 to “reaching
unity” in verse 13.

MATURITY is all about growing in Christ

and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ.

How do we know that we are “grown up”?

How do we know that the church is “built up”?

The description is set out in the closing verses of our paragraph:

14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown
here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men
in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things
grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body,
joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in
love, as each part does its work.

These are the marks of that maturity:

no longer at the mercy of Satan’s influence or deceit - stability

no longer uncertain about what to say - “speaking the truth in love”

no longer on our own - but in all things held together

no longer uncertain about who we are or what to do

Stable
Speaking the truth
Certain of our nature
Certain of our function

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 Ephesians
Life in the Body of Christ

In this first practical section, then, Paul sets out the first priority – unity in Christ.

This is a unity which derives from the Lord Himself

It is a unity we have to make an effort to maintain

It is a unity that reflects the constant giving of the triumphant Christ

A unity that is seen in the different ministries He wants us to have

A unity that grows and matures.

Are we ready for this challenge?

… until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and
graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and
without, fully alive like Christ.
No prolonged infancies among us, please. We’ll not tolerate babes in the woods,
small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to
know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead
from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each
other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow
up healthy in God, robust in love.
3

David A. Green BD
21 May 2003

3
Peterson, E. H. (2003). The Message : The Bible in contemporary language (Eph
4:13-16). Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress.

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