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...
Ephesians 4:9 – Jesus In Hades
(And that, He ascended, what is it except 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...
Ephesians 4:8 – Moving Day
Therefore He says: "Having 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...
Ephesians 4:6 – One Father God
one God and Father of all, the One 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...
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.”...
Ephesians 4:4 – Only One
There is one body and one Spirit, even as you also 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...
Ephesians 4:3 – Peaceful Unity
being diligent 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 “Being diligent” is translated from spoudadzō. This word is derived from the noun spoudē, meaning “speed.” However, by implication...
Ephesians 4:2 – Humble, Gentle, Patience
with all humility and meekness, with longsuffering, holding up one another in love, Truth to Learn As we serve God and others within the church, we need to keep in mind how He treats us. Behind the Words The word “humility” is translated from the Greek noun tapeinophrosunē. This...
Ephesians 4:1 – Serve One, Serve All
Therefore, I, the prisoner of the Lord, encourage you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, Truth to Learn We are all called to serve in God’s church. Behind the Words “Prisoner” is from desmios, which is derived from the verb desmeō, meaning “to bind.”...