Ephesians 4:6

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Ephesians 4:6 stands as the powerful culmination of Paul's exhortation to Christian unity in the early chapters of his letter to the Ephesians. Following a call to walk worthy of their calling (see Ephesians 4:1), Paul outlines the foundational elements that bind believers together. He lists "seven unities" – one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism – all leading to this pinnacle declaration: "One God and Father of all." This verse underscores the ultimate source and guarantor of the church's unity, emphasizing that despite diverse gifts and roles, all believers are united under a single divine authority and relationship.

Key Themes

  • Monotheism and Paternity: The phrase "One God and Father of all" asserts the singular nature of God, rejecting polytheism, and highlights His universal fatherhood. While He is the Creator and Sustainer of all humanity, the term "Father" here also carries the profound spiritual implication of His unique relationship with believers through adoption in Christ (see Galatians 3:26).
  • Divine Sovereignty and Transcendence: "who [is] above all" declares God's supreme authority and ultimate transcendence. He is not merely a part of creation but stands infinitely superior to it, ruling over every aspect of existence. This emphasizes His absolute power and dominion over all things, both visible and invisible.
  • Divine Immanence and Activity: "and through all" speaks to God's pervasive presence and active involvement in His creation and in the lives of His people. It signifies that God works through all things, orchestrating events and using individuals, circumstances, and even challenges to accomplish His divine purposes. This points to His continuous working within the world and within the church.
  • Divine Indwelling Presence: "and in you all" specifically highlights God's intimate dwelling within believers. This is primarily understood as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who unites believers with Christ and with one another, making them temples of God (see 1 Corinthians 6:19). This personal, transformative presence is the spiritual reality that grounds and empowers the unity of the church.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek terms used in this verse provide deeper nuance:

  • "above all" translates epi pantōn (ἐπὶ πάντων), conveying the sense of being "over" or "upon" everything, signifying supreme authority and transcendence.
  • "through all" comes from dia pantōn (διὰ πάντων), indicating instrumentality and pervasiveness – God working through and by means of all things.
  • "in you all" (or "in all" in some manuscripts) is en pasin (ἐν πᾶσιν), which denotes an intimate, indwelling presence. The KJV's "in you all" specifically applies this to believers, emphasizing God's Spirit residing within the Christian community and individual believers.

Practical Application

Ephesians 4:6 provides a profound theological foundation for Christian living and church unity. Recognizing "One God and Father of all" fosters humility, reminding us that we are all equally dependent on Him. His being "above all" encourages trust in His sovereign plan, even amidst life's uncertainties. His working "through all" inspires participation in His mission, knowing He uses us as instruments. Most importantly, His being "in you all" underscores the spiritual bond that unites believers, calling them to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This verse challenges any form of division or sectarianism within the church, urging believers to live in harmony and mutual submission, reflecting the multifaceted presence of the one true God.

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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.