Ephesians 4:5

KJV

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

KJV (with Strong's)

One {G1520} Lord {G2962}, one {G1520} faith {G4102}, one {G3391} baptism {G908},

Complete Jewish Bible

And there is one Lord, one trust, one immersion,

Berean Standard Bible

one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

American Standard Version

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:5, nestled within Paul's fervent exhortation for Christian unity, succinctly declares three foundational realities: "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." These elements serve as non-negotiable pillars, highlighting the singular authority of Jesus Christ, the unified body of essential Christian truth, and the common experience of initiation into the community of believers, all working in concert to foster profound spiritual unity within the Church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's impassioned appeal for unity in [Ephesians 4:1-6](/ephesians/4-1-6 "Ephesians 4:1-6 - Call to Unity"). Having laid a robust theological foundation in the first three chapters concerning God's eternal plan for redemption and the mystery of the Church as Christ's body, Paul now transitions to practical Christian living. He begins [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Unity in the Body of Christ") with an earnest plea for believers to "walk worthy of the calling" they have received ([Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy")), characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. The immediate preceding verse, [Ephesians 4:4](/ephesians/4-4 "Ephesians 4:4 - One Body, One Spirit, One Hope"), introduces the first three of seven foundational "ones" (one body, one Spirit, one hope), with [Ephesians 4:5](/ephesians/4-5 "Ephesians 4:5 - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism") adding three more, and [Ephesians 4:6](/ephesians/4-6 "Ephesians 4:6 - One God and Father") concluding with the seventh. This structure emphatically underscores the singular, non-negotiable truths that form the bedrock of Christian unity, moving from the internal spiritual realities to the external expressions of faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia Minor, known for its diverse religious landscape. Ephesus was home to the magnificent Temple of Artemis (Diana), a center of pagan worship, and also had a significant Jewish population. The Roman Empire also promoted emperor worship, where Caesar was proclaimed "Lord." In this syncretistic environment, the declaration of "One Lord" ([Ephesians 4:5](/ephesians/4-5 "Ephesians 4:5 - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism")) would have been a radical, counter-cultural statement asserting the exclusive sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all other deities and earthly rulers. The emphasis on "one faith" provided a common doctrinal anchor against the myriad of philosophical and religious ideas prevalent, preventing the nascent Christian community from succumbing to theological dilution. "One baptism" served as a clear, unifying rite of initiation, distinguishing believers from their former pagan or Jewish identities and signifying their shared commitment to Christ. The challenges to unity in the Ephesian church likely stemmed from both external pressures (persecution, pagan influences) and internal divisions (differences between Jewish and Gentile converts, social stratification), making Paul's appeal for unity particularly relevant.
* **Key Themes:** The verse [Ephesians 4:5](/ephesians/4-5 "Ephesians 4:5 - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism") contributes significantly to several major themes in Ephesians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the **Singularity of Christ's Authority**, establishing Jesus Christ as the supreme and sole head over all believers and the Church. His Lordship is the unifying headship under which all members function, as emphasized in passages like [Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ"). Secondly, "one faith" highlights the **Shared Core Beliefs** that define Christianity. This refers not merely to the act of believing, but to the objective body of truth and essential doctrines that constitute the Gospel. It is the shared confession and understanding of who God is, who Jesus is, and the redemptive message, forming the bedrock of Christian identity, as seen in [Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confession of Faith"). Thirdly, "one baptism" signifies a **Common Initiation and Identity** into the Christian community. While interpretations of mode or timing may vary, the concept represents a shared experience of entry into the Christian life and the body of Christ, symbolizing identification with His death and resurrection, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 12:13](/1_corinthians/12-13 "1 Corinthians 12:13 - One Spirit, One Body"). These three "ones," alongside the others in this passage, collectively provide the **Foundational Basis for Christian Unity**, transcending cultural, social, or secondary doctrinal differences.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, this term denotes supreme authority and control, often translated as "Master" or "Sir," and frequently used in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew YHWH, referring to God. In the New Testament, applying _kýrios_ to Jesus signifies His divine sovereignty, His position as the ultimate ruler and owner of all, and the one to whom all believers owe allegiance and submission. The declaration "One Lord" thus asserts Jesus' unique and unrivaled supremacy over His Church and all creation.
* **Faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** From G4102, this word encompasses both the act of believing (persuasion, credence, reliance upon Christ for salvation) and the content of what is believed (the system of religious truth, the Gospel itself). In the context of "one faith," the latter meaning is primary: it refers to the singular, objective body of Christian doctrine—the essential truths about God, Christ, salvation, and the Church—that all genuine believers confess and adhere to, forming a common theological framework.
* **Baptism (Greek, _báptisma'_):** From G908, this term refers to the Christian rite of baptism, whether technically (water baptism) or figuratively (e.g., Spirit baptism, suffering). In this context, it primarily signifies the singular, shared experience of initiation into the Christian life and the visible community of believers. It symbolizes a public identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and entry into the new covenant, marking a common point of entry into the body of Christ for all who believe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One Lord":** This clause emphatically declares the singular and exclusive sovereignty of Jesus Christ. It asserts that there is only one ultimate authority, one Master, and one divine Head over the Church—Jesus Christ. This truth demands universal submission and allegiance from all believers, serving as the foundational unifying principle for the entire Christian community, transcending all other allegiances.
* **"one faith":** This phrase points to the unified and unchanging body of Christian doctrine and truth. It is not about individual variations in belief or subjective experiences, but about the objective, revealed content of the Gospel—the core tenets concerning God's nature, Christ's person and work, and the way of salvation. This shared theological foundation ensures that all believers are united by a common understanding of divine reality and redemptive history.
* **"one baptism":** This clause refers to the singular, shared rite of initiation into the Christian life and the body of Christ. While modes and interpretations may vary among denominations, the underlying reality is a common spiritual experience of identification with Christ's death and resurrection, symbolizing entry into the new covenant community. It represents a universal act that marks a believer's public commitment to Christ and their inclusion in His Church.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in [Ephesians 4:5](/ephesians/4-5 "Ephesians 4:5 - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism"), as throughout [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - The Seven Ones"), is **Anaphora** (the repetition of "one" at the beginning of successive clauses) combined with **Polysyndeton** (the repeated use of "one" and the conjunction "and" implicitly connecting the elements). This emphatic repetition of "one" (Greek: _heis_ or _mia_, depending on the gender of the noun) powerfully underscores the absolute singularity, unity, and foundational nature of each element listed. It serves to highlight that the basis for Christian unity is not a collection of diverse or optional elements, but a unified set of core, non-negotiable realities. The concise, rhythmic listing also creates a sense of **Tricolon**, a series of three parallel phrases, which enhances memorability and rhetorical impact, driving home the essential truths that bind believers together.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:5 unveils fundamental theological truths that are essential for understanding the nature of the Church and the basis of Christian unity. The declaration of "One Lord" establishes Christ's supreme and exclusive authority, positioning Him as the singular Head of the Church, to whom all believers owe ultimate allegiance. This truth forms the very core of Christian identity, ensuring that despite diverse backgrounds or expressions, all believers are united under a common Master. "One faith" underscores the objective, unchanging nature of the Gospel message and the core doctrines that define Christianity, providing a unified theological framework that transcends cultural and historical variations. Finally, "one baptism" signifies the shared experience of initiation into the new covenant community, symbolizing a common spiritual reality of identification with Christ and inclusion in His body. Together, these "ones" articulate the divine realities that inherently bind believers, providing a robust theological foundation for the practical pursuit of unity in the Church.

* [1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - One God, One Lord")
* [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contend for the Faith")
* [Galatians 3:27-28](/galatians/3-27-28 "Galatians 3:27-28 - Baptized into Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:5 serves as a profound call to both intellectual clarity and practical living for every believer. In a world, and even within the church, often fractured by division and secondary disagreements, this verse directs our gaze to the non-negotiable truths that fundamentally bind us together. To truly live out the implications of "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" means prioritizing our shared submission to Christ, our adherence to the essential doctrines of the Gospel, and our common identity as those initiated into His body. It challenges us to cultivate humility, gentleness, and patience, recognizing that our unity is not based on uniformity in every opinion or practice, but on these foundational spiritual realities. This understanding should motivate us to actively pursue peace, bridge divides, and celebrate the profound spiritual bond we share with all who genuinely confess Jesus as Lord, hold to the biblical faith, and have been baptized into His name, fostering a spirit of genuine fellowship and collaboration within the diverse expressions of the global Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging "one Lord" impact my submission to Christ and my relationships with other believers, especially those with whom I might have secondary disagreements?**
* **In what ways can I uphold "one faith" by prioritizing core gospel truths over secondary differences, and how can I discern what constitutes "core faith"?**
* **How does the shared experience of "one baptism" remind me of my common identity and purpose with all Christians, and how can I live out this shared identity in my local church and beyond?**

### FAQ
**What is the "one faith" referring to?**

Answer: The "one faith" in [Ephesians 4:5](/ephesians/4-5 "Ephesians 4:5 - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism") refers to the objective body of Christian truth, the core doctrines and beliefs that constitute the Gospel. It is the shared content of belief—the essential truths about God, Jesus Christ, salvation, and the Church—that unites all true Christians, rather than merely the subjective act of believing or an individual's personal faith experience. This common doctrinal foundation ensures a unified understanding of God's revelation and plan of redemption.

**Does "one baptism" mean only one specific mode of baptism is valid?**

Answer: While interpretations of the mode (e.g., immersion, sprinkling) and timing (e.g., infant, believer's) of baptism vary among Christian traditions, the primary emphasis of "one baptism" in [Ephesians 4:5](/ephesians/4-5 "Ephesians 4:5 - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism") is on the singular, shared experience of initiation into the Christian life and the body of Christ. It signifies a common entry point into the new covenant community, symbolizing identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - United with Christ in Baptism")). The verse highlights the spiritual reality of a common initiation, fostering unity among believers who have all been incorporated into Christ, regardless of denominational specifics on the external rite.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and coherence in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "One Lord," not just a master, but the sovereign God who reigns over all creation and, specifically, as the [Head of the Church](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church"). His unparalleled authority and redemptive work are the singular basis for our unity, as all believers are called to submit to Him alone. The "one faith" is intrinsically Christ-centered, for the content of this faith is the Gospel—the good news of Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ascension, which provides the sole means of salvation ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). Our faith is not in a system or a set of rules, but in a Person, Jesus Christ, who is the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Perfecter of Faith")). Furthermore, the "one baptism" finds its meaning and efficacy through Christ's redemptive acts. Believers are baptized into Christ, symbolizing their union with His death and resurrection, and their new life in Him ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - United with Christ in Baptism")). Thus, Christ is not merely one of the "ones," but the very embodiment and source of all three, making Him the ultimate unifying principle and the glorious center of the Church's identity and mission.

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 8:6

But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him.

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.

1 Peter 3:21

¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Romans 3:30

Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

1 Corinthians 1:13

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Galatians 3:26

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.