ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Ephesians 4

Eph. 4:1–16 Unity of the Body of Christ. Paul shows how to apply the truths he has been teaching. There are three subsections: vv. 1–6 and 7–10 and 11–16.

Eph. 4:1 prisoner. Paul has been jailed because of his commitment to Christ.

Eph. 4:2 The pagan culture of Paul’s day did not consider humility an admirable quality.

Eph. 4:3 Peace is a bond that unites believers in Christ. They do not create this unity, however; they merely preserve the unity already established by the Lord.

Eph. 4:4 Spirit. Just as a human body has one spirit that gives it life, so Christ’s body, the church, is given life by one Holy Spirit. one hope. Christians will live with God forever. This hope unites them. On the church as a body, see Rom. 12:4–8; 1 Cor. 12:12–31.

Eph. 4:5 one Lord. Jesus Christ. one faith. The spiritual truths Christians believe. One baptism may refer to the baptism of all believers into one body (see 1 Cor. 12:13) or it may refer to water baptism as such. Verses 4–6 of Ephesians 4 seem to make a special point of mentioning the three members of the Trinity: “One Spirit” (v. 4), “one Lord [Christ]” (v. 5), and “one God and Father” (v. 6).

Eph. 4:6 over all . . . through all . . . in all. God is present everywhere (see Ps. 139:7–12; Isa. 66:1).

Eph. 4:7 grace . . . according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Gifts given by God’s choosing to serve the church.

Eph. 4:8 it says. Paul cites Ps. 68:18 to show that Christ gave gifts to his people from what he had taken from his enemies. The “gifts” are the church leaders described in Eph. 4:11. The captives over whom Christ triumphed are most likely demons (compare 1:19–22).

Eph. 4:9 lower regions, the earth. In the incarnation, Christ descended from the highest heavens to the lowest regions (that is, to the earth). He then ascended (Acts 1:9) 40 days after his resurrection to the highest heavens at the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33).

Eph. 4:11 For apostles, see note on 1:1. prophets. A reference to the gift of prophecy in the NT church. evangelists. People who proclaim the gospel to unbelievers (see Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. 4:5). shepherds (or “pastors” [esv footnote]) and teachers. People who teach and guide those who become believers. There is some uncertainty whether these terms refer to two different ministry roles or functions (see 1 Tim. 5:17) or a single “shepherd-teacher” ministry role (see esv footnote).

Eph. 4:12 Church leaders are to equip the saints (all Christians) to do the work of ministry (1 Cor. 12:7, 11; 1 Pet. 4:10).

Eph. 4:13 The variety of gifts serves to bring about the unity of Christ’s people. Mature manhood contrasts with “children” in the next verse (see Heb. 5:11–14). knowledge of the Son of God. Knowing Christ personally and understanding all that he did and taught brings about “mature manhood.” measure. Christ Jesus is the standard of maturity. Christ’s fullness is the expression of his divine and human perfection (see Eph. 1:23; 3:19; Col. 1:19).

Eph. 4:14 deceitful schemes. Compare 1 John 4:1–3; Jude 4; Rev. 2:2.

Eph. 4:15 The truth must always be presented in love. As head, Christ leads, directs, and guides the body (see 5:23; 1 Cor. 11:3).

Eph. 4:16 As part of Christ’s body, every believer has an important role in the church’s growth. in love. See 1 Corinthians 13.

Eph. 4:17–24 Paul’s Testimony. Paul explains the new life in Christ that the Ephesians have experienced.

Eph. 4:17–18 ignorance. Not having saving knowledge of Christ. hardness of heart. Unwillingness to turn from sin and accept Christ (see Matt. 13:14–15).

Eph. 4:22 put off your old self. See Col. 3:9–10. As the esv footnote indicates, “self” translates the generic Greek term for “man” or “human.” The “old self” refused to trust and serve Christ. corrupt. Human hearts are “deceitful above all things, and desperately sick” (Jer. 17:9).

Eph. 4:23 renewed. The “renewal” or “transformation” of the mind (Rom. 12:2) occurs as believers study and apply God’s Word and begin to think in new and right ways.

Eph. 4:24 put on the new self (literally, “man”; see note on v. 22). Believers are created anew after the likeness of God. Compare Gen. 1:27; 1 Cor. 15:49.

Eph. 4:25–32 Encouragement for a Holy Lifestyle. Paul gives practical examples of how church members strengthen Christ’s body (compare vv. 13–16).

Eph. 4:26–27 Be angry. Not all anger is sin, but believers should not remain angry. This will only give an opportunity to the devil to do evil.

Eph. 4:29 Christians are to avoid corrupting talk. They must speak in ways that are good for building up and giving grace, that is, what they say should benefit others rather than corrupting them.

Eph. 4:30 To grieve the Holy Spirit means to cause him sorrow by one’s sin. sealed. See note on 1:13. The day of redemption is the day of Christ’s return (see Luke 21:28; Rom. 8:23).

Eph. 4:31 All modifies every item in the list. Bitterness may be listed first because it often leads to the other sins Paul names.