Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. What exhortation does the apostle give to the Ephesians in verse 3a (printed below?)
…making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit by the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)
The Ephesian Christians are exhorted to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit. We must recognize that there is a sacred spiritual unity, created by the Holy Spirit, a unity of Christians with the Lord Jesus Christ and with each other as members of His body (note 1 John 1:3). It is our obligation to do all that we can to preserve this unity and to insure that it is not disrupted (note Ephesians 4:30-32).
2. According to verse 3b (printed above under question #1), how are we to maintain the unity of the Spirit?
We maintain the unity of the Spirit by means of “the bond of peace.” Peace is viewed as a belt or band that holds the body of Christ together in unity. As we are exhorted in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Note, also, Romans 14:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:11.
3. Of what does the apostle Paul remind the Ephesian Christians in verse 4 (printed below?)
There is one body and one Spirit—just as the calling to which you were called has one hope (Ephesians 4:4)
The apostle Paul informs us that there is “one body and one Spirit.” Although there are many individual congregations and numerous denominations, we must never lose sight of the fact that there is one spiritual body composed of all true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the one and same Holy Spirit who has brought each believer into the body of Christ and who personally dwells in each member of Christ’s body (note 1 Corinthians 12:13).
4. Of what does Paul remind them in verse 5 (printed below?)
There is… (5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:5)
Paul reminds the Ephesians that there is “one Lord.” Every true Christian acknowledges that Jesus Christ is the one and only Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22 and 5:23) and the Lord of our lives (Matthew 11:28-29). We also are informed that there is “one faith.” Again, every true Christian acknowledges the Bible as his divine authority for faith and conduct. Furthermore, the apostle reminds the Ephesians that there is “one baptism.” The New Testament recognizes one baptism—that baptism signifying the spiritual reality of the Christian’s identification with the Triune God and his fellowship with Him (Matthew 28:19).
5. Of what does Paul remind them in verse 6 (printed below?)
There is…one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:6)
There is “one God and Father of all.” As Christians, we collectively know and confess the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as the only true God and as our God and Father (note John 20:17 and 1 Corinthians 8:5-6).
