Ephesians 4:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,

NIV: As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

NASB: Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

CSB: Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received,

NLT: Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

KJV: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

NKJV: I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Chapter 4 describes both the unity of believers and the new hope which Christians have in Jesus. The first part of the chapter begins with Paul's mention of his imprisonment and his focus on Christian unity (Ephesians 4:1–16). The second part develops the concept of the new life believers have in Jesus (Ephesians 4:17–32). Verse 1 reminds readers of Paul's current condition, living under house arrest in Rome for two years (Acts 28:30–31).

Paul encourages believers to live lives which honor God's gift of grace. Paul offered similar words to the Philippians (Philippians 1:27) and Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:11). Believers have been called to follow Christ Jesus. Therefore, believers should live like Christ Jesus. The following verses will outline several ways in which those who believe are to live like Christ (Ephesians 4:2–3), followed by an emphasis on doing so in unity as "one body."

Ephesians 4:1–10 is Paul's compelling description of Christian unity. Every saved believer, regardless of talent or skill, Jew or Gentile, male or female, is saved by the same faith in the same God. Each Christian, therefore, is part of a single, universal family of believers in Jesus Christ. At the same time, God gives different gifts to different people, so that they can serve the many roles needed to accomplish His purposes here on earth. Rather than being concerned about what gifts we might lack, each Christian can rejoice in our unity, and focus on serving God to the best of our ability.

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.

Accessed 4/28/2024 4:02:17 PM