The Hymn of Unity — Ephesians 4:11–15

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11–15

The Epistle of Ephesians is described by some as the “Hymn of Unity.” Much of the Apostle Paul’s writings is rooted in his theme of oneness in Christ, not only in the church but with all of creation.The city of Ephesus was diverse in its belief system and Paul addresses the church in Ephesus in chapter four, specifically in verses 11–15 to characterize the governing of the church, and the purpose for the given ministry positions in the unification, edification, and spiritual growth of the church body.

CONTEXT

In the ancient world, Ephesus was a center of travel and commerce. Situated on the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Cayster River, the city was one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world. Ephesus was a perfect location for Paul to establish the Ephesian church because of its port attribute. The constant influx of new travelers and traders gave Paul a reach that allowed the Gospel to be transported across the region by those who heard and believed.

The Apostle Paul’s letter came from a concern of the spiritual temperature in Ephesus after his departure. As a booming metropolis, politically unified under the imperial government, the vision of a universal commonwealth was a household belief. At the same time there were groups gaining popularity as conventional religion declined, offering a certain sense of oneness in the common quest for deliverance from demonic forces and the achievement of personal integration. So, Paul, from prison, demonstrates a desperation for the leaders in the church of Ephesus to step up their game in the spiritual development of those under their care — new born Christians — and to anchor them to the truth of the gospel. In light of the winds (v.14) of false teachings blowing (peripheromenoi — “swung around”) churches back and forth and tossing them in the waves of doubt this charge to the the church leaders — apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors & teachers — was needed if God’s people were to be prepared for works of service, built up in unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (v. 12–13).

PLACE IN THE BIBLE

Ephesians is believed to have been written in A.D 60 or 61 while imprisoned most likely in Rome. There is still debate on whether Paul wrote this letter in Colosse, Ephesus, or Rome, because of the letters that he dispersed, but it is clear that Colossians and Philemon proceeded Ephesians. We do know the during this time in his life, regardless of his circumstance he had a clear sense of urgency to produce another letter to be taken along with the previous two.

MEANING

The ministry, of course, is exercised for the sake of the whole community (v. 12.13) Apostles and prophets provide a foundation for the Christian temple with Christ Jesus as the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:20). Evangelists are missionaries who pioneer outreach in areas where the faith has not yet been proclaimed. Pastors and teachers nurture and protect the flock. As such, they too must have that same tenacity as Paul. We as the church body are prepared (pros ton katartismon — “be put right”) for the works (gergon — “sing”) of service (diakonia). The purpose of being prepared is to be built up; therefore as Christians it is important to stay connected to the local church. Our unity in faith, as the Body of Christ, is a goal to be reached as we attain (gk. helikios — perfection) maturity in age and in spiritual measure ( gk. metro — measure) of the fullness of Christ (v. 13).

APPLICATION FOR SPIRITUAL FORMATION

The Great Commission is a command to ministers of the word to make disciples teaching them to observe all that Christ has shown us. Corporate worship is the time and location for that discipleship to take place as we speak the truth in love, we will an all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ (v. 15).

CONCLUSION

Ephesians was written to transcend controversy and the necessity for the church militant here on earth to fight incessantly for its very existence. It was a contemplative writing of God’s sovereign plan for mankind with practical demands of Christian living in a hostile society. It is imperative they continue prepare God’s people for works of service. This is the basis of Paul’s letter. We must all discipline ourselves to be involved in the church to hear the preaching and teaching of the Gospel and the whole counsel of God in corporate worship service.