Ephesians 4:5
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
One Lord - Jesus Christ, who is the governor of this Church. One faith - One system of religion, proposing the same objects to the faith of all. One baptism - Administered in the name of the holy Trinity; indicative of the influences, privileges, and effects of the Christian religion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Similarly "faith" and "baptism" (the sacramental seal of faith) are connected (Mar 16:16; Col 2:12). Compare Co1 12:13, "Faith" is not here that which we believe, but the act of believing, the mean by which we apprehend the "one Lord." "Baptism" is specified, being the sacrament whereby we are incorporated into the "one body." Not the Lord's Supper, which is an act of matured communion on the part of those already incorporate, "a symbol of union, not of unity" [ELLICOTT]. In Co1 10:17, where a breach of union was in question, it forms the rallying point [ALFORD]. There is not added, "One pope, one council, one form of government" [Cautions for Times]. The Church is one in unity of faith (Eph 4:5; Jde 1:3); unity of origination (Eph 2:19-21): unity of sacraments (Eph 4:5; Co1 10:17; Co1 12:13): unity of "hope" (Eph 4:4; Tit 1:2); unity of charity (Eph 4:3): unity (not uniformity) of discipline and government: for where there is no order, no ministry with Christ as the Head, there is no Church [PEARSON, Exposition of the Creed, Article IX].
John Gill Bible Commentary
One Lord,.... The Lord Jesus Christ, who, by right of creation, is Lord of all; and by right of marriage, and redemption, is the one and only Lord of his church and people; he has betrothed them to himself, and is their husband, and so their Lord, whom they are to worship and obey; he has redeemed them, he has bought them with the price of his blood, and therefore they are not their own, but his, and should glorify him both with their bodies and souls, which are his; he is the head of his body the church, the King of saints, and Father and master of the family named of him, and therefore they ought to agree among themselves, and not be many masters, and usurp a domination over one another. The Ethiopic version reads, "one God", but that is expressed in the following verse. One faith; there is but one grace of faith; there are indeed different sorts of faith; there is the faith of miracles, and an historical, temporary faith, but there is but one true grace of faith; and which, though it is in different subjects, and its degrees and acts are various, yet as to its nature, it is like precious faith in all; and has the same author and object, Jesus Christ, and springs from the same cause, the free grace of God, and has equally in all everlasting salvation connected with it, and consequent upon it: and there is but one doctrine of faith; the Gospel is so called, because it consists of things to be believed, is the means of implanting faith, it proposes the object to be believed in, and requires the exercise of it upon it, and should be mixed with faith whenever heard. Now this is but one, and is all of a piece, and consistent with itself, and so should the professors of it be, and love one another in the faith. One baptism, there were divers baptisms under the law, but there is but one baptism under the Gospel; for John's and Christ's are the same: there are, besides, figurative or metaphorical ones, which are so in an improper sense, as the baptism of the Spirit, and the baptism of blood, or of sufferings; but there is but one baptism, literally and properly so called, which is water baptism; and which is to be administered in one and the same way, by immersion in water; and on one and the same subjects, believers in Christ; and in one and the same name, the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and to be performed but once, when rightly administered.
Ephesians 4:5
Unity in the Body
4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;5one Lord, one faith, one baptism;6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Water Baptism - Part 1
By Derek Prince9.0K24:00Water BaptismMAT 6:33MAT 28:19MRK 16:16ACT 2:38ROM 6:3EPH 4:5COL 2:12In this sermon, Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of not just believing and confessing the Gospel, but also demonstrating it through our actions. He shares a principle he taught to African teachers, stating that people remember 80% of what they hear, see, and do. He then delves into the commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs his disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Prince concludes by stating that they will actually carry out the ordinance of water baptism, putting their preaching into practice.
Two Chosen Vessels
By G.W. North0The Role of ApostlesBaptism Of The Holy SpiritMAT 28:19JHN 3:5ACT 2:4ACT 10:44ACT 19:2ROM 8:91CO 12:13GAL 3:27EPH 4:51PE 3:21G.W. North emphasizes the distinct paths of Peter and Paul in their ministries, illustrating how their unique backgrounds shaped their understanding and approach to preaching the Gospel. Peter, rooted in Jewish tradition, struggled to fully embrace the new covenant, while Paul, with his liberal upbringing, quickly recognized the significance of the Gospel for the Gentiles. North argues that God's choice of Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles was intentional, as it aligned with His purpose for the early Church. He highlights the importance of spiritual baptism over water baptism, asserting that God's desire is for believers to be immersed in the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, North calls for a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
Whom to Know Is Life Eternal
By G.W. North0The TrinityBaptismMAT 28:19MRK 16:16JHN 1:29JHN 3:5ACT 2:38ACT 10:47ROM 6:41CO 12:13GAL 3:27EPH 4:5G.W. North emphasizes the transformative nature of baptism in the New Covenant, explaining that the apostles, after Jesus' resurrection, were commanded to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reflecting a deeper understanding of the Godhead. He highlights that this new baptism represents a significant shift from their previous practice, as they now possess the ability to baptize into the fullness of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. North asserts that Jesus' command signifies His eternal presence and the essence of eternal life, which believers enter through baptism. He concludes that while John's baptism was from heaven, the baptism instituted by Jesus is even more profound, marking the inauguration of the New Covenant. Ultimately, he stresses that there is one baptism that encompasses all, unifying the various forms of baptism into a singular, greater reality.
He of Whom John Spake
By G.W. North0Jesus' MinistryBaptismMAT 3:11JHN 1:33ACT 1:5ACT 2:38ROM 6:41CO 12:13GAL 3:27EPH 4:5COL 2:12HEB 6:2G.W. North emphasizes the transition from John's baptism to the greater baptism that Jesus would fulfill through His death and resurrection. He explains that while John's ministry gradually ceased, Jesus retained and expanded upon it, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of baptism that transcends water. North highlights that the true essence of Jesus' ministry was not fully revealed until His own baptism into death, which was foreshadowed in John's baptism. He clarifies that water baptism was a necessary practice during Jesus' earthly ministry but should not be confused with the greater baptism that Jesus administers through the Holy Spirit. This distinction is crucial for understanding the fullness of Jesus' mission and the nature of true baptism.
Epistle 178
By George Fox0Unity in the SpiritFaithfulness to TruthMAT 18:15LUK 1:33JHN 8:321CO 9:121CO 12:13GAL 4:29EPH 4:5COL 4:61TH 5:19HEB 6:4HEB 12:91PE 1:221JN 5:9George Fox emphasizes the importance of being partakers of God's power and the heavenly gift, which fosters unity, peace, and a kingdom without end. He warns against the division caused by those who possess the words of scripture but lack the spirit and power that originally inspired them. Fox encourages believers to remain faithful, obedient to the truth, and to spread it widely, addressing the witness of God in all people. He stresses the necessity of coming together in one body through the baptism of the Spirit, and the importance of resolving conflicts privately to maintain the integrity of the truth. Ultimately, he calls for wisdom that preserves unity and peace among believers.
The Visible Church, Letters I and Ii
By J.H. Newman0MAT 16:181CO 12:12EPH 4:51TI 3:15HEB 13:17J.H. Newman preaches on the importance of the doctrine of 'the Holy Catholic Church' as taught in Scripture and the Creed. He addresses the argument that a correct Creed and spiritual affections should be enough for salvation, but emphasizes the necessity of consistent conduct as a test of true faith. Newman urges the congregation to search Scripture to understand the importance of obeying the Church and its teachings, highlighting the significance of the Visible Church as a means of grace and salvation.
Behold the Lamb of God
By G.W. North0BaptismNew CovenantMAT 3:8MAT 28:19JHN 1:29ACT 1:5ACT 2:38ROM 6:41CO 12:13GAL 3:27EPH 4:5TIT 3:5G.W. North emphasizes the significance of John's baptism as a divine announcement of the end of the Mosaic law regarding personal sacrifice for sin, highlighting Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, the 'Lamb of God'. He explains that John called for repentance and offered baptism as a means to prepare for the coming of Christ, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. North asserts that water baptism, instituted by God through John, serves as a symbolic representation of the spiritual baptism that grants eternal life, marking the transition from the old covenant to the new. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus' role in fulfilling the law and providing a new way of salvation. Ultimately, it calls believers to embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Epistle 355
By George Fox0EPH 4:5George Fox preaches about the universal call to preach the gospel to all, including Indians, blacks, and servants, emphasizing the importance of baptism into the death of Christ for salvation and putting on Christ for life. He highlights the grace of God that brings salvation to all, the pouring out of God's spirit on all flesh, and the need to be led by the good spirit to live godly lives. Fox also teaches about Christ's sacrifice for all, the enlightenment of every person with His true light, and the necessity to believe in the light to become children of the light.
Baptism for Us in This Dispensation; Has Never Been Done Away With
By John R. Rice0MAT 28:19ACT 2:38ACT 10:481CO 1:17EPH 4:5John R. Rice preaches about the importance of obeying Christ's command of baptism, emphasizing that some people try to promote Christian unity by disregarding this command, leading to disobedience and rebellion against the plain commands of Christ. He refutes the false teachings that baptism was only for Jews or during the apostolic age, highlighting that baptism is still commanded for all Christians and is essential for this age of grace. Rice explains that baptism, as commanded in the Great Commission, is for all nations and to the end of the world, showing that Gentiles were baptized as well as Jews, and Paul preached and practiced baptism everywhere he went. He addresses misconceptions about baptism being done away with after Christ's resurrection, emphasizing that baptism is not one of the ordinances nailed to the cross and that Ephesians 4:5 does not eliminate water baptism.
The Anabaptists
By William Cathcart0MAT 28:19MRK 16:16ACT 2:38ACT 22:16ROM 6:4GAL 3:27EPH 4:5COL 2:12TIT 3:51PE 3:21William Cathcart preaches about the history and principles of the Anabaptists during the Reformation, highlighting their rejection of infant baptism and their emphasis on believers' baptism as the only Christian baptism. The Anabaptists sought to establish churches based on regenerate church membership and separation from the ungodly, believing in the necessity of personal faith before baptism. The sermon delves into the divisions among Anabaptists, including the fanatical, Baptist Anabaptists, and mystical Anabaptists, shedding light on their struggles, beliefs, and influence on the Reformation.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
One Lord - Jesus Christ, who is the governor of this Church. One faith - One system of religion, proposing the same objects to the faith of all. One baptism - Administered in the name of the holy Trinity; indicative of the influences, privileges, and effects of the Christian religion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Similarly "faith" and "baptism" (the sacramental seal of faith) are connected (Mar 16:16; Col 2:12). Compare Co1 12:13, "Faith" is not here that which we believe, but the act of believing, the mean by which we apprehend the "one Lord." "Baptism" is specified, being the sacrament whereby we are incorporated into the "one body." Not the Lord's Supper, which is an act of matured communion on the part of those already incorporate, "a symbol of union, not of unity" [ELLICOTT]. In Co1 10:17, where a breach of union was in question, it forms the rallying point [ALFORD]. There is not added, "One pope, one council, one form of government" [Cautions for Times]. The Church is one in unity of faith (Eph 4:5; Jde 1:3); unity of origination (Eph 2:19-21): unity of sacraments (Eph 4:5; Co1 10:17; Co1 12:13): unity of "hope" (Eph 4:4; Tit 1:2); unity of charity (Eph 4:3): unity (not uniformity) of discipline and government: for where there is no order, no ministry with Christ as the Head, there is no Church [PEARSON, Exposition of the Creed, Article IX].
John Gill Bible Commentary
One Lord,.... The Lord Jesus Christ, who, by right of creation, is Lord of all; and by right of marriage, and redemption, is the one and only Lord of his church and people; he has betrothed them to himself, and is their husband, and so their Lord, whom they are to worship and obey; he has redeemed them, he has bought them with the price of his blood, and therefore they are not their own, but his, and should glorify him both with their bodies and souls, which are his; he is the head of his body the church, the King of saints, and Father and master of the family named of him, and therefore they ought to agree among themselves, and not be many masters, and usurp a domination over one another. The Ethiopic version reads, "one God", but that is expressed in the following verse. One faith; there is but one grace of faith; there are indeed different sorts of faith; there is the faith of miracles, and an historical, temporary faith, but there is but one true grace of faith; and which, though it is in different subjects, and its degrees and acts are various, yet as to its nature, it is like precious faith in all; and has the same author and object, Jesus Christ, and springs from the same cause, the free grace of God, and has equally in all everlasting salvation connected with it, and consequent upon it: and there is but one doctrine of faith; the Gospel is so called, because it consists of things to be believed, is the means of implanting faith, it proposes the object to be believed in, and requires the exercise of it upon it, and should be mixed with faith whenever heard. Now this is but one, and is all of a piece, and consistent with itself, and so should the professors of it be, and love one another in the faith. One baptism, there were divers baptisms under the law, but there is but one baptism under the Gospel; for John's and Christ's are the same: there are, besides, figurative or metaphorical ones, which are so in an improper sense, as the baptism of the Spirit, and the baptism of blood, or of sufferings; but there is but one baptism, literally and properly so called, which is water baptism; and which is to be administered in one and the same way, by immersion in water; and on one and the same subjects, believers in Christ; and in one and the same name, the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and to be performed but once, when rightly administered.