Is this the reason why so many are repelled? Is this the reason why some
do not come to a knowledge of the truth? We must make no mistake, the Word is
to be fearlessly preached; doctrine must be maintained, but the truth needs to
be spoken in love, the doctrine with long-suffering, the instruction and the
restoration with meekness.
Lastly comes, `Forbearing one another'. Not until our walk is manifested
by these gracious qualities may we proceed to that noble endeavour of keeping
the unity of the Spirit.
Let us, brethren, seek to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all
things (Titus 2:10).
The Unity and the Bond
(Eph. 4:3)
Let us now give closer attention to the section devoted to the One Body,
placing on either side the references to the walk.
Ephesians 4:1-17
A 1.
The prisoner of the Lord.
Beseeches.
B a 1.
Walk worthy.
Positive.
b
2.
Humility of mind.
C1
c
3-6. Unity of spirit. Keep.
Sevenfold.
d
7.
Measure.
Gift of Christ.
e
8-12. Gifts of Ministry: for perfecting.
C2
c
13.
Unity of faith.
Arrive.
Sevenfold.
d
13.
Measure.
Fulness of Christ.
e
15.
Truth in love for growth.
C3
c
16.
Unity of Body.
Fitly joined. Sevenfold.
d
16.
Measure.
Every part.
e
16.
Edify self in love.
A
17.
I testify in the Lord.
B a 17.
Walk not.
Negative.
b
17.
Vanity of mind.
It will be seen by the structure that the unity which the apostle now
approaches is threefold. There is first the unity of the Spirit with its bond
of peace. Then there is the unity of the Faith, and finally the unity of the
One Body. The parallel passage to Ephesians 4:16 in Colossians, is Colossians
2:19, and there the `bond' of Ephesians 4:3 appears as the `bands' and the
`ligaments' of the Body.
The apostle exhorts us to `endeavour to keep'. In Galatians 2:10,
referring to the suggestion of the leaders at Jerusalem that Paul should
`remember the poor', the apostle says, `the same which I also was forward to
do'. We find several allusions to the gatherings for the poor saints at
Jerusalem, and when these offerings were ready, Paul undertook the journey in
person to bring this evidence of fellowship and reconciliation to Jerusalem.
`Forward' is the word endeavour. Writing his last letter to Timothy, he gives
him among other things this charge:
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