Unity In Diversity
United by Gospel Confession (4:4–6)
Paul cites what was probably an early Christian creed. Paul points out seven “one” statements to emphasize the oneness we share in the gospel. It is important to note that Ephesians 4 is not teaching unity at any cost. It is a unity in Christ.
One body. We share a common existence in Christ’s church. We are diverse in background and gifting, but we are united as one.
One Spirit. We share a common origin in the Holy Spirit’s work. The Spirit is the One who creates unity and empowers us to maintain it.
One hope. We share a common hope in Christ. Formerly, we were “without hope” (2:12) until we were called to Christ. Now we have hope, and we must live in a manner worthy of our calling.
One Lord. Believers confess and proclaim, “Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Cor 4:5). When the early Christians said, “Jesus is Lord,” they were saying, “Caesar is not lord.” When Jewish Christians said this, they were boldly identifying Jesus with the God of the Hebrew Scriptures (cf. Deut 6:4). So this was not merely an empty creedal affirmation for early believers. This confession could cause you to lose your head.
One faith. The creed reminds us that we embrace the essential truths together, for “faith” here seems to refer to the body of truth we believe.
One baptism. We share a common experience of being spiritually baptized into Christ. We are united with Him. The act of baptism into water pictures this reality. This ordinance may be in view here.
One God and Father. As His adopted children, we share the same Father (cf. Eph 1:5). He is the God over all and the Father of all His children—regardless of their ethnicities. We are one big, adopted family.
Notice also the Trinity here in this creed. The triune God not only creates the unity we have as believers but also serves as the ultimate picture of unity. Jesus prayed for unity, reflecting on His relationship with the Father: “May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21). A healthy church is characterized by such unity, and it is a marvelous testimony to the watching world.
A Healthy Church Is Marked by Spiritual Diversity
EPHESIANS 4:7–12
Unity does not mean sameness. Our diverse roles and abilities enrich and bless the church. In the following verses Paul shows us how the church, with all of its glorious diversity, functions in a healthy way.
We Have Diverse Gifts (4:7–10)
Here Paul provides one of the key passages on spiritual gifts in the New Testament (cf. Rom 12:4–8; 1 Cor 12–14). He says every believer has received a gift, or “grace” (v. 7). This is not “saving grace” but “ministry grace.” It is grace to serve and build up the body. In 3:8 Paul said, “Grace was given” that he might preach to the Gentiles. Here grace is given to every believer to do ministry.
Perhaps what is most distinctive about this text, compared to the other texts on gifts, is its exalted, Christ-centered focus. Paul highlights Christ’s generosity and authority. Christ Jesus died, rose, and ascended into heaven as the victorious King with all authority and gave gifts to His people, displaying extravagant generosity (v. 8).
Here is another example of how Jesus is portrayed as a giver! In turn, we are to be givers. We are to be generous with the gifts and resources we have received.
These gifts are ways in which we extend the ministry of Jesus on this earth. When you see gifts at work, you should adore Jesus who gave them. When someone’s gifts bless you, you should see that as Jesus blessing you.
In verse 8 Paul cites Psalm 68 and relates it to Christ’s triumph and authority. Instead of directly quoting Psalm 68:18, Paul apparently gave a general summary of the entire psalm.
Psalm 68 is a victory hymn. Historically it was typical to bring back the spoils of war after a king won a significant military victory (Num 31:7–9; 2 Sam 12:29–31; see also Exod 3:19–22). Here, having triumphed over sin, death, hell, and the grave, our Savior gave His congregation spiritually gifted people that they might minister to His church.
In verses 9–10, which function like a parenthesis, Paul speaks of Christ’s descent and ascent. Paul sees the incarnation (descent) and ascension of Christ as evidence that Christ is Savior and King. Therefore, Christ is our ascended Lord. He came all the way down (Phil 2:5–8) and has now gone all the way up (Phil 2:9–11). Christ is above all. Christ fills all. Christ gives gifts to all. Marvel at His generosity and authority!
flock. In turn the New Testament says they should be honored and respected (1 Tim 5:17; 1 Thess 5:12–13).
The imagery of the shepherd applied to God in the Old Testament; He is the ultimate Shepherd who cared for and protected His people (Gen 49:24; Pss 23:1; 80:1; Isa 40:11). Leaders in the Old Testament were also referred to at times as “shepherds” (e.g., 2 Sam 5:2; Ps 78:71–72; Jer 23:2; Ezek 34:10). In the New Testament Jesus is the good shepherd (John 10:11–18), the great Shepherd (Heb 13:20), and the chief Shepherd (1 Pet 5:4). He is “the ultimate Senior Pastor,” and pastors today are undershepherds.
Some take teacher as the same office as pastors, translating them “pastor-teacher.” O’Brien provides a helpful conclusion:
The pastors and teachers are linked here by a single definite article in the Greek, which suggests a close association of functions between two kinds of ministers who operate within the one congregation (cf. 2:20). Although it has often been held that the two groups are identical (i.e., “pastors who teach”), it is more likely that the terms describe overlapping functions (cf. 1 Cor 12:28–29 and Gal 6:6, where “teachers” are a distinct group). All pastors teach (since teaching is an essential part of pastoral ministry), but not all teachers are also pastors. The latter exercise their leadership role by feeding God’s flock with his word. (Ephesians, 300)
While we wrestle with these distinctive positions and gifts, one thing is abundantly clear: God has blessed His people throughout redemptive history with gifted proclaimers of His Word. The author of Hebrews tells us, “Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7). Such leaders are instruments in the Redeemer’s hands, used for our sanctification. Their teaching strengthens us and, as Paul says next, equips us for ministry.
The saints do the work of ministry (4:12). Church leaders prepare, complete, train, and equip God’s people for ministry. We all have a work of ministry because we all have spiritual gifts given by Christ (1 Cor 12:7, 11; 1 Pet 4:10).
This is not the first time Paul has mentioned “work.” Earlier, he said that God saved us for good works (Eph 2:10). Later he will tell us to imitate God (5:1). God works, and we imitate God by working. The pastor works and the people work. The church is to have an “every-member ministry.”
What are you doing with what God has given you? The church will be enriched in worship and mission when everyone is serving. When members give, work in child care, visit those in need, make meals for new parents, and minister to one another in groups, the body is edified, blessed, and built up (4:12).
Every member should grow up and use a towel, not wear a bib. They should not be immature consumers but eager servants. This is how Paul Tripp puts it:
Your life is much bigger than a good job, an understanding spouse, and non-delinquent kids. It is bigger than beautiful gardens, nice vacations, and fashionable clothes. In reality, you are part of something immense, something that began before you were born and will continue after you die. God is rescuing fallen humanity, transporting them into his kingdom, and progressively changing them into his likeness—and he wants you to be part of it. (Instruments, 20)
There is nothing greater to do with your life than to spend it for the glory of our Redeemer-King and the advancement of His kingdom.