Ephesians 4:2

Commentary on Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV)

Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV): “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,”

Context and Theological Insights

Ephesians 4:2 is part of the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the believers in Ephesus to live a life worthy of their calling. This verse is embedded within a larger section (Ephesians 4:1–16) that emphasises the unity and maturity of the body of Christ. Paul urges believers to exhibit virtues that foster unity and reflect the character of Christ.

Lowliness and Gentleness: The term “lowliness” (Greek: ταπεινοφροσύνη, tapeinophrosyne) refers to humility, a virtue highly esteemed in Christian ethics but counter-cultural in the Greco-Roman world, which valued power and assertiveness [6]. Humility involves recognising one’s dependence on God and valuing others above oneself. “Gentleness” (Greek: πραΰτης, prautes) denotes meekness, not weakness, but strength under control. It reflects a Christ-like attitude of being considerate and unassuming [1].

Longsuffering: This term (Greek: μακροθυμία, makrothymia) is often translated as patience. It implies enduring discomfort or provocation without retaliating. Chrysostom defined it as the spirit that has the power to take revenge but never does [2]. It is a characteristic of a forgiving and generous heart.

Bearing with One Another in Love: This phrase underscores the importance of forbearance and tolerance within the Christian community. It involves accepting each other’s faults and weaknesses, motivated by love (Greek: ἀγάπη, agape), which is the highest form of love, reflecting God’s unconditional love for humanity [13].

Application to Modern Christian Living

Ephesians 4:2 provides practical guidelines for maintaining unity and harmony within the church and broader Christian community. These virtues are essential for fostering a spirit of unity and peace in various contexts, from families to broader community interactions [14].

1. Humility and Gentleness: Christians are called to exhibit humility and gentleness in their interactions. This means valuing others above oneself and being considerate and unassuming in one’s behaviour [1].
2. Patience and Forbearance: Believers are encouraged to be patient and tolerant, bearing with one another’s faults and weaknesses. This fosters a forgiving and generous spirit, essential for maintaining unity within the church [2].
3. Love: The motivation for these virtues is love, reflecting God’s unconditional love for humanity. This love should be the driving force behind all interactions within the Christian community [13].

Bibliography

1. Enduring Word Bible Commentary – Ephesians 4
2. Blue Letter Bible – David Guzik’s Study Guide for Ephesians 4
3. Working Preacher from Luther Seminary – Commentary on Ephesians 4:1-16
4. Bible Verses Forever – Devotional: Ephesians 4:2
5. Bible Gateway – Ephesians 4 (NKJV)

1. Commentary on Ephesians 4:1-16 – Working Preacher from Luther Seminary
2. Enduring Word Bible Commentary Ephesians Chapter 4
3. David Guzik :: Study Guide for Ephesians 4 – Blue Letter Bible
4. Devotional: Ephesians 4:2 – Bible Verses Forever
5. Devotional: Ephesians 4:2 – Bible Verses Forever
6. Enduring Word Bible Commentary Ephesians Chapter 4
7. David Guzik :: Study Guide for Ephesians 4 – Blue Letter Bible
8. Commentary on Ephesians 4:1-16 – Working Preacher from Luther Seminary
9. Devotional: Ephesians 4:2 – Bible Verses Forever
10. Commentary on Ephesians 4:25-5:2 – Working Preacher from Luther Seminary
11. Ephesians 4:2 – Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary – StudyLight.org
12. Ephesians 4:25-5:2 – Center for Excellence in Preaching
13. Ephesians 4:2 | Bible Exposition Commentary – Verse-by-Verse Commentary
14. Ephesians 4 | Resources from Ligonier Ministries
15. Ephesians 2 EASY;NIV – God has made us alive with Christ – Bible Gateway
16. Ephesians 2 ESV;NIV;KJV – By Grace Through Faith – And you were – Bible …
17. Ephesians 4:2 (KJV) – Forerunner Commentary – Bible Tools
18. 10 Ways Ephesians Teaches Us to Live the Christian Life – iBelieve
19. Ephesians 4:20-22 Commentary – Precept Austin
20. Ephesians 4 ESV – Unity in the Body of Christ – I – Bible Gateway
21. Commentary on Ephesians 4: The Heart of Paul’s Message – Sermon Outlines
22. What does Ephesians chapter 4 mean? – BibleRef.com
23. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%202&version=EASY
24. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%202&version=ESV
25. en.wikipedia.org