Ephesians 4:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—

NIV: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;

NASB: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling;

CSB: There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope at your calling--

NLT: For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

KJV: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

NKJV: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;

This verse begins a classic repetition of "ones," forming a well-known passage from the New Testament, running through verse 6. By repeating the concept of "one-ness," "unity," and so forth, this section emphasizes the closeness and harmony we are meant to demonstrate as believers. First, the unity Paul refers to in verse 3 requires a common focus as a united body. In other words, there are not actually different churches, but one true, universal church of Christ. Every saved believer in Christ is a member of this one body, even if they consider themselves part of some secondary denomination.

Second, the Holy Spirit is the one and only spiritual force which unites all believers in Christ.

Third, all believers are called to the same hope of a future eternity with Christ (1 Peter 1:3; 3:15). Paul discussed this calling in Ephesians 1:4, 18 as well as the very beginning of this chapter.

Interestingly, all three parts of the Trinity are again in view. This verse mentions the Spirit. Verse 5 mentions the Lord Jesus. Verse 6 includes the Father. Paul's emphasis on all three persons of the triune God as equally divine has been developed multiple times in this letter.

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.