Ephesians 4:6

KJV

One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.

KJV (with Strong's)

One {G1520} God {G2316} and {G2532} Father {G3962} of all {G3956}, who {G3588} is above {G1909} all {G3956}, and {G2532} through {G1223} all {G3956}, and {G2532} in {G1722} you {G5213} all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and one God, the Father of all, who rules over all, works through all and is in all.

Berean Standard Bible

one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

American Standard Version

one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 4:6 serves as the climactic declaration in Paul's profound appeal for Christian unity, asserting the singular nature of God as the ultimate source and sustainer of the church's cohesion. It presents God as "One God and Father of all," emphasizing His universal sovereignty "above all," His pervasive activity "through all," and His intimate, indwelling presence "in you all." This verse encapsulates the theological foundation for the preceding "seven unities" (one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism), grounding the church's diverse yet unified existence in the very character and work of the Triune God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 4:6 culminates Paul's powerful exhortation to unity that begins in [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Paul's Exhortation to Walk Worthy"). Having established the high calling and spiritual blessings of believers in the first three chapters, Paul transitions to practical application, urging them to "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called." He immediately grounds this worthy walk in the pursuit of unity, listing six foundational "ones" that bind believers together: "one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism" ([Ephesians 4:4-5](/ephesians/4-4-5 "Ephesians 4:4-5 - The Seven Unities")). Verse 6 then provides the ultimate, overarching "one" – the singular God and Father – from whom all other unities derive their meaning and power, thus forming a complete set of seven unities that define the Christian community. This structure reinforces that Christian unity is not merely a human endeavor but a divine reality rooted in God's very being.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Ephesus was a vibrant, yet complex, community composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, a diversity that often presented challenges to unity in the early church. Paul had already addressed the breaking down of the "dividing wall of hostility" between these groups in [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - Christ Our Peace"). Furthermore, the Greco-Roman world was characterized by a pantheon of gods and various philosophical schools, some of which promoted dualistic views or a distant, impersonal deity. Against this backdrop, Paul's emphatic declaration of "One God and Father of all" would have been a radical assertion of monotheism and a unique understanding of God's personal relationship with humanity, particularly through Christ. The emphasis on God being "in you all" also countered Gnostic tendencies that would later emerge, which often denied the material world and the indwelling of the divine Spirit in believers.
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 4:6 contributes significantly to several major themes woven throughout the book of Ephesians. Foremost is the theme of **Christian Unity**, which is the explicit focus of [Ephesians 4](/ephesians/4 "Ephesians 4 - Unity in the Body of Christ"). This verse provides the ultimate theological anchor for that unity, asserting that the church's oneness flows from the singularity of God Himself. It also reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Transcendence**, declaring Him to be "above all," a concept foundational to understanding His ultimate authority over all creation and all spiritual powers, as highlighted in [Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Supremacy"). Furthermore, the verse speaks to **God's Immanence and Active Presence**, particularly through His working "through all" and dwelling "in you all," which connects to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a key theme in [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Seal of the Holy Spirit") and [Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - A Dwelling Place for God"). Finally, the phrase "Father of all" underscores the theme of **Divine Paternity and Adoption**, emphasizing God's unique relationship with believers as His children, a truth celebrated in [Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **One (Greek, _heîs'_):** From G1520, this primary numeral signifies singularity and uniqueness. In the context of "One God and Father," it emphatically asserts monotheism, distinguishing the God of the Bible from the polytheistic deities of the Greco-Roman world. It underscores that there is no other ultimate divine authority or source of being, establishing a foundational truth for Christian theology and the unity of the church.
* **above (Greek, _epí'_):** From G1909, this preposition denotes superimposition, meaning "over" or "upon." When applied to God being "above all," it conveys His supreme authority, transcendence, and ultimate dominion. He is not merely superior but stands in a position of ultimate control and sovereignty over all things, both visible and invisible, spiritual and material. This speaks to His absolute power and preeminence.
* **in (Greek, _en'_):** From G1722, this primary preposition denotes a fixed position, indicating "in," "at," or "upon." In the phrase "in you all," it signifies an intimate, indwelling presence. This is not merely an external influence but a profound, internal reality, primarily understood as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within believers, uniting them with Christ and with each other. It speaks to God's personal, transformative presence within the Christian community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One God and Father of all":** This opening clause asserts the absolute singularity of God and His universal fatherhood. "One God" is a foundational declaration of monotheism, distinguishing the Christian faith from polytheism. The addition of "and Father" highlights God's relational aspect, particularly His unique paternal relationship with believers through adoption in Christ. "Of all" signifies His universal scope as Creator and Sustainer, but in the context of Ephesians, it also implies His fatherhood over all believers, regardless of their background, unifying them under His singular headship.
* **"who [is] above all":** This phrase emphasizes God's transcendence and supreme sovereignty. He is not merely part of creation but stands infinitely superior to it, exercising ultimate authority and dominion over every aspect of existence, including all powers, principalities, and human affairs. This declaration inspires awe and trust in His ultimate control and providential oversight.
* **"and through all":** This clause speaks to God's pervasive activity and immanence within His creation and among His people. It indicates that God works instrumentally, orchestrating events, using individuals, circumstances, and even challenges to accomplish His divine purposes. He is continuously active, permeating all things with His will and power, ensuring that His plans unfold.
* **"and in you all":** This final clause highlights God's intimate, indwelling presence specifically within believers. While God is universally "above" and "through" all, He is uniquely "in" His people through the Holy Spirit. This personal indwelling presence is the spiritual reality that grounds and empowers the unity of the church, making believers temples of God and enabling their corporate and individual spiritual life. The KJV's "in you all" (rather than "in all") correctly emphasizes this specific application to the Christian community.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 4:6 brilliantly employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, seen in the repeated use of "all" (πάντων, _pantōn_). This repetition creates a powerful rhythm and emphasizes the universality of God's relationship to creation and His people. The verse also functions as a **Climax** within Paul's list of unities; after enumerating six "ones" (body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism), the declaration of "One God and Father of all" serves as the ultimate, overarching unity from which all others flow. This creates a sense of theological culmination. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a **Tripartite Structure** in describing God's relationship to "all": "above all," "through all," and "in you all." This threefold description systematically articulates God's transcendence, immanence, and intimate indwelling, providing a comprehensive theological statement about His omnipresence and omnipotence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 4:6 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's nature and His relationship with humanity, particularly His church. It presents a comprehensive view of God as both transcendent (above all) and immanent (through all, in you all), a theological paradox that defines His unique character. This verse grounds the very possibility and necessity of Christian unity in the singular reality of God Himself. Because there is only "One God and Father of all," divisions among His children are fundamentally contrary to His nature and His design for His body, the church. This truth calls believers to strive for a unity that reflects the divine unity, recognizing their shared origin, sustenance, and indwelling Spirit. It underscores that true unity is not merely organizational but ontological, rooted in the one God who is active in every sphere of existence and intimately present within His people.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - One God, the Father")
* [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 4:6 provides a robust theological framework for both individual Christian living and corporate church life. Understanding that there is "One God and Father of all" should cultivate profound humility, reminding us that all believers, regardless of background or gifting, are equally dependent on the same divine source. His being "above all" calls us to unwavering trust in His sovereign plan, even when circumstances are bewildering, knowing that He ultimately controls all things. The truth that He works "through all" inspires active participation in His mission, recognizing that He uses ordinary people and circumstances as instruments for His extraordinary purposes. Most intimately, His being "in you all" underscores the sacred spiritual bond that unites every believer. This indwelling presence of God demands that we prioritize the unity of the Spirit, actively seeking peace and reconciliation within the body of Christ. It challenges any form of spiritual pride, sectarianism, or division, urging us to live out our shared identity in Christ by demonstrating mutual love, forbearance, and submission, thereby reflecting the multifaceted presence of the one true God to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration of "One God and Father of all" challenge any tendencies toward division or exclusivity within my own church community or personal spiritual life?**
* **In what ways can I more consciously acknowledge God's sovereignty ("above all") and His active work ("through all") in my daily circumstances and decisions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live out the reality of God's indwelling presence ("in you all") by fostering deeper unity and love with fellow believers?**
* **How does understanding God's transcendence and immanence, as described in this verse, deepen my worship and trust in Him?**

### FAQ
**Does "Father of all" in Ephesians 4:6 mean that all humanity is automatically God's child, regardless of faith?**

Answer: While God is the Creator and Sustainer of all humanity, and in that sense, He is the Father of all creation, the specific context of [Ephesians 4:6](/ephesians/4-6 "Ephesians 4:6 - One God and Father of All") and the broader New Testament points to a unique, spiritual fatherhood that God exercises over believers. Paul is writing to the church, to those who have been "adopted as sons through Jesus Christ" ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons")). This spiritual sonship is contingent upon faith in Christ, through whom believers receive the Spirit of adoption, crying out, "Abba, Father" ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). Therefore, while God has a universal relationship with all humanity as Creator, the "Father of all" in this verse primarily refers to His role as the Father of all who are united in the body of Christ, emphasizing the spiritual unity of the church under His singular headship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 4:6, though speaking of "One God and Father," finds its ultimate fulfillment and practical outworking in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that God's universal fatherhood becomes a personal, redemptive reality for believers. Jesus is the "one Lord" mentioned just prior in [Ephesians 4:5](/ephesians/4-5 "Ephesians 4:5 - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism"), the very means by which we are brought into relationship with the "One God and Father." Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), making it possible for all to be reconciled to God in "one body" through the cross ([Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciliation Through the Cross")). Furthermore, it is through Christ that the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers ("in you all"), is given ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Jesus Himself declared, "I and the Father are one" ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father Are One")), and promised that those who believe in Him would also be "one, just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You" ([John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")). Thus, Christ is the essential mediator and the living embodiment of the unity described in this verse, making God's transcendence, immanence, and fatherhood accessible and real to all who believe.

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

Romans 11:36

For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.

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.

Malachi 2:10

¶ Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

Galatians 3:26

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

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Revelation 4:8

¶ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.