Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to walk worthily of the calling to which you were called BLB
Paul usually starts his letters with theology and then moves into practical instruction of that theology. His use of “therefore” indicates that we are now transitioning from theology into moral instruction. If what Paul has been teaching in the first three chapters of Ephesians is true, then there are consequences in how we will live our lives as a result of those truths.
In the opening of Ephesians, Paul asserted his authority as an apostle. With that authority, he could simply command us to follow what he is teaching (and he does that in some writings) but here he is exhorting (other translations use implore, beseech, beg or plead) us rather than commanding us. The reason for this is Paul wants this behavior to come from the heart.
To walk (or live) is to make something a habitual practice. It is easy to read “worthily” and immediately think that you have to make yourself worthy but that is not how Paul is using the word here. Paul is exhorting us to become who we are as a result of the things God has done for us through Christ.
Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love; NHEB
There are five qualities that are essential for the calling described in verse 1. (In Galatians, these are called “fruits of the Spirit”). Humility is the idea of living our lives with an awareness of others rather than always getting our way. If we all adopt this approach, then everyone’s needs will be met. In contrast, humility is a weakness in the Greco-Roman world rather than a virtue because in these societies everyone is focused on looking out for themselves and for their own honor first.
In the ancient world, the word for gentleness (kindness or meekness in other translations) described domesticated animals. For example, a bull that has been trained to pull a plow. There is incredible power in these animals but it is power that is under control. Control involves choice.
Patience is a term often used in Scripture to describe God. We do innumerable things to annoy God yet rather than squash us like a bug, He is patient and slow to anger in the hope that we will repent. Love is from the Greek word “agape” which is an unconditional love – a love that doesn’t require that the recipient returns that love.
These virtues are all the more difficult because people aren’t perfect. The German philosopher Schopenhauer made the comparison of human beings to a group of porcupines on a cold night. As we huddle together to stay warm, we then prick each other with our sharp quills which drives us apart. Not to mention that we aren’t always good about forgiveness (unless we happen to remember that we have been forgiven).
Ephesians 4:3 being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. NHEB
Being eager (other translations use diligent or making every effort) is a big deal because there must be unity among all Christians if we are going to remain bonded to each other even as we have disagreements. This unity isn’t something we create as it already exists. Instead, unity is something we maintain. As to the bond, we are bound to this via our participation.
1Corinthians 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether Jews or Greeks or slaves or free, we were all made to drink of the one Spirit. NHEB
We are all part of the same experience.
In the Book of Acts, Gentiles don’t really enter the equation until Chapter 10. Peter has a vision while in Joppa about eating animals, birds and creatures that have previously been considered unclean. The third time he has this vision, a group of Gentiles from Caesarea show up asking him to come to the house of Cornelius. Peter goes to visit him even though though he will be contaminated by associating with a Gentile.
Cornelius is a centurion meaning he is in charge of one hundred of the best Roman soldiers. He is a God-fearer who is attracted to Judaism but hasn’t wanted to convert. Once there, Peter doesn’t know exactly what to do so he preaches a sermon and before he can finish, the Holy Spirit has fallen on everyone in the house just like it did at Pentecost. Peter sees the Gentiles having the same experience he had and concludes that God loves them too. Peter’s “ah-ha” moment comes about as a result of the Spirit (or we might say because he had been baptized with the Holy Spirit).
Paul is saying this Gospel of grace is the source of the unity. Looking back at the spiritual blessings in Ephesians 1, the last of these blessings is the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13 And when you heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation) – when you believed in Christ – you were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory. NET
Paul wants them to endeavor to live into this gift. It isn’t something we have earned but it is something we need to try and maintain.