Ephesians 4:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

NIV: Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

NASB: but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ,

CSB: But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head--Christ.

NLT: Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

KJV: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

NKJV: but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

Another sign of maturity in a Christian is the ability to speak the truth in love. Interestingly, the ability to promote what is right with the right attitude is directly contrasted ("rather") to being immature and deceived. Immature believers can fall prey to the false choice of speaking truth without love, or speaking love without truth. The first problem promotes legalism; the second problem promotes depravity. God's command is to grow in maturity, a progression which includes both action and information (Ephesians 4:11–12).

To speak the truth in love includes how Christians communicate with believers and unbelievers alike. Believers are called to live in harmony with one another as family. With unbelievers, we are told to be ready at all times to "make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). There is no reason why a Christian has to be mean-spirited in order to be accurate when sharing our faith with others. Instead, we should speak the truth in love, letting God's Spirit work boldly in us and through us to help others come to faith in Christ.

Ephesians 4:11–16 discusses both the gift of spiritual leaders and the importance of mature, loving, unified Christianity. Some people are endowed with gifts of teaching, preaching, and so forth. It is crucial to the health of Christian congregations that these members use their God-given talents appropriately. At the same time, different members of a church have different abilities. The community of believers functions best when all of those individual pieces are working together, through their unique roles. A healthy church is far more powerful than a ''big'' church.

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.