Study Content

Paul begins this chapter by urging believers to walk worthy of their calling.

The Greek word peripateō means to walk or conduct one’s life.

Paul is describing a lifestyle that reflects the spiritual reality believers now possess.

The word axios, translated worthy, refers to something that corresponds appropriately to its value.

In other words, the way believers live should reflect the transformation that has taken place through Christ.

Paul describes several attitudes that support unity within the church.

The first is humility.

The Greek word tapeinophrosynē means lowliness of mind.

In the ancient world humility was often viewed as weakness.

However, within the Christian community humility becomes a strength that protects relationships from pride and conflict.

Paul also mentions gentleness.

The word prautēs refers to controlled strength.

It describes a person who has the power to react harshly but chooses restraint instead.

Patience is another essential quality.

The Greek word makrothymia means long-suffering or endurance with people.

It describes the ability to remain steady even when others are difficult.

Paul then describes believers as bearing with one another in love.

The word anechō means to hold oneself up against something.

This suggests enduring imperfections in others while continuing to love them.

These attitudes help preserve unity.

Paul urges believers to be diligent in maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Unity is not something believers create.

It is something the Spirit has already established through Christ.

The responsibility of believers is to protect and maintain that unity.

Paul then lists several realities that define the shared foundation of the church.

There is one body and one Spirit.

Just as believers share one hope, they also serve one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.

There is one God and Father of all who is above all, through all, and in all.

This series of “one” statements emphasizes the unity created by God’s work.

Despite cultural differences and individual backgrounds, believers share the same spiritual foundation.

Paul then explains that grace has been given to each believer according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

This grace includes spiritual gifts designed to serve the body of Christ.

Paul quotes from Psalm 68, describing Christ’s victory and His giving of gifts to people.

The imagery comes from the ancient practice of a conquering king distributing gifts after victory.

Paul interprets this passage as referring to Christ’s triumph through His death and resurrection.

Christ descended into the lower parts of the earth and then ascended far above the heavens.

Through this victory Christ now fills all things with His presence and authority.

Paul then describes the specific roles Christ gave to the church.

These include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

These roles exist to equip believers for the work of ministry.

The word katartismos refers to preparation or equipping.

The purpose of leadership in the church is not to perform all the ministry but to prepare others to serve.

The result of this equipping is the building up of the body of Christ.

Paul explains that this process continues until believers reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God.

The goal is maturity.

The Greek word teleios means complete or fully developed.

Paul describes this maturity as reaching the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

This imagery suggests spiritual growth into Christlike character.

When believers mature spiritually they are no longer like children tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine.

The word kludōnizō refers to being tossed by turbulent waves.

Paul is warning against instability caused by false teaching.

Spiritual maturity brings discernment and stability.

Instead of being misled, believers are called to speak the truth in love.

Truth without love can become harsh.

Love without truth can become misleading.

Paul shows that both must operate together.

As believers practice truth in love they grow up into Christ, who is the head of the body.

Paul then returns to the imagery of the body.

Christ is the head from whom the entire body is joined together.

Every part of the body contributes to its growth.

The Greek word symbibazō means to join or knit together.

Each member plays a role in strengthening the whole.

Paul then shifts to describing the contrast between the old life and the new life in Christ.

He warns believers not to live as the Gentiles do.

The word mataiotēs describes emptiness or futility of thinking.

A mind separated from God becomes darkened in understanding.

This leads to alienation from the life of God.

Paul describes this condition as being hardened in heart.

The word pōrōsis refers to a calloused or insensitive heart.

Such hardness leads to moral indifference and the pursuit of sinful desires.

But Paul reminds believers that they did not learn Christ in this way.

The truth in Jesus produces transformation.

Believers are called to put off the old self.

The word apothēmi means to remove clothing.

The old self represents the former life corrupted by deceitful desires.

Believers must also be renewed in the spirit of their mind.

The Greek word anakainoō means to make new or renovate.

This renewal occurs as the mind is shaped by truth.

Paul then says believers must put on the new self.

Again using the clothing imagery, Paul describes a new identity created according to God’s righteousness and holiness.

Paul concludes the chapter with practical examples of this transformation.

Believers should put away falsehood and speak truth to one another.

Anger should not lead to sin or prolonged resentment.

Those who once stole should now work and share with those in need.

Words should build others up rather than tear them down.

Paul also warns believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit.

The word lypeō means to cause sorrow or distress.

The Spirit marks believers as belonging to God and guides them toward holiness.

Finally, Paul calls believers to remove bitterness, anger, and malice.

Instead they should be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.

Forgiveness is grounded in the example of Christ, who forgave believers through His sacrifice.