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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ephesians/3-21.htm" title="Ephesians 3:21">◄</a> Ephesians 4:1 <a href="/ephesians/4-2.htm" title="Ephesians 4:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ephesians/4.htm">New International Version</a> As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. <a href="/esv/ephesians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, <a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to walk worthily of the calling to which you were called, <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, <a href="/lsb/ephesians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called, <a href="/amp/ephesians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation], <a href="/csb/ephesians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, <a href="/asv/ephesians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, <a href="/cev/ephesians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. <a href="/erv/ephesians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, <a href="/gwt/ephesians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I, a prisoner in the Lord, encourage you to live the kind of life which proves that God has called you. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> I urge you, then--I who am a prisoner because I serve the Lord: live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you. <a href="/isv/ephesians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to live in a way that is worthy of the calling to which you have been called, <a href="/net/ephesians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called, <a href="/nheb/ephesians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, urge you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, <a href="/wbt/ephesians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation by which ye are called, <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I, then, the prisoner for the Master's sake, entreat you to live and act as becomes those who have received the call that you have received--<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/ephesians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: <a href="/web/ephesians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I, the prisoner of the LORD, then call on you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to walk worthily of the calling to which you were called, <a href="/ylt/ephesians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Call upon you, then, do I -- the prisoner of the Lord -- to walk worthily of the calling with which ye were called, <a href="/slt/ephesians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Therefore I, the imprisoned in the Lord, beseech you to walk Worthy of the calling which ye were called,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called, <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, as a prisoner in the Lord, I beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the vocation to which you have been called: <a href="/nabre/ephesians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I THEREFORE, a prisoner of our LORD, beseech you to live as is worthy of the rank to which you are called, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> I who am a prisoner in our Lord request of you, therefore, that you walk just as it is suitable to the calling in which you are called,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called; <a href="/godbey/ephesians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, exhort you to walk worthily of the calling with which you are called, <a href="/haweis/ephesians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> I THEN, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation with which ye are called, <a href="/mace/ephesians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I therefore the prisoner for the Lord, beseech you to live suitably to the offers that have been made to you: <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I, then, the prisoner for the Master's sake, entreat you to live and act as becomes those who have received the call that you have received-- <a href="/worrell/ephesians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord exhort you to walk worthily of the calling with which ye were called, <a href="/worsley/ephesians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> I therefore, a prisoner for the sake of the Lord, exhort you to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all humility and meekness; <a href="/parallel/ephesians/4-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=569" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Unity in the Body</a> 1<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">As a</a> <a href="/greek/1198.htm" title="1198: desmios (N-NMS) -- One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive.">prisoner</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord,</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/3870.htm" title="3870: Parakalō (V-PIA-1S) -- From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.">urge</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/4043.htm" title="4043: peripatēsai (V-ANA) -- From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.">to walk</a> <a href="/greek/516.htm" title="516: axiōs (Adv) -- Worthily, in a manner worthy of. Adverb from axios; appropriately.">in a manner worthy</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2821.htm" title="2821: klēseōs (N-GFS) -- A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation.">calling</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēs (RelPro-GFS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: eklēthēte (V-AIP-2P) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">you have received:</a> 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a> so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a> Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel, <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-12.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:12</a> encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. <a href="/1_peter/2-21.htm">1 Peter 2:21</a> For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: <a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1</a> Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. <a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9</a> He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-17.htm">1 Corinthians 7:17</a> Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches. <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:11</a> To this end, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling, and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith, <a href="/1_john/2-6.htm">1 John 2:6</a> Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked. <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16</a> So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. <a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15</a> But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, <a href="/1_corinthians/1-9.htm">1 Corinthians 1:9</a> God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">2 Corinthians 5:20</a> Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28-30</a> And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. / For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. / And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. <a href="/hebrews/3-1.htm">Hebrews 3:1</a> Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, set your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation with which you are called,prisoner.<a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">Ephesians 3:1</a> For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,of the Lord.<a href="/jeremiah/38-20.htm">Jeremiah 38:20</a> But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live.<a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1</a> I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.<a href="/1_corinthians/4-16.htm">1 Corinthians 4:16</a> Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.walk.<a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Ephesians 4:17</a> This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,<a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Ephesians 5:2</a> And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.<a href="/genesis/5-24.htm">Genesis 5:24</a> And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.vocation.<a href="/ephesians/4-4.htm">Ephesians 4:4</a> There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;<a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28-30</a> And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose… <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Philippians 3:14</a> I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Act</a> <a href="/galatians/4-12.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/galatians/5-23.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-14.htm">Beseech</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">Credit</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-13.htm">Entreat</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-19.htm">God's</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-13.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/luke/8-41.htm">Implore</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-5.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-10.htm">Master's</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-5.htm">Position</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-11.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Received</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-8.htm">Request</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Urge</a> <a href="/judges/13-12.htm">Vocation</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-4.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/romans/16-2.htm">Worthily</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/5-2.htm">Act</a> <a href="/philippians/4-3.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/philippians/4-2.htm">Beseech</a> <a href="/philippians/4-17.htm">Credit</a> <a href="/philippians/4-2.htm">Entreat</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">God's</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Implore</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-9.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-8.htm">Master's</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Position</a> <a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-4.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Received</a> <a href="/philippians/1-4.htm">Request</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Sake</a> <a href="/philippians/2-18.htm">Urge</a> <a href="/judges/13-12.htm">Vocation</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-16.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Worthily</a> <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 4</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">He exhorts to unity;</a> 7. <a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">and declares that God therefore gives various gifts unto men;</a> 11. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">that his church might be edified,</a> 16. <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">and grow up in Christ.</a> 18. <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">He calls them from the impurity of the Gentiles;</a> 24. <a href="/ephesians/4-24.htm">to put on the new man;</a> 25. <a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">to cast off lying;</a> 29. <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">and corrupt communication.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ephesians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ephesians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>As a prisoner in the Lord, then, Paul identifies himself as a prisoner, which is both literal and metaphorical. Literally, Paul was under house arrest in Rome (<a href="/acts/28-16.htm">Acts 28:16-31</a>), a situation that underscores his commitment to the Gospel despite personal cost. Metaphorically, being a "prisoner in the Lord" signifies total submission to Christ's will, reflecting the idea that true freedom is found in servitude to God (<a href="/romans/6-18.htm">Romans 6:18</a>). This phrase sets the tone for the exhortation that follows, emphasizing the authority and sincerity of Paul's message.I urge you The Greek word for "urge" (parakaleo) conveys a sense of earnest appeal and encouragement. Paul is not commanding but strongly encouraging the Ephesians to live out their faith. This reflects the pastoral heart of Paul, who desires the spiritual growth and maturity of the believers. It is a call to action, rooted in love and concern for their spiritual well-being.to walk in a manner worthy "Walk" is a common biblical metaphor for one's conduct or lifestyle (<a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a>). To walk "worthy" means to live in a way that reflects the value and significance of the calling they have received. This involves aligning one's life with the teachings and example of Christ, demonstrating integrity, humility, and love. The concept of worthiness is not about earning God's favor but responding appropriately to the grace already given.of the calling you have received: The "calling" refers to the divine invitation to salvation and a life of holiness (<a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9</a>). It encompasses both the individual and collective purpose of believers, which is to glorify God and advance His kingdom. This calling is rooted in God's eternal plan and is a theme throughout Ephesians, highlighting the unity and purpose of the Church (<a href="/ephesians/1-18.htm">Ephesians 1:18, 4</a>:4). The phrase emphasizes the responsibility of believers to live in accordance with their identity in Christ, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Ephesians, writing from prison. His imprisonment underscores the seriousness and commitment to his faith and message. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A major city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis. The Ephesian church was a significant early Christian community. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_ephesian_church.htm">The Ephesian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, a group of believers who were encouraged to live out their faith amidst a pagan society.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_calling.htm">Understanding Our Calling</a> Recognize that as Christians, we have been called to a higher purpose. This calling is not just a title but a way of life that reflects Christ. <a href="/topical/w/walking_worthily.htm">Walking Worthily</a> Our daily conduct should reflect the values and teachings of Jesus. This involves integrity, humility, and love in all interactions. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Like Paul, who was imprisoned for his faith, we must be prepared to face challenges and sacrifices as we live out our calling. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Unity in the Body of Christ</a> Walking worthily involves maintaining unity and peace within the church, as Paul later elaborates in <a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Ephesians 4</a>. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_our_walk.htm">Reflecting on Our Walk</a> Regularly assess whether our actions and attitudes align with the calling we have received, making adjustments as necessary.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 4</a> <a href="/q/how_to_live_worthy_of_your_calling.htm">How can one live a life worthy of their calling?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_spiritual_calling.htm">What defines a spiritual calling?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_elijah's_chariot_symbolize.htm">How can one live a life worthy of their calling?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_christians_live_in_unity_and_love.htm">How should Christians live and act in unity and love?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>-1<a href="/context/ephesians/4-1.htm" title="I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation with which you are called,">Ephesians 4:1-6</a>, although cast in a hortatory form contain the final summary of the great doctrine of the Epistle--the UNITY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH--in words which have all the glowing freedom of spiritual enthusiasm, and all the clear-cut precision of a creed.Thus (a) the ground of that unity is laid in that spiritual communion of each soul with the "one Spirit," the "one Lord," and the "one God and Father of all," which underlies all outward ordinance, and which no power of man can either give or take away, (b) The means of entering that unity is the "one baptism," ordained by Christ Himself, universal in the Christian world, capable of being ministered (though irregularly) by any Christian hand, (c) The graces, which in germ are conditions, and in full growth are effects, of such unity are the "one hope," the "one faith," the one "bond of peace" or charity. These last most of all depend on the "fellow-working" of man--primarily in the soul receiving them, and secondarily in all who can influence it for good and for evil.We have here a perfect and exhaustive exposition of the unity of the Church, on which depend the other qualities of "Holiness," "Catholicity," and "Apostolicity" ascribed to it in the Creed. In other passages the essential life of the Church is attributed, now to the revelation of the Father (<a href="/context/matthew/16-17.htm" title="And Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my Father which is in heaven.">Matthew 16:17-18</a>), now to the indwelling presence of the Son (<a href="/matthew/28-20.htm" title="Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.">Matthew 28:20</a>), now to the gift of the Holy Ghost (<a href="/context/acts/2-38.htm" title="Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.">Acts 2:38-39</a>). Here all are united in one comprehensive view. The order, however, is natural, not artificial. The exhortation to peace naturally leads to the conception of one Body, animated by the "one Spirit"; next, the remembrance of their calling leads to the "one Lord," who called them to Him in one faith and by one baptism; and all ends in the contemplation of the "one God and Father," who is not only above all and through all His creation, but specially in those who are adopted to a new sonship in Christ. (See <a href="/context/john/14-22.htm" title="Judas said to him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?">John 14:22-23</a>.) In its completeness and depth this passage stands alone. It is interesting to compare and contrast with it the equally celebrated passage occupying the corresponding place in the Colossian Epistle (<a href="/context/colossians/3-1.htm" title=" If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.">Colossians 3:1-4</a>), and to gather from this the mingled similarity and difference in the main idea of those two Epistles--the Ephesian Epistle dwelling especially on the unity and regeneration of the whole body, the Colossian Epistle on the sole Headship and Deity of Christ. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-16. - CHURCH PRINCIPLE OF GROWTH AND PROGRESS; THE CHURCH A BODY. Verse 1. - I therefore. Inference not only from last chapter, but the whole Epistle. Paul's interest in the Ephesians led him to a double application of the great subject which he had expounded: (1) to ask God on their behalf that he would bestow on them the full measure of the blessing to which of his grace they were entitled (<a href="/ephesians/3-14.htm">Ephesians 3:14-21</a>); and (2) to entreat them on God's behalf to live in a way befitting their high calling (<a href="/ephesians/4-6.htm">Ephesians 4:6</a>.). To this second application he proceeds now. The prisoner in the Lord. Not merely "of the Lord," but ἐν, Κυρίῳ, the usual formula for vital communion with Christ, indicating that his captivity was the captivity of a part or member of the Lord. An exhortation from such a prisoner ought to fall with double weight. Beseech you to walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye were called. Their call was to be God's people (comp. <a href="/romans/9-25.htm">Romans 9:25</a>); this not a mere speculative distinction, but one that must have practical form and that must lead to suitable fruit. True grace in the heart must show itself by true goodness in the life. They were not to conceal their religion, not to be ashamed of it, but to avow it and glory in it, and their lives were not to be disgraced by unworthy conduct, but to be brightened and elevated by their relation to Christ. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/4-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[As a] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. prisoner δέσμιος (desmios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1198.htm">Strong's 1198: </a> One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Lord, Κυρίῳ (Kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. then, οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. urge Παρακαλῶ (Parakalō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3870.htm">Strong's 3870: </a> From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke. you ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. to walk περιπατῆσαι (peripatēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow. in a manner worthy ἀξίως (axiōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_516.htm">Strong's 516: </a> Worthily, in a manner worthy of. Adverb from axios; appropriately. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. calling κλήσεως (klēseōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2821.htm">Strong's 2821: </a> A calling, invitation; in the NT, always of a divine call. From a shorter form of kaleo; an invitation. you have received: ἐκλήθητε (eklēthēte) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 4:1 I therefore the prisoner in the Lord (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/3-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 3:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 3:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/4-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 4:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 4:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>