Walk worthy together
Ephesians 4:1–16FocusUnity, gifts, and maturity
Connection to the wholePaul calls for conduct that maintains the unity of the Spirit and describes ministry given for the building and maturing of the body.
interpretation Ephesians 4:28
KJVLet him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Read it in context
The new life made practical
Start reading at Ephesians 4:25 (Ephesians 4:25 to Ephesians 4:32).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Specific commands translate renewal into daily conduct toward others, including the warning not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God.
- 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
- 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
- 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
- 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
- 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
- 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
- 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
- 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 4:1–5:33): Paul instructs the believers about unity and conduct, then speaks particularly to wives and husbands. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The new life made practical. Read Ephesians 4:25 through Ephesians 4:32 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Specific commands translate renewal into daily conduct toward others, including the warning not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul identifies himself as a prisoner, but the letter does not name a calendar date or explicitly identify the city of imprisonment. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The KJV address names Ephesus. References to heavenly places and the church's spiritual standing are not ordinary geographic locations. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The new life made practical (Ephesians 4:25 to Ephesians 4:32). Start reading at Ephesians 4:25. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter locates blessing, redemption, and the gathering of all things in Christ. Its purpose and inheritance language should be read with the repeated phrase in Christ and the exhortations addressed to the church. See Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Walk consistently with the calling received, pursuing unity, holiness, truthful speech, and mutual care. Promises to the church should not erase the subsequent demands on its conduct. interpretation
Cited: Ephesians 4:25, Ephesians 4:32, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:1
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Ephesians 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question Pauline authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- him that Exod 20:15,17 Exod 21:16 Prov 30:9 Jer 7:9 Hos 4:2 Zech 5:3 John 12:6 1 Cor 6:10-11
- steal no more Job 34:32 Prov 28:13 Luke 3:8,10-14 Luke 19:8
- labour Prov 13:11 Prov 14:23 Acts 20:34-35 1 Thess 4:11-12 2 Thess 3:6-8,11-12
- that he Luke 3:11 Luke 21:1-4 John 13:29 2 Cor 8:2,12
- give Rom 12:13 2 Cor 9:12-15 1 Tim 6:18
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 4
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 2:19 Ephesians 4:1
Put off the old life
Ephesians 4:17–24FocusRenewal in the mind
Connection to the wholeThe readers are told to leave their former manner of life and put on the new man in keeping with what they have learned in Christ.
interpretation FocusTruth, work, speech, and forgiveness
Connection to the wholeSpecific commands translate renewal into daily conduct toward others, including the warning not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 2:19 Ephesians 4:1
Blessing and prayer
Ephesians 1:1–23FocusGod's purpose in Christ
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
interpretation A people brought together
Ephesians 2:1–3:21FocusGrace, reconciliation, and revealed purpose
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
interpretation Walking worthy in one body
Ephesians 4:1–16FocusUnity and growth
Connection to the wholeThe practical appeal begins with maintaining unity and receiving the ministries that equip the body toward maturity in Christ.
interpretation FocusHoliness, love, and responsibility
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
interpretation Stand in the Lord
Ephesians 6:10–24FocusSpiritual conflict and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.