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Ephesians 4:13 states, “Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (NKJV). The apostle Paul envisions a unified and mature body of believers. Examining the immediate context will help us know how we can achieve this unity of the faith.
Christ distributed spiritual gifts to strengthen and equip the church. Paul says that these gifts are people: “He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11–12, ESV). Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers are essential to help us on “to mature manhood” (ESV) and “we all come to the unity of the faith” (NKJV). Achieving unity does not happen overnight; it requires a process of growth as gifted individuals apply consistent effort in equipping the saints for service.
Unity goes beyond simply agreeing on theological or doctrinal matters; it represents a shared trust in Christ. When Paul refers to the “knowledge of the Son of God,” he speaks of a relational and experiential understanding. It’s more than “head knowledge” or “book smarts.” Our knowledge of Christ is acquired through personal experience and direct encounters with God. In Philippians 3:10, Paul expresses his desire: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (ESV).
Believers have several responsibilities in working toward the unity of the faith:
1. Walk Worthy of the Calling: Paul encourages believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1–3, ESV). Unity starts with a commitment to emulate Christ, who embodies humility, gentleness, patience, and love. These virtues empower believers to promote peace and overcome divisions.
2. Embrace Spiritual Gifts: The church is strengthened through various spiritual gifts. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers are essential for equipping the church and building up the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts are intended for the benefit of others rather than for personal recognition (Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–7).
3. Speak the Truth in Love: In Ephesians 4:15, Paul writes, “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (ESV). Speaking the truth in love requires courage to address sin, correct errors, and resolve misunderstandings. Restoration is the goal (see Galatians 6:1).
4. Equip and Edify One Another: Believers should support and encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (ESV). Christian fellowship and accountability are essential for unity and maturity of faith.
5. Grow in Christ: The purpose of spiritual gifts is to “become mature” and to reach “the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity]” (Ephesians 4:13, AMP). Maturity involves growing in Christlikeness, as outlined in 2 Peter 3:18: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” God’s purpose in choosing us as His own is that we would “be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29, ESV). Believers are called to surrender to the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies us (Galatians 5:22–23).
2. Embrace Spiritual Gifts: The church is strengthened through various spiritual gifts. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers are essential for equipping the church and building up the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts are intended for the benefit of others rather than for personal recognition (Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–7).
3. Speak the Truth in Love: In Ephesians 4:15, Paul writes, “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (ESV). Speaking the truth in love requires courage to address sin, correct errors, and resolve misunderstandings. Restoration is the goal (see Galatians 6:1).
4. Equip and Edify One Another: Believers should support and encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (ESV). Christian fellowship and accountability are essential for unity and maturity of faith.
5. Grow in Christ: The purpose of spiritual gifts is to “become mature” and to reach “the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity]” (Ephesians 4:13, AMP). Maturity involves growing in Christlikeness, as outlined in 2 Peter 3:18: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” God’s purpose in choosing us as His own is that we would “be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29, ESV). Believers are called to surrender to the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies us (Galatians 5:22–23).
We must actively work toward peace and harmony within the church to achieve unity in faith (Ephesians 4:3). This effort requires love, humility, an appreciation for diverse spiritual gifts, and a commitment to support and encourage one another. Both unity and spiritual maturity are essential for becoming more like Christ. We, like Paul, should “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14, ESV).
