Paul’s Ephesians Epistle
An Exegesis of Ephesians 4:7-16
RTCH500: Research, Writing, and Ministry Preparation
December 10, 2023
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Part 1
Introduction
In this paper, the author intends to discuss several aspects of the Paulean epistle to the Church at
Ephesus. Initially, this narrative will provide readers with an overview of the epistle,
commencing with background information concerning the location and time of the writing of
Ephesians and the audience Paul is addressing. Next, the paper will provide an overview of the
geographical location of Ephesus and the epistle's lyrical context. Ultimately, the paper will
culminate in an exegetical commentary of chapter 4, verses 7-16 of the Letter from Paul to the
Ephesians, emphasizing the verses' importance to the early church and the modern church.
Historical Context
Paul wrote four letters, Philemon, Philippians, Colossians, and Ephesians, referred to as
his “prison epistles.”1 Scholars believe that Paul wrote these in approximately A.D. 61-63 while
serving his first imprisonment in Rome to warn the early church against resistance and internal
strifes, including Gnosticism.2 Gnosticism, from the Greek word gnosis, γνῶσις, gnōsis, meaning
knowledge.3 Paul warns in 1 Timothy 6:20 to “20 guard what has been entrusted to you, turning
aside from godless and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called
knowledge-.” (Legacy Standard Bible, emphasis added).
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1 Fred D. Howard, “An Introduction to Ephesians.”DSouthwestern Journal of TheologyD22 (1)(1979): 7.
2 Ibid., 7, 16.
3 Edward Moore, “Gnosticism.” https://iep.utm.edu/gnostic/.
2
It is worth noting that not every member of the new churches were Gentiles. Numerous Jews
lived in areas where Paul preached, and many would convert to following Christ.4
While reading the Bible, it is crucial to consider several points. (1) the literary format and
original language of the text. (2) the culture within the area. (3) the author's intended audience(s).
(4) the social and political climate within the region. Readers also need to recognize who the
author is. Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians. It is vital to know who was Paul. The Apostle
Paul, also known by his Hebrew name Saul, was a persecutor of early followers of Christ. It was
during his encounter with Christ, as he traveled from Jerusalem to Damascus to arrest followers
of Christ, that his conversion started (Acts 9:1-2). Following this encounter, Saul, whom Jesus
blinded, was led by hand for three days to Damascus. Once in Damascus, Ananias restored
Saul’s site (Acts 9:9, 17). Jesus then declares that Saul will “15 Go, for he is a chosen instrument
of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel”D(Acts 9:15,
LSB). This story is known as the Conversion of Saul. Following this, he immediately began to
profess the glory of Jesus Christ.
During his first missionary, Paul preached throughout Syria, Cyprus, Pamphylia, Galatia,
and Cilicia before returning to Syria (Acts 13-14). His second missionary started in Jerusalem to
Syria, Cilicia, Galatia, Asia Minor, and throughout Macedonia, Greece, Corinth, Ephesus, and
Rhodes, ending in Jerusalem (Acts 16:23-20:38). During his final missionary he left Syria to
Cilicia, Galatia, Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, and Corinth, Greece, Macedonia, Asia Minor
Pamphylia, and ending in Jerusalem (Acts 18:23-20:38). Paul established multiple churches and
preached to both Jew and Gentile. It is crucial to point out that during his life, there
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4 Birger A. Pearson, “Early Christianity and Gnosticism in the History of Religions.”DStudia TheologicaD55,
no. 1 (2001): 97.
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were no Christians. Paul was not establishing Christianity.5 Paul converted Jews and Gentiles to
followers of Jesus Christ, founding “6 ministers of a new covenant” (2 Cor. 3:6, LSB).
While Paul wrote several additional letters to churches, people find Ephesians
challenging to understand because, unlike other letters, Paul does not state a single purpose for
writing the letter. While this epistle is addressed “to the saints who are at Ephesus” (Eph. 1:1,
LSB), Paul writes directly and unambiguously. During Paul’s time, those who followed Christ
held a worldview that there were only three types of people: Jews, Gentiles (non-Jews), and
those who believed in Christ. Ephesians speaks about the importance of unifying the Jews and
Gentiles into the Church of Christ, also known as the Body of Christ.6
A noteworthy difference between Ephesians and other epistles is that Paul wrote
Ephesians as a circulatory letter to read in churches throughout Rome, Asia Minor, and beyond.7
Understanding that Paul wrote Ephesians as a circulatory letter aids in understanding the letter
and reduces the confusion that the letter avoids listing a specific occasion for Paul to write it.8
Throughout the letter, Paul discusses the roles of discipleship and the importance of unifying the
church. This paper's primary focus will be on Ephesians 4:7-16, a portion of the chapter replete
with nuisances and contested verses.
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5 Pearson, “Early Christianity and Gnosticism in the History of Religions,”D91.
6 Nils Alstrup Dahl, “Gentiles, Christians, and Israelites in the Epistle to the Ephesians.”DHarvard
Theological ReviewD79 (1–3): 31.
7 Raymond Bryan Brown, “Ephesians among the Letters of Paul.”DReview & ExpositorD60 (4): 373.
8 Peter W. Gosnell, "Networks and exchanges: Ephesians 4: 7-16 and the community function of
teachers."DBiblical Theology BulletinD30, no. 4 (2000): 136.
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Part 2
Meaning of the Passage
Ephesians 4:7 begins with a shift in the chapter from verses 1-6. Verses 1-6 discuss the
significance of uniting the Gentiles and Israelites in the Spirit of Christ.9 Verse 7 shifts into the
teachings regarding all the gifts from Christ, which Paul indicates through his use of “But” as a
shifting phrase.10 Paul also shifts from using “you” to “us,” indicating a topic shift.11 “But to each
one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Eph. 4:7, LSB). Paul
emphasizes that the gift Christ gives us is grace. However, this is not a reference to God's grace,
which every follower of Christ receives freely. In this verse, Paul is referring to the multitude of
gifts that Christ gifts the Ephesians.12
Paul begins Ephesians 4:8 by quoting Psalm 68:19. “18 You have ascended on high, You
have led captive Your captives; You have received gifts among men, Even among the rebellious
also, the Yah-God-may dwell there” (Ps. 68:19, LSB). What is the significance of Psalm 68?
Scholars debate why Paul uses Psalm 68 here. Several believe it refers to Moses’ climb up Mt.
Sinai to receive the law from God. After leading his people out of captivity in Egypt, Moses
ascends Mt. Sinai. There, he receives God’s law, which he gave as God’s gift to the people.13
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9 Dahl, “Gentiles, Christians, and Israelites in the Epistle to the Ephesians,” 35.
10 Ibid. 33
11 David P. Kuske, “Ministry According to Ephesians 4:1-16.”DWisconsin Lutheran QuarterlyD91 (3): 205–
16.
12 Ibid.
13 Cleison R.R. Milanarczyki, “Christ’s Purpose for a Gifted People: Paul’s Hermeneutical Approach on the
use of Psalm 68:16 in Ephesians 4:8.” Revista Batista Pioneira 4, no. 1 (2015), 196.
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However, some scholars believe that Paul uses Psalm 68 as a Messianic prophecy that refers to
the ascension of Christ following His resurrection. Moreover, it represents Christ, leading a host
of captives, freeing believers of their sins and certain death.14 Verse 8 ends with Paul explaining
that “He gave gifts to men” (LSB), which signifies that God/Christ had given gifts to every man
who believes in Christ.
In Ephesians 4:9, Paul explains what is meant by “He ascended.” Paul replaces the word
“You” in Psalm 68:18 with “He.” Paul is referring to Christ in this way. Psalm 68:18 is
traditionally a song of praise to Yahweh for the deliverance of His people from Egypt, the gifts
that He (Christ) provided them, and the ascent up to Mt. Zion. Understanding the Old Testament,
Paul modifies those keywords to illustrate that Psalm 68:18 is also about Christ and the gifts He
will provide His followers after leading them from the captivity of sin to everlasting life.15
Paul continues in verse 10 by clarifying that Christ is the reference of Psalm 68:18 by not
only descending but He, Christ, also ascending into the Heavens. Therefore, Christ is the
fulfillment of Psalm 68:18.16
In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul begins to illustrate the gifts that Jesus provides specific
believers. Here, Paul discusses individual roles within the Church of Christ and the gifts
delegated to those chosen by Christ. These spiritual gifts are to be used to strengthen the church.
The gifts include serving as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. According to
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14 Milanarczyki, “Christ’s Purpose for a Gifted People,” 197.
15 Elna Mouton, “‘Ascended Far above All the Heavens’: Rhetorical Functioning of Psalm 68:18 in
Ephesians 4:8–10?”DHTS Theological StudiesD70, no. 1 (2014): 1–9.
16 Kuske, “Ministry According to Ephesians 4:1-16,” 208.D
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Kuske, Paul’s apostles are a restricted list of those chosen directly by Christ to “be responsible
for the spiritual” nourishing of the entire church.17 In the context of this verse, prophets are
individuals specially chosen by God to reveal His word at His time and choosing. Pastors and
teachers are those responsible for tending the sheep of the flock within the Church of Christ,
ensuring that they teach all people, Gentiles and Jews, to believe in Christ.18 God/Christ provides
everything needed for the growth and well-being of His Church on Earth. According to John
Jefferson Davis, Ephesians 12 has served to become the “dominant understanding of the text in
evangelical and mainline churches today”19
In Ephesians 13, Paul states that everyone chosen by God/Christ is to continue their work
for the body of Christ until they achieve unity. “13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and
of the full knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure and stature which
belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13, LSB). Verse 13 directly relates to verse 12 by
emphasizing how long believers are to remain in ministry and service to others. Service is to
continue until everyone, all humankind, achieves unity and matures to adulthood in the body of
Christ. However, this goal is unattainable on Earth. Therefore, it is imperative that the ministers,
pastors, teachers, and those elected by God continue to serve the church until Christ returns.20
Paul states in verse 14 that the followers of Christ in Ephesus remain faithful in service
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17 Kuske, “Ministry According to Ephesians 4:1-16,” 209.
18 Ibid.D
19 John Jefferson Davis, “Ephesians 4:12 Once More: ‘Equipping the Saints for the Work of
Ministry?’”DEvangelical Review of TheologyD24, no. 2 (April 2000): 57–65.
20 Kuske, “Ministry According to Ephesians 4:1-16,” 213.
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and teaching so they will no longer be like children easily deceived and led astray by false
teachers. Paul emphasizes the importance of remaining strong in faith and not chasing the current
doctrine or trickery of men waiting to lead the not-so-strong of faith away from Christ. It is the
responsibility of the shepherds to tend the flock and to protect everyone from evil ways.21
Continuing in verse 15, Paul stresses always remembering to conduct themselves and
instruct their fellow followers of Christ lovingly, drawing them closer to Christ. It is imperative
to speak the truth to each other because to love others is to speak the truth, guiding them away
from harm. Not only external harm but self-harm by falling away from the faith.22 “We are to
grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is Christ” (Eph. 4:15, LSB).
Paul concludes the first section of chapter 4:1-16 stating that every believer of Christ is
part of the whole body of Christ. Paul uses the example of how every part of the body is
necessary to work towards a healthy relationship and life. He states, “16 the whole body, being
joined and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the properly measured
working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in
love” (Eph. 4:16, LSB). At first glance, the verse appears challenging to understand. However,
suppose the reader remembers that the main object of the verse is the body of Christ, of which all
followers are part. With this mindset, it becomes clearer that as a human body relies on multiple
parts to function, so is true of the body of Christ.
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21 Kuske, “Ministry According to Ephesians 4:1-16,” 209.
22 George A. Lotter, and Timothy Van Aarde. “A Rediscovery of the Priesthood of Believers in Ephesians
4:1-16 and Its Relevance for the Missio Dei and a Biblical Missional Ecumenism.”DIn Die SkrifligD51, no. 2 (2017):
1–10.
8
Every person is vital, and while those chosen to hold leadership within the church have specific,
arduous responsibilities, every individual is crucial to the health and growth of the church and
body of Christ.23
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23 Kuske, “Ministry According to Ephesians 4:1-16,” 213.
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Part 3
Significance and Application of the Passage
Jewish and Christian religious practices are rooted in a deep sense of community. The
Christian Church is often referred to as a fellowship, an ecclesia, a people, or a body. Ephesians
4:7-16, as is the theme of the entire epistle, is about joining the church in the unity of Christ.
However, even though we may not realize it, the Western societal view of Christianity has
infiltrated our culture, and it has negatively influenced how we practice our faith. The Western
view supports a more individualistic practice that rewards and venerates those who tread their
path toward destiny, contrasting the biblical view of individuals dependent on one another to
grow in spirituality.24 “Utilitarian individualism is concerned with success in a career and the
material life. Expressive materialism is concerned with self-fulfillment in one’s private life.”25
This individualistic view revolves around the concept that individuals existed before social
relationships, which result only from individual efforts. Values, virtues, and the idea of what is
good are matters of personal inclination. Freedom is the individual's ability to maximize their
self-interests.26
How does the church today combat this growing acceptance of individualism? Paul
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24 Stephen D Lowe, and Mary E Lowe, Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth through
Online Education. (Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2018), 208.
25 H.E. Everding, Clarence H. Snelling, and Mary M. Wilcox, "A Shaping Vision of Community for
Teaching in an Individualistic World: Ephesian 4.1-16 and Developmental Interpretation."DReligious EducationD83,
no. 3 (Summer, 1988), 424.
26 Ibid., 425.
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provides a blueprint for the success of the church to grow to the desired glory of Christ when he
wrote Ephesians 4:7-16. Verses 7-12 provide the foundation of Christ's gifts to the church,
mainly prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers. However, verse 13 provides an often
overlooked message to encourage proper growth. “Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and
the full knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which
belongs to the fullness of Christ” (LSB, emphasis added). Paul writes that the church cannot
grow into the full glory of Christ without maturing into “a mature man” (LSB). According to
Mbennah, “ It is noted that “unity in faith” is in relation to the destination of all Christians.
Therefore, Christians are to strive towards holding to the same body of doctrine, in a similar or
common fashion.”27 Christ desires a unified and mature church.28
So, how do we achieve this unity? Through understanding, meditating on, and the
application of Scriptures, and the understanding that we must mature and no longer be as
children. “So that we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried
about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming, but
speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is
Christ” (Ep 4:14-15, LSB, emphasis added). As Christians, we are to grow together through the
balanced use of digital and physical ecologies. Lowe and Lowe state, in essence, that the growth
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27 Emmanuel D. Mbennah, “The Goal of Maturity in Ephesians 4:13-16.”DActa TheologicaD36, no. 1 (2016),
122.
28 Gary Gromacki, “The Foundational Gifts of Apostle and Prophet in Ephesians.”DThe Journal of Ministry
& TheologyD17, no. 2 (Fall 2013), 29.
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of the entire universe depends upon connecting to and Interacting with other organisms, and Paul
understood this.29 These relationships provide necessary reciprocity, or allēlōn, meaning
mutually or one another, to nourish our faith. Paul writes that we must work with, teach, guide,
and discipline each other. The relationship requires a physical connection, whether at church or
home. However, an example of virtual or digital gatherings that coincide with Paul comes from
his use of letters to convey his message. These epistles are not unlike emails, blogs, or online
meetings that he provides to the church in his absence.30
Ephesians 4:16 further illustrates the importance of how a unified church fosters growth.
“From whom the whole body, being joined and held together by what every joint supplies,
according to the properly measured working of each individual part, causes the growth of the
body for the building up of itself in love” (LSB, emphasis added). Churches around the world
today would be wise to revisit these nine verses in Ephesians. They provide relevant teachings to
grow together as Christians until we achieve maturity in faith to protect the body against false
teachings. Mbennah states that all Christians must come together in unity, “attaining a state of
oneness of the contents of faith and acceptance and possession of complete, correct and full
understanding of Christ, and being so completely filled with Christ’s essence in His glorified
state that the church, in full conformity with Christ, is an accurate full physical manifestation of
Christ in the world.”31
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29 Lowe and Lowe, Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth through Online Education, 208.
30 Ibid., 180.
31 Emmanuel D. Mbennah, “The Goal of Maturity in Ephesians 4:13-16,” 127.
12
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13
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(2015).
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