Ephesians 4:13

KJV

Till we all come 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Till {G3360} we all {G3956} come {G2658} in {G1519} the unity {G1775} of the faith {G4102}, and {G2532} of the knowledge {G1922} of the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}, unto {G1519} a perfect {G5046} man {G435}, unto {G1519} the measure {G3358} of the stature {G2244} of the fulness {G4138} of Christ {G5547}:

Complete Jewish Bible

until we all arrive at the unity implied by trusting and knowing the Son of God, at full manhood, at the standard of maturity set by the Messiah’s perfection.

Berean Standard Bible

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.

American Standard Version

till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:13 articulates the profound and ultimate purpose of Christ's gifts to the church: to bring every believer, and the entire corporate body, to a state of spiritual maturity characterized by a unified faith, a deep, experiential knowledge of the Son of God, and a collective embodiment of the full measure of Christ's own perfection and completeness. This verse serves as a teleological statement, pointing to the glorious end goal of Christian growth and ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 4:13 is the culminating statement in a passage (Ephesians 4:1-16) that emphasizes the unity and maturity of the church, which Paul describes as the body of Christ. Following his initial exhortation to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" ([Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling")), Paul explains that Christ, as the ascended Lord, has "given gifts unto men" ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Gifts to Men")). Specifically, he lists various ministry gifts—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers ([Ephesians 4:11](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11 - Christ's Gifts of Ministry"))—whose purpose is explicitly stated in [Ephesians 4:12](/ephesians/4-12 "Ephesians 4:12 - The Purpose of Ministry Gifts"): "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Verse 13 then clarifies the *duration* and *ultimate goal* of this equipping and edification, indicating that these ministries are to continue "till we all come" to the described state of unity, knowledge, and maturity in Christ. This progression from gifted individuals to a perfected corporate body demonstrates Paul's holistic vision for the church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle to the Ephesians was written by Paul during his imprisonment, likely in Rome (circa A.D. 60-62). Ephesus was a prominent city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse population, significant pagan worship (especially of Artemis), and a burgeoning Christian community that faced internal challenges and external pressures. Paul's emphasis on unity was particularly relevant given the potential for divisions between Jewish and Gentile believers within the early church (a theme prominent in [Ephesians 2](/ephesians/2 "Ephesians 2 - Jew and Gentile United in Christ")). The concept of "maturity" was also crucial; new converts, often coming from pagan backgrounds, needed to be grounded in sound doctrine to withstand the "sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" ([Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - Avoiding Doctrinal Deception")). Paul's imagery of a "perfect man" or "full-grown man" would resonate with the common understanding of human development, applying it spiritually to the collective body of Christ.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Ephesians and Paul's broader theology. The overarching theme of [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ") is **unity in the Spirit**, which is not merely a superficial agreement but a deep, organic oneness rooted in common faith and knowledge of Christ. This unity is inextricably linked to **spiritual maturity**, moving believers beyond spiritual infancy to stability and discernment, as highlighted in the contrast with being "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" ([Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - Avoiding Doctrinal Instability")). The concept of the church as the **body of Christ** is central, with Christ as the head and believers as members, each contributing to the growth and edification of the whole ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing Up into Christ, the Head")). Finally, the theme of **the fullness of Christ** (Greek: *plērōma*) is paramount; the goal is for the church to embody and manifest Christ's complete essence and character in the world, reflecting His divine abundance and perfection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unity (Greek, _henótēs'_):** From G1775, meaning "oneness, unanimity." This term signifies not just a lack of division, but a positive, active state of shared purpose, mind, and spirit among believers. It's a spiritual solidarity that binds the diverse members of the church together in their faith and pursuit of Christ.
* **Perfect (Greek, _téleios'_):** From G5046, meaning "complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with ὁ) completeness." This word does not denote sinless perfection, but rather maturity, completion, or having reached a designated end or goal. Here, it describes the church reaching its full spiritual potential, akin to a full-grown adult in contrast to a child.
* **Fulness (Greek, _plḗrōma'_):** From G4138, meaning "repletion or completion, i.e. (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as container, performance, period)." In this context, it refers to the complete essence, abundance, and character of Christ. The church is to grow into the full measure of what Christ is, embodying His completeness and spiritual abundance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Till we all come in the unity of the faith,"**: This phrase establishes the duration and initial aspect of the goal. The work of ministry continues until all believers collectively achieve a profound oneness, not just in intellectual assent to doctrine, but in a shared, living trust and commitment to Christ. This "unity of the faith" signifies a singular, unifying spiritual conviction that binds the diverse members of the Christian community together.
* **"and of the knowledge of the Son of God,"**: This clause parallels the "unity of the faith," specifying the content of that unified understanding. "Knowledge" (Greek: *epígnōsis*) implies a full, experiential, and transformative discernment of Jesus Christ, moving beyond mere intellectual acquaintance to intimate, relational familiarity. It underscores that true unity is rooted in a common, deep apprehension of who Jesus is.
* **"unto a perfect man,"**: This marks a significant stage in the spiritual journey. The "perfect man" (Greek: *anēr téleios*) refers to the mature, full-grown individual, or in this corporate context, the church as a collective entity that has reached spiritual adulthood. It signifies completeness and maturity, a state where the church is stable, discerning, and fully developed in its character and function, no longer susceptible to spiritual infancy or instability.
* **"unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"**: This is the ultimate standard and destination of the church's growth. The church is called to grow to the full "measure" (Greek: *métron*, a limited portion or degree) of Christ's "stature" (Greek: *hēlikía*, maturity in years or size, or spiritual growth). The "fulness of Christ" (Greek: *plḗrōma*) signifies that Christ Himself is the absolute standard and the very source of this spiritual maturity; the church is to embody His completeness, reflecting His character, nature, and abundance in the world.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in Ephesians 4:13 to convey his profound theological message. Central to the passage is the **Metaphor** of spiritual growth as physical development, moving from infancy to a "perfect man" or full-grown adult. This vivid imagery makes the concept of spiritual maturity tangible and relatable. The verse also exhibits strong **Teleology**, as it is entirely focused on the ultimate purpose and goal of Christian life and ministry. Phrases like "Till we all come... unto..." clearly articulate the intended end. Furthermore, there is a clear **Parallelism** in the phrasing "unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God," linking these two essential aspects of spiritual maturity. The use of **Hyperbole** or strong emphasis is present in "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ," underscoring the immense and ultimate standard of Christ-likeness to which the church is called.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:13 presents a profound theological truth about the corporate destiny of the church. It reveals that the ultimate aim of all spiritual gifts and ministries is not merely individual salvation or isolated piety, but the collective maturation of the entire body of Christ into the very image and character of its Head. This process involves a deep, unifying faith and an intimate, transformative knowledge of Jesus, leading to a corporate manifestation of His completeness and perfection. The church is not just a collection of individuals, but a living organism destined to embody the "fulness of Christ" in the world, reflecting His glory and demonstrating His nature. This vision underscores the essential interdependence of believers and the vital role of every member in contributing to the spiritual health and growth of the whole.

* [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")
* [Philippians 3:8-10](/philippians/3-8-10 "Philippians 3:8-10 - The Supremacy of Knowing Christ")
* [Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9-10 "Colossians 2:9-10 - Fullness in Christ Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:13 offers a compelling vision for every believer and for the church as a collective body. It calls us beyond mere spiritual infancy or stagnant faith, urging us towards a dynamic and continuous journey of growth into Christ-likeness. This growth is not a solitary endeavor but a communal one, requiring active participation in the body of Christ, where each gift and ministry contributes to the edification of the whole. To "come in the unity of the faith" demands humility, patience, and a fervent love that seeks to preserve the bond of peace, even amidst diversity. To grow "in the knowledge of the Son of God" necessitates a lifelong commitment to knowing Jesus more intimately through His Word, prayer, worship, and obedience. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to consider whether our individual and corporate pursuits align with God's grand purpose: that we, as His church, might fully embody the character, maturity, and complete essence of Christ, radiating His glory and truth to a world desperately in need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I personally contribute to the "unity of the faith" within my local church community?**
* **What practices or disciplines can I cultivate to deepen my "knowledge of the Son of God" beyond intellectual understanding to transformative experience?**
* **How does my understanding of spiritual maturity align with Paul's vision of "a perfect man" in Christ, and what steps can I take to grow in this area?**
* **Considering the church's call to embody "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ," what might this look like practically in our corporate witness and ministry?**

### FAQ

**What does "unity of the faith" mean in this verse?**

Answer: "Unity of the faith" refers to a profound, shared spiritual conviction and commitment to Christ that binds believers together. It's not merely an agreement on doctrinal points, though that's important, but a deep, unifying trust and reliance on Jesus Christ and the core truths of the Gospel. This unity fosters harmony and common purpose within the Christian community, reflecting the prayer of Jesus in [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity") for His followers to be one.

**Is "perfect man" referring to individual sinless perfection?**

Answer: No, the Greek word *téleios* (G5046) translated "perfect" here signifies completeness, maturity, or having reached a designated end or goal, rather than sinless perfection. In this context, it refers to the church collectively growing up into its full spiritual potential, shedding the characteristics of spiritual childhood and becoming stable, discerning, and fully developed, in contrast to being "children, tossed to and fro" by false doctrines as described in [Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - Avoiding Doctrinal Instability"). It's about corporate spiritual adulthood.

**What is the "fulness of Christ" and why is it the goal?**

Answer: The "fulness of Christ" (Greek: *plḗrōma*, G4138) refers to the complete essence, abundance, and character of Christ Himself. It signifies everything that Christ is in His divine nature and perfect humanity. It is the goal because the church, as His body, is called to embody and manifest His completeness in the world. Just as a physical body reflects its head, the church is to grow into the full measure of Christ's character, nature, and spiritual abundance, reflecting His glory and truth. This concept is also seen in [Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All the Fullness in Christ") and [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Godhead in Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is both the means and the end of the church's spiritual journey. He is the "Son of God" whose knowledge is essential for unity and maturity, and it is His "fulness" that the church is called to embody. Christ is the perfect man, the archetype of humanity as God intended it to be, and the church is destined to grow into His likeness. As the Head of the church, His body, Christ continually supplies the necessary grace and gifts (as described in [Ephesians 4:7-11](/ephesians/4-7-11 "Ephesians 4:7-11 - Christ's Gifts to the Church")) to enable its growth. He is the standard against which all spiritual maturity is measured, and in Him "dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Godhead in Christ")). Therefore, the church's journey towards unity, knowledge, and maturity is fundamentally a journey deeper into Christ, becoming more fully His visible manifestation on earth, until the day when we "shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" ([1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 1:28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

John 17:21

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Ephesians 4:5

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Ephesians 4:3

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

Colossians 2:2

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Hebrews 5:14

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.