EPHESIANS CHAPTER FOUR
INTRODUCTION TO THIS STUDY

The purpose of this study work is to give you the original Greek language words and definitions for all the key words in this selected Bible text. This work does not make any effort to interpret the text in question, though some interpretation may occur naturally as a result of the study. The English translation used is the King James (Authorized) Version, not because it is the best translation available, but because I just plain prefer it for study!

All Scripture text will be presented in normal cased lettering, and all notes within the text will be in TRUE TYPE FONT, as shown. This (I hope) will allow you to avoid confusion between God's Word and my notes. As I update this website, I will continue to embellish the text so that anyone using NETSCAPE or MSIE 3.0 or higher will be able to read the document easier. Greek tenses are abbreviated as follows:

• GREEK TENSES:
• PR= Present Tense: Shows action in present time. When used with Active Voice, and Indicative Mood, often shows linear or continuing action.
• AO= Aorist Tense : Simple, undefined action. The time of the action is undefined, except in the indicative mood.
• FUT= Future Tense : Shows action of the verb as defined in the future.
• PER= Perfect Tense: The action was completed in the past, but has lasting and continuing results into the future.
• IMP= Imperfect Tense: Used only in the indicative mood, and refers to continuous or linear action in past time. As in "I was having".
• PLPF= Pluperfect Tense: The action was completed in the past, with continuing results in the past.
• GREEK CASES:
• GEN= Genitive Case: Usually indicates possession, though it can denote source of the action.
• INST = Instrumental Case: Usually denotes action on the object of the verb.
• DAT= Dative Case
• NOM= Nominative Case
• ACC= Accusative
• PL= Plural
• SG= Singular
• GREEK VOICES:
• AC= Active Voice: Action was completed by the subject of the verb.
• PAS= Passive Voice: The subject receives the action of the verb.
• MID= Middle Voice: The subject acts in some way upon itself or to itself.
• GREEK MOODS:
• IND= Indicative Mood : Makes an assertion of fact, and is used with all Greek tenses. Example: they will go, she saw.
• OPT= Optative Mood: Rarely used, it usually expresses a wish or desire.
• IMP= Imperative Mood: A command to do something.
• SUBJ= Subjective Mood: Makes an assertion about which there is some doubt, uncertainty, or indefiniteness.
• OTHER ABBREVIATIONS:
• PART= Participle : A verbal adjective, such as "having gone, receiving the gift".
• ABL= Ablative of source: When something is out of something. Example, The Spirit out of God.
• INF= Infinitive: A verbal noun, examples = to see, to go, to throw.

* Note: Verses with no additional notes are shown in diminished text. Those who are interested in helping in the Greek exegesis of this text, please contact me at Didaskalos Ministries.
 
 

Lesson Five

Ephesians 4:1

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
 
 

Paul now begins to talk of the believer's walk, and this will be a major theme of the Book from this point forward.  The first thing that we as believers are to do is walk (peripateo [per-ee-pat-eh'-o], "to regulate, conduct, or pass one's life") worthy (axios  [ax-ee'-oce], "in a becoming or Godly way"). What does God our Savior consider a "worthy walk"?

Ephesians 4:2

With all lowliness^1a and meekness^1b, with long-suffering^1c, forbearing one another in love^1d;
 
 

1. The "worthy walk" is one that strives for: a. Lowliness, (tapeinophrosune  [tap-i-nof-ros-oo'-nay]), humbleness of mind. How can we do this? aa. By ___________ on who Jesus Christ is, and on how He operated: Matthew 11:29  "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." bb. By believing that what Jesus said is true. Greatness can only come when we become as _______ ________. Matthew 18:3-4 "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. [4]  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." 1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7]  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." cc. By realizing that others have _______ in the Body of Christ. Philippians 2:3-8 "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. [4]  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. [5]  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6]  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7]  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8]  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." b. Meekness, (praiotes  [prah-ot'-ace]) gentleness of mind. Meekness is one of the flavors of the Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit (singular) of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  [23]  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." aa. Meekness has the ability to discipline, but without ___________. Galatians 6:1  "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." bb. Meekness has the ability to correct and ____________, and to be instructed. James 1:21  "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." cc. To God our Father the jewelry that He likes to see us decorated with is ________. 1 Peter 3:1-4 "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; [2]  While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. [3]  Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; [4]  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." c. Long-suffering, (makrothumia [mak-roth-oo-mee'-ah]), patience, endurance, steadfastness, perseverance, is also one of the flavors of the Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  [23]  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." aa. Our God is long-suffering toward us, and saves us so He can show ________ through us: 1 Timothy 1:15-16 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. [16]  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." bb. God withholds ___________ on the world because of long-suffering: 2 Peter 3:9-15 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [10]  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [11] Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, [12]  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? [13]  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. [14] Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. [15]  And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you" cc. Long-suffering is only possible when we are Spirit driven and full of ________. 1 Corinthians 13:4  "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up" d. "Forbearing one another in love", literally to "sustain or hold up" (anechomai [an-ekh'-om-ahee]) each other [in the Church] in love (agape [ag-ah'-pay]), "the love of God". This is the reason for the Church, that the elder should lift up and cherish the younger. aa. Our liberty in salvation is used to ______ _______ other believers in the Body - but without compromising God's Word: Galatians 5:13-16 "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. [14]  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. [15]  But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. [16]  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." bb. We must each realize that we are "the workmanship of God" (Ephesians 2:8-10), and are "under construction" under the control of the Spirit. Therefore, we each are GROWING in Christ, and should have WHAT attitude? Romans 15:1-5 "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2  Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. [3]  For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. [4]  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. [5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus"

Ephesians 4:3

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
 
 

2. The purpose for walking worthy is one-fold: unity.  a. Why is unity so important in the Church? 1 Corinthians 12:24-25 "For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: [25]  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another." Psalms 127:1  "Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." 3. Tomorrow we will share a sermon called "One", an exposition of Ephesians 4:4-6. Please read and pray over this passage in your private and family devotions - that the Father will bless, the Spirit will empower, and that the Son will be present at our assembly tomorrow. God Bless!

Ephesians 4:4

[There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

Ephesians 4:5

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Ephesians 4:6

One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:7

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Ephesians 4:8

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Ephesians 4:9

(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

Ephesians 4:10

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Robertson states: "The titles are in the predicate accusative (APOSTOLOUS, PROPHETAS, POIMENAS KAI DIDASKALOUS). Each of these words occurs in 1 CO 12:28 (which see for discussion) except POIMENAS (shepherds). This word POIMEN is from a root meaning to protect. Jesus said the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (Joh 10:11) and called himself the Good Shepherd. In Heb 13:20 Christ is the Great Shepherd (cf. 1 Pe 2:25). Only here are preachers termed shepherds (Latin PASTORES) in the N.T. But the verb POIMAINO, to shepherd, is employed by Jesus to Peter (Joh 21:16), by Peter to other ministers (1 Pe 5:2), by Paul to the elders (bishops) of Ephesus (Ac 20:28). Here Paul groups "shepherds and teachers" together. All these gifts can be found in one man, though not always. Some have only one." This may be true, but Granville Sharpe's rule states, "When the copulative KAI connects two nouns of the same case (vis, nouns, (either substantive or adjective or participle) or personal description respecting office, dignity, affinity, or connection; and attributes, properties, or qualities, good or ill, if the Article HO precedes the first of the said nouns or participles and is not repeated before the second noun or participle, the latter always relates to the same person that is expressed or described by the first noun or participle". Or, the latter is a further description of the first person. To cut to the chase, POIMENAS KAI DIDASKALOUS should be translated "Pastor-Teachers", showing that Pastors are also Teachers. This makes perfect sense, since the "Pastor" is to protect the flock, and the number one enemy of the flock is false teaching. See also "Light from the Greek New Testament, Boyce W. Blackwelder, pg 145)

Ephesians 4:12

For the perfecting (PROS + Accus KATARTISMOS = for the face to face mending or repair of {the saints})

of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Ephesians 4:13

Till we all come (KATANTAO = to arrive at the objective, reach the goal)

in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Ephesians 4:14

That we [henceforth] be no more children, (Robertson: "Some Christians are quite content to remain "babes" in Christ and never cut their eye-teeth (Heb 5:11-14), the victims of every charlatan who comes along")

tossed to and fro, (KLUDONIZOMENOI, Present Passive Participle, to be agitated by the waves, in LXX, only here in N.T.)

and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Ephesians 4:15
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

Ephesians 4:16
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:17

This I say (LEGO, Pres Ac Ind = keep on saying)

therefore, and testify (MARTUROMAI = to make a solemn statement)

in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the (EN + Instrumental by means of)

vanity (METAIOTES = emptiness, vacuum)

of their mind, (NOUS = mentality, intellect)

Ephesians 4:18

Having the understanding (DIANOIA = ability to think through, reasoning process)

darkened, (SKOTIZO, Per Pas Part = a permanent darkening, lack of light)

being alienated from the life of God through (DIS + Accus = because of)

the ignorance (AGNOIA = total lack of knowledge)

that is (EIMI, Pres Ac Part = keeps on being)

in them, because of the blindness (POROSIS = callousness, scar tissue)

of their heart: (KARDIA, heart, reasoning part of the soul. See 1 Chron 29.18)

Ephesians 4:19

Who being past feeling (APALGPO, ultimately hardened, indifferent)

have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, (ASELGEIA = promiscuity)

to work (ERGISIA = to make a business of something)

all uncleanness with greediness. (PLEONEZIA = insatiable desire or lust)

Ephesians 4:20

But ye have not so learned (MANTHANO = to learn as a disciple from a teacher)

Christ;

Ephesians 4:21

If so be that ye have heard (AKOUO = to hear intelligently)

him, and have been taught (DIDASKO = to hear teaching publicly)

by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off (APOTITHEMI, Aor Mid Infin = to put off from the ultimate source of self)

concerning (KATA = according to the norm or standard of)

the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt (PHTHEIRO, Pres Pas Part = spoiled through depravity, corrupting, spoiling)

according to the deceitful lusts;

Ephesians 4:23

And be renewed (ANANEOO, Passive = renewed again and again)

in the spirit (PNEUMA, here a reference to the human spirit)

of your mind;

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on (ENDUO = to cloth {the soul})

the new man, (KAINOS ANTHROPOS = new in species among man. Christians are new creatures in Christ)

which after (KATA THEOU = according to the norm or standard of God) God

is created (KTIZO, Aor Pas Part = has been reduced from a state of chaos to order)

in righteousness (DIKAIOSUNE = righteousness)

and true holiness. (see 2 Cor 10)

Ephesians 4:25
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:26
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Ephesians 4:27
Neither give place to the devil.

Ephesians 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Ephesians 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.

Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye (GINOMAI, Pres Ac Imperative = {a command} keep on being!)

kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

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