Ephesians 4:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Endeavouring {G4704} to keep {G5083} the unity {G1775} of the Spirit {G4151} in {G1722} the bond {G4886} of peace {G1515}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and making every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit gives through the binding power of shalom.

Berean Standard Bible

and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

American Standard Version

giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:3 serves as a pivotal exhortation within Paul's letter, urging believers to actively preserve the spiritual unity that the Holy Spirit has already established within the body of Christ. This verse transitions from the foundational theological truths of the previous chapters to the practical outworking of Christian living, emphasizing that the intrinsic oneness of believers must be diligently maintained through an atmosphere of peace, which acts as the binding agent for the diverse members of the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 4 marks a significant shift in Paul's epistle from profound theological exposition to practical ethical instruction. Chapters 1-3 lay out the glorious doctrines of God's eternal plan, the mystery of the church as Christ's body, and the incredible spiritual blessings believers possess in Christ, particularly the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - The Unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ")). With this theological foundation firmly established, Paul begins chapter 4 with an appeal to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" ([Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - A Call to a Worthy Walk")). This worthy walk is then immediately defined by specific virtues in [Ephesians 4:2](/ephesians/4-2 "Ephesians 4:2 - Virtues for Christian Living")—"with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love"—which directly precede and set the stage for the command in [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Maintaining the Unity of the Spirit"), making it clear that these virtues are essential for the preservation of unity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote Ephesians during his imprisonment, likely in Rome (circa AD 60-62). The church in Ephesus was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts, a common characteristic of early Christian congregations in the Roman Empire. This diversity, while a testament to the gospel's power, also presented potential challenges to unity, given the deep-seated cultural, social, and religious distinctions between these groups. The Roman world itself was often characterized by social hierarchies and divisions. Against this backdrop, Paul's emphasis on unity was revolutionary, presenting a counter-cultural vision of a community where former adversaries were reconciled in Christ. The concept of "peace" (eirēnē) would have resonated with both Jewish (shalom) and Greco-Roman (pax) understandings, but Paul elevates it to a spiritual reality and a practical imperative for the church's internal cohesion.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Ephesians is the **unity of the church in Christ**, both its spiritual reality and its practical outworking. [Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan for Unity in Christ") speaks of God's purpose to "gather together in one all things in Christ." This cosmic unity finds its primary manifestation in the church, where believers from all backgrounds are brought together as "one new man" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Humanity")). [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Maintaining the Unity of the Spirit") specifically contributes to the theme of **practical Christian living** by transitioning from the doctrinal basis of unity to the active responsibility of believers to maintain it. It highlights the **role of the Holy Spirit** as the source of this unity and the **importance of peace** as the means by which it is preserved, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent discussion of the "seven ones" in [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - The Seven Foundations of Unity") which further define the theological basis of this oneness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Endeavouring (Greek, _spoudázō'_):** This word means "to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest." It conveys a sense of diligence, zeal, and earnest pursuit. It is not a passive suggestion but an active, intentional, and strenuous effort required from believers. This word emphasizes the intensity of the commitment needed to maintain unity.
* **Unity (Greek, _henótēs'_):** This term denotes a state of being one, a singular identity or purpose. In the context of the Spirit, it refers to the intrinsic oneness that the Holy Spirit creates among all believers, transcending their individual differences and forming them into one body.
* **Bond (Greek, _sýndesmos'_):** This word vividly portrays something that binds or holds together, like a ligament connecting bones in a body. It signifies the essential element or principle that provides cohesion and prevents disintegration.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** This term encompasses a state of tranquility, harmony, and well-being. In this context, it refers to both the peace with God that believers possess through Christ and the active pursuit of relational harmony and reconciliation among fellow believers, serving as the crucial agent for maintaining unity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Endeavouring to keep":** This phrase, derived from _spoudázō_ (endeavouring) and _tēréō_ (to keep), calls for active, diligent, and earnest effort. The unity of the Spirit is not something believers create, but rather something they are commanded to "keep" or "preserve." This implies that unity is a precious gift already given, which can be lost or diminished if not guarded with intentionality and hard work. It's a continuous, ongoing responsibility.
* **"the unity of the Spirit":** This refers to the spiritual oneness that is a reality already established by the Holy Spirit among all who are in Christ. It is a divine gift, not a human achievement. The Spirit indwells every believer, knitting them together into one body, transcending all human-made divisions. This unity is theological and ontological, a shared life in Christ through the Spirit.
* **"in the bond of peace":** This specifies the means or atmosphere through which the unity of the Spirit is to be maintained. "Peace" (eirēnē) acts as the "bond" (_sýndesmos_), the essential ligament or connecting principle that holds the diverse members of the body together. This peace is both the peace with God that believers experience and the active pursuit of harmony, reconciliation, and mutual understanding within the community. It is the environment in which unity can thrive and be preserved.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 4:3 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "peace" is presented as a "bond" (_sýndesmos_). This vivid image evokes the idea of a ligament or a strong tie that holds disparate parts together, preventing fragmentation. Just as ligaments connect bones to form a cohesive body, peace connects diverse believers, ensuring the church's structural integrity and preventing division. There is also an element of **Exhortation**, as the verse is a direct command, "endeavouring to keep," which underscores the urgency and active responsibility placed upon the believers. Furthermore, the phrase "unity of the Spirit" implies a form of **Personification**, attributing the quality of unity as something belonging to or emanating from the Holy Spirit, highlighting His role as the unifier of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:3 stands as a powerful testament to the New Testament emphasis on the unity of believers, not as an optional extra, but as a core expression of Christian identity and mission. It underscores that while the Holy Spirit is the divine author of unity, human effort is required to maintain it. This dynamic interplay between divine gift and human responsibility is a recurring theological theme. The "bond of peace" is not merely the absence of conflict but the active pursuit of reconciliation and harmony, reflecting the very nature of God who, through Christ, reconciled the world to Himself. This unity is a visible sign to the world of the truth of the gospel, demonstrating the power of Christ to break down walls and create a new humanity.

* [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "Jesus' Prayer for Unity")
* [Colossians 3:14](/colossians/3-14 "Love as the Bond of Perfection")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:3 calls us beyond mere tolerance to an active, diligent pursuit of preserving the unity that the Holy Spirit has already gifted to the church. In a world increasingly fragmented by divisions—political, social, racial, and even theological—the church is called to be a counter-cultural beacon of reconciliation and oneness. This verse challenges us to examine our attitudes and actions: Do we prioritize peace over personal preference? Are we quick to forgive and slow to take offense? Do we actively seek to understand and bridge gaps with fellow believers, even those with whom we disagree? Maintaining unity requires humility, patience, and a willingness to put the good of the body above individual desires. It's a daily, intentional commitment to being peacemakers, recognizing that our collective witness is powerfully magnified when we are truly one.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "endeavouring" or diligent effort am I making to maintain unity in my local church or Christian community?**
* **How does my personal pursuit of peace (both with God and others) contribute to or detract from the "bond of peace" in my relationships with fellow believers?**
* **In what ways might I be unintentionally hindering the unity of the Spirit, and what practical steps can I take to foster greater harmony?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "creating" and "keeping" unity?**

Answer: Ephesians 4:3 emphasizes "keeping" or "preserving" the unity of the Spirit, rather than "creating" it. The distinction is crucial: the unity of the Spirit is a divine reality, a gift already established by the Holy Spirit among all believers when they are joined to Christ. It is an ontological oneness, a spiritual fact that transcends human differences. Our role, therefore, is not to manufacture this unity, but to diligently guard and maintain it in our practical relationships and communal life. This involves actively living out the virtues that foster peace and harmony, ensuring that our actions do not disrupt the unity that God has already provided.

**How does "peace" act as a "bond" for unity?**

Answer: The term "bond" (Greek _sýndesmos_) literally refers to a ligament or a strong tie that holds things together. In this context, "peace" (Greek _eirḗnē_) functions as the essential connecting agent that binds diverse believers into a cohesive whole. This peace is multifaceted: it includes the peace with God that believers receive through Christ ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Peace with God Through Faith")), and it also refers to the active pursuit of harmony, reconciliation, and mutual respect among believers. When individuals within a community are committed to being peacemakers, resolving conflicts, forgiving offenses, and seeking common ground, they create an atmosphere where unity can be preserved and strengthened, much like a strong ligament holds the body's parts together.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call to "endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" finds its ultimate foundation and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not only the source of this unity but also the perfect embodiment of the peace that binds it. Christ's work on the cross broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new man" out of the two, thereby making peace ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). His very being is peace, and He bestows His peace upon His followers ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "Jesus Gives His Peace")). Furthermore, Jesus prayed earnestly for the unity of His disciples, "that they all may be one... that the world may believe that You sent Me" ([John 17:21](/john/17-21 "Jesus' Prayer for Unity")). Therefore, our diligent pursuit of unity in the bond of peace is a direct response to Christ's finished work, His ongoing intercession, and His example. By maintaining this unity, the church reflects the very nature of its Head, Jesus Christ, and serves as a powerful witness to the reconciling power of the gospel in a fragmented world, demonstrating the reality of the "one body" of which He is the head ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Christ as Head of the Church")).

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

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.