Ephesians 4:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,

NIV: when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

NASB: if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,

CSB: assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus,

NLT: Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,

KJV: If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

NKJV: if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:

Paul has just reminded the Ephesians about the sin and struggle which unbelievers carry. He has made a strong contrast between a life of sin and the way Christian believers are called to walk in the world. Since Paul has personal experience with this church, he knows they have been taught the truth of Christian living.

Paul's statement here is instructive. He clarifies that this truth—a changed life, with freedom from the power of sin—is for those who have heard the gospel and come to know Christ. As is true in any congregation, it is possible some will be there who do not know Christ. Paul seeks to make clear his words are specifically for believers. Simply trying to live well is not the point. Paul's remark here ties a person's ability to live distinctly from the sinful world to their salvation in Christ.

Paul further reminds his readers of Jesus' status as the one and only "truth" (John 14:6). In this letter, Paul called the gospel the "word of truth" (Ephesians 1:13), and referred to "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). Later, he will command believers to "speak the truth with his neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25), and to fasten on the "belt of truth" (Ephesians 6:14). Paul associated Jesus alone, not the philosophies of unbelievers, with truth. Though non-believers often seek truth through philosophy or other human means, ultimate truth is found only in Jesus, not the gods and goddesses of human culture.

Ephesians 4:17–32 is a valuable, highly practical explanation of how to live out a Christian life. Paul notes the difference between a life wallowing under the power of sin, as opposed to a life thriving in the power of Christ. Christians are called on to ''put away'' the things which entangle unbelievers. This includes sins such as malice, slander, commotion, and bitterness. Instead, we should demonstrate a Christ-like attitude of love and forgiveness.

Truly understanding saving grace, as Paul explained in prior chapters, is the Christian's first motivation for living a godly life. Here, Paul encourages believers to live in way which honors that gift. All saved Christians are part of a single, unified family, part of the ''body'' of Christ. At the same time, different believers are given different talents. Some are called to positions of leadership and authority. All Christians should turn away from the ''old self'' we were prior to being saved. Paul's explanation of the ''new self'' includes some basic, practical steps.

The first half of Ephesians focuses mostly on doctrine, setting up ideas related to the Christian faith. The last half, beginning in chapter 4, puts those theories into practice. Paul begins by emphasizing the ultimate unity of all Christians, regardless of individual spiritual gifts. Paul also begins to explain how knowledge of the truths should translate into action. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 feature specific, real-world applications of Christianity to daily life.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.