for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, Truth to Learn All Christians have gifts to be used in the church. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “equipping” is katartismos. This word is made up of kata, meaning...
Ephesians 4:11 – Builders and Protectors
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, Truth to Learn God has provided gifted men to build and protect the church. Behind the Words “Apostles” is a transliteration of the Greek word apostolos, which is made up of apo, meaning...
Ephesians 4:10 – Not Worth Arguing
He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) Truth to Learn Some Biblical truths are very important to understand correctly, others are not worth arguing about. Behind the Words Both the words translated “descended” and “ascended” are expressed...
Ephesians 4:9 – Jesus In Hades
(Now this, "He ascended"—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? Truth to Learn Our Lord experienced physical death for us. Behind the Words The word “first” is translated from prōton, which is based on the superlative of pro (toward or...
Ephesians 4:8 – Moving Day
Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." Truth to Learn Jesus Christ moved Paradise and gave all Christians gifts. Behind the Words The word “says” is from the Greek verb legō, which literally means “to lay forth,” that is, “to...
Ephesians 4:7 – God’s Gifting
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Truth to Learn Each Christian has a job function to perform within the church based on how God has gifted him or her. Behind the Words The word “each” is from heskatos, which indicates...
Ephesians 4:6 – One Father God
one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Truth to Learn All Christians are united under our Father God. Behind the Words “God” is translated from the Greek word theos, from which we get our English word “theology,” meaning the study...
Ephesians 4:5 – More Oneness
one Lord, one faith, one baptism; Truth to Learn There are several aspects of oneness in the church. Behind the Words “Lord” is translated from the Greek noun kurios. This word is derived from kuros, meaning “authority” or “supremacy.” The basic meaning of kurios is “owner, master, or lord.” It...
Ephesians 4:4 – Only One
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; Truth to Learn All Christians are to work toward unity within the church. Behind the Words “One” is translated from the Greek word heis (pronounced hice). This is the masculine form of...
Ephesians 4:3 – Peaceful Unity
endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Truth to Learn Our service within the church should promote unity and peace. Behind the Words “Endeavoring” is translated from spoudadzō. This word is derived from the noun spoudē, meaning “speed.” However, by implication and common usage,...