


Ephesians 4:3
Bible Versions
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
and making every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit gives through the binding power of shalom.
and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
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1 Corinthians 1:10
¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. -
Colossians 3:13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye. -
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. -
1 Corinthians 12:12
¶ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. -
1 Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. -
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. -
Romans 14:19
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Context of Ephesians 4:3
The Apostle Paul's epistle to the Ephesians transitions significantly from theological doctrine to practical exhortation in chapter 4. Having spent the first three chapters unfolding profound truths about God's eternal plan, the mystery of the church, and the spiritual blessings available to believers in Christ, Paul now shifts to how these truths should impact daily Christian living. The call to "endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" flows directly from his opening appeal in Ephesians 4:1 to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called." This worthy walk is characterized by humility, meekness, longsuffering, and forbearing one another in love, as detailed in Ephesians 4:2, setting the stage for the crucial command regarding unity.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "endeavouring" is spoudazo (σπουδάζω), which conveys the sense of making haste, being diligent, exerting oneself, or being eager. It emphasizes a zealous and earnest pursuit of preserving the unity. This isn't a casual recommendation but a vital and active responsibility for every Christian.
The phrase "bond of peace" translates from the Greek sundesmos eirenes (σύνδεσμος εἰρήνης). Sundesmos literally means "that which binds together," like a ligament or a strong connecting band. It powerfully illustrates that peace is the indispensable element that connects and holds the diverse parts of the body of Christ together, preventing fractures and promoting cohesion. This concept is similar to Paul's description of love as the "bond of perfectness" in Colossians 3:14.
Practical Application
Ephesians 4:3 calls believers to a profound commitment to unity within the church. It reminds us that while the Holy Spirit establishes a spiritual oneness, it is our collective responsibility to actively maintain it through our actions and attitudes. This involves:
In a world often marked by fragmentation and discord, the Christian church is called to be a powerful testimony to the unifying power of the Holy Spirit. By diligently keeping the unity in the bond of peace, believers reflect the heart of Christ, who prayed for His followers to be one (John 17:21).