Ephesians 4

Unity in the Body of Christ

1 I therefore, m a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to n walk in a manner worthy of o the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all p humility and q gentleness, with r patience, s bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in t the bond of peace. 4 There is u one body and v one Spirit - just as you were called to the one w hope that belongs to your call - 5 x one Lord, y one faith, z one baptism, 6 a one God and Father of all, b who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But c grace was given d to each one of us e according to the measure of Christ's gift.

8 Therefore it says,
f "When he ascended on high g he led a host of captives,
and he gave gifts to men."

9 ( h In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into i the lower regions, the earth? 1 10 He who descended is the one who also j ascended k far above all the heavens, that he might l fill all things.) 11 And m he gave the n apostles, the prophets, the o evangelists, the p shepherds 2 and teachers, 3 12 q to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for r building up s the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to t the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, u to mature manhood, 4 to the measure of the stature of v the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, w tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in x deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, y speaking the truth in love, we are to z grow up in every way into him who is a the head, into Christ, 16 b from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, c when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

The New Life

17 Now this I say and d testify in the Lord, e that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, f in the futility of their minds. 18 They g are darkened in their understanding, h alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to i their hardness of heart. 19 They j have become callous and k have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you l learned Christ! - 21 assuming that m you have heard about him and n were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to o put off p your old self, 5 which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through q deceitful desires, 23 and r to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on s the new self, t created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you u speak the truth with his neighbor, for v we are members one of another. 26 w Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and x give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather y let him labor, z doing honest work with his own hands, so a that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 b Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give c grace to those who hear. 30 And d do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, e by whom you were sealed for the day of f redemption. 31 g Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 h Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, i forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

  1. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:1
    For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles -
  2. Cross References
    Colossians 1:10
    So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
    Colossians 2:6
    Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.
    1 Thessalonians 2:12
    We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
    Philippians 1:27
    Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
  3. Cross References
    Romans 8:28
    And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
  4. Cross References
    Acts 20:19
    Serving the Lord with all humility and with tea...
    Philippians 2:3
    Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humi...
    Colossians 3:12
    Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and bel...
    1 Peter 3:8
    Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympat...
    1 Peter 5:5
    Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to th...
    Colossians 2:18
    Let no one disqualify you, insisting on ascetic...
    Colossians 2:23
    These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in pr...
  5. Cross References
    Galatians 5:23
    Gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
  6. Cross References
    Colossians 1:11
    May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.
  7. Cross References
    Colossians 3:13
    Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
  8. Cross References
    Colossians 3:14
    And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
    Acts 8:23
    For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.
  9. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:16
    And might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
  10. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:18
    For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
  11. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:18
    Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
  12. Cross References
    Zechariah 14:9
    And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.
    1 Corinthians 1:13
    Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
    1 Corinthians 8:6
    Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
  13. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:13
    Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
    Jude 1:3
    Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
  14. Cross References
    Galatians 3:27 - 28
    For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
  15. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 12:5 - 6
    And there are varieties of service, but the same Lord.
  16. Cross References
    Romans 9:5
    To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
  17. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:2
    Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you.
  18. Cross References
    Matthew 25:15
    To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
    1 Corinthians 12:7
    To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
  19. Cross References
    Romans 12:3
    For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
    Ephesians 4:16
    From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
  20. Cross References
    Psalms 68:18
    You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.
  21. Cross References
    Judges 5:12
    Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, break out in a song! Arise, Barak, lead away your captives, O son of Abinoam.
    Colossians 2:15
    He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
  22. Cross References
    Psalms 68:18
    You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in your train and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.
  23. Cross References
    John 3:13
    No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
  24. Cross References
    Psalms 63:9
    But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth.
    Isaiah 44:23
    Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it; shout, O depths of the earth; break forth into singing, O mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and will be glorified in Israel.
  25. Cross References
    Mark 16:19
    So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
  26. Cross References
    Hebrews 4:14
    Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
    Hebrews 7:26
    For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
    Hebrews 9:24
    For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
  27. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:23
    Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
  28. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 12:5 - 6
    And there are varieties of service, but the same Lord.
  29. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 12:28
    And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
  30. Cross References
    Acts 21:8
    On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
    2 Timothy 4:5
    As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
  31. Cross References
    Jeremiah 3:15
    'And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.
    Acts 20:28
    Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
  32. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 13:9
    For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.
  33. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:16
    From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
    Ephesians 4:29
    Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
  34. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 12:27
    Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
  35. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:5
    One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
  36. Cross References
    Hebrews 5:14
    But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
  37. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:23
    Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
  38. Cross References
    Matthew 11:7
    As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
    Hebrews 13:9
    Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
    James 1:6
    But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
    Jude 1:12
    These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted.
  39. Cross References
    Ephesians 6:11
    Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
  40. Cross References
    1 John 3:18
    Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
    Ephesians 4:25
    Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
  41. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:21
    In whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
  42. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:22
    And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.
  43. Cross References
    Colossians 2:19
    And not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
  44. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:7
    But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
  45. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 2:12
    We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
  46. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:22
    To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.
    Ephesians 2:1 - 3
    And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
    Colossians 3:7
    In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
    1 Peter 4:3
    For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
  47. Cross References
    Romans 1:21
    For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
    1 Peter 1:18
    Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold.
    Colossians 2:18
    Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind.
    2 Peter 2:18
    For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error.
  48. Cross References
    Romans 11:10
    Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.
  49. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:12
    Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
  50. Cross References
    Mark 3:5
    And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
  51. Cross References
    Proverbs 23:35
    "They struck me," you will say, "but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink."
    1 Timothy 4:2
    Through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared.
  52. Cross References
    1 Kings 21:25
    ( There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.
    Romans 1:24
    Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves.
    Romans 1:26
    For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature.
    Romans 1:28
    And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
  53. Cross References
    Matthew 11:29
    Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
  54. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:13
    In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
  55. Cross References
    Colossians 2:7
    Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
  56. Cross References
    Colossians 3:8
    But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
    Hebrews 12:1
    Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
    James 1:21
    Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
    1 Peter 2:1
    So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.
  57. Cross References
    Romans 6:6
    We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
    Colossians 3:9
    Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
  58. Cross References
    Hebrews 3:13
    But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
  59. Cross References
    Romans 12:2
    Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
  60. Cross References
    Romans 6:4
    We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
  61. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:10
    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
  62. Cross References
    Zechariah 8:16
    These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.
    Colossians 3:9
    Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
    Ephesians 4:15
    Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
  63. Cross References
    Romans 12:5
    So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
  64. Cross References
    Psalms 37:8
    Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
  65. Cross References
    James 4:7
    Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
  66. Cross References
    Acts 20:35
    In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
    Galatians 6:10
    So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
  67. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 4:11
    And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.
    2 Thessalonians 3:8
    Nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
    2 Thessalonians 3:11 - 12
    For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.
  68. Cross References
    Proverbs 21:26
    All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
  69. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:4
    Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
    Colossians 3:8
    But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
    Matthew 12:34
    You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
  70. Cross References
    Colossians 4:6
    Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
    Ecclesiastes 10:12
    The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.
  71. Cross References
    Isaiah 63:10
    But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.
    1 Thessalonians 5:19
    Do not quench the Spirit.
  72. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:13
    In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
  73. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:7
    In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
  74. Cross References
    Colossians 3:8
    But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
    Colossians 3:19
    Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
  75. Cross References
    Colossians 3:12 - 13
    Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
    1 Peter 3:8
    Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
  76. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 2:7
    So you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
    2 Corinthians 2:10
    Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ.
    Matthew 6:14
    For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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