Evidently Paul began this list of seven elements of unity with the Spirit"s work because he had been speaking of the unity of the Spirit ( Ephesians 4:3). He then proceeded to discuss the gifts of the Spirit ( Ephesians 4:7-13; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6). [source][source][source]
"The unity of the church is due to charis, God"s grace having reconciled us to himself; but the diversity of the church is due to charismata, God"s gifts distributed to church members." [1][source]
Context Summary
Ephesians 4:1-10 - Keeping The "unity Of The Spirit"
Paul here admonishes lowliness in the presence of another's excellence; meekness in suffering injury; long-suffering under provocation; forbearance toward the trying mistakes and failures of others. Remember that the unity of the Church, as the body of Christ, is already made; but it is for us to maintain it. We must avoid whatever in word or deed would break it. There are seven different bonds of unity, but of these the greatest is the nature of God, which is transcendent, who is above all; penetrant, through all; and immanent, in all. Each saint has some grace or gift; use it. On the whole, after we reach maturity, we had better center on what we can do best.
What a magnificent conception is given in Ephesians 4:8-9 of the ascended Christ! The original conception was supplied by Deborah in her noble song. Descending from her morning vigil on Tabor, she summoned Barak to lead captive the foe who for so long had held the land in captivity. But in Jesus' ascension, a long procession of yet mightier foes was led captive by Him. Among them were Death, the Grave, and Hades, the underworld. It is from the hands of Jesus that even the rebellious may obtain their gifts. There is no depth to which Jesus will not go to save; no height to which He will not lift us [source]
Chapter Summary: Ephesians 4
1He exhorts to unity; 7and declares that God therefore gives various gifts unto men; 11that his church might be edified, 16and grow up in Christ 18He calls them from the impurity of the Gentiles; 24to put on the new man; 25to cast off lying; 29and corrupt communication
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 4:6
One God and Father of all [εις τεος και πατηρ παντων] Not a separate God for each nation or religion. One God for all men. See here the Trinity again (Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit). [source]
Who is over all [ο επι παντων] Thus by three prepositions (επι δια εν epiπαντων παντων πασιν diaen) Paul has endeavoured to express the universal sweep and power of God in men‘s lives. The pronouns (pantōnpantōnpāsin) can be all masculine, all neuter, or part one or the other. The last “in all” is certainly masculine and probably all are. [source]
and through all [και δια παντων] Thus by three prepositions (επι δια εν epiπαντων παντων πασιν diaen) Paul has endeavoured to express the universal sweep and power of God in men‘s lives. The pronouns (pantōnpantōnpāsin) can be all masculine, all neuter, or part one or the other. The last “in all” is certainly masculine and probably all are. [source]
and in all [και εν πασιν] Thus by three prepositions (επι δια εν epiπαντων παντων πασιν diaen) Paul has endeavoured to express the universal sweep and power of God in men‘s lives. The pronouns (pantōnpantōnpāsin) can be all masculine, all neuter, or part one or the other. The last “in all” is certainly masculine and probably all are. [source]
One God and Father [] The fundamental ground of unity. Note the climax: One Church, one Christ, one God. [source]
Above all [ἐπὶ πάντων] Rev, over: as ruler. [source]
Romans 5:21Unto death [ἐν τῷ θανάτῳ] Wrong. In death, as Rev. As the sphere or dominion of death's tyranny. Compare Romans 5:14, “death reigned.” Some, however, explain the preposition as instrumental, by death. How much is lost by the inaccurate rendering of the prepositions. Ellicott remarks that there are few points more characteristic of the apostle's style than his varied but accurate use of prepositions, especially of two or more in the same or in immediately contiguous clauses. See Romans 3:22; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:16. [source]
Greek Commentary for Ephesians 4:6
Not a separate God for each nation or religion. One God for all men. See here the Trinity again (Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit). [source]
Thus by three prepositions (επι δια εν epiπαντων παντων πασιν diaen) Paul has endeavoured to express the universal sweep and power of God in men‘s lives. The pronouns (pantōnpantōnpāsin) can be all masculine, all neuter, or part one or the other. The last “in all” is certainly masculine and probably all are. [source]
Thus by three prepositions (επι δια εν epiπαντων παντων πασιν diaen) Paul has endeavoured to express the universal sweep and power of God in men‘s lives. The pronouns (pantōnpantōnpāsin) can be all masculine, all neuter, or part one or the other. The last “in all” is certainly masculine and probably all are. [source]
Thus by three prepositions (επι δια εν epiπαντων παντων πασιν diaen) Paul has endeavoured to express the universal sweep and power of God in men‘s lives. The pronouns (pantōnpantōnpāsin) can be all masculine, all neuter, or part one or the other. The last “in all” is certainly masculine and probably all are. [source]
The fundamental ground of unity. Note the climax: One Church, one Christ, one God. [source]
Rev, over: as ruler. [source]
Through, pervading: in, indwelling. Compare Ephesians 2:22; Ephesians 3:17. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Ephesians 4:6
Wrong. In death, as Rev. As the sphere or dominion of death's tyranny. Compare Romans 5:14, “death reigned.” Some, however, explain the preposition as instrumental, by death. How much is lost by the inaccurate rendering of the prepositions. Ellicott remarks that there are few points more characteristic of the apostle's style than his varied but accurate use of prepositions, especially of two or more in the same or in immediately contiguous clauses. See Romans 3:22; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:16. [source]
Regular Pauline argument for a universal gospel (Galatians 3:20; Romans 3:30; Ephesians 4:6). [source]