Eph 4:7-16
1. Going back to 4:1, 既 然蒙召,行事為人就當與蒙召的恩相稱, this is the pivotal point. Eph ch 1-3 is about the doctrine and then ch 4-6 is the practice of the Christian life. Therefore, in 4:1-3 Paul told us what the new life should looks like, and the last one is "用和平彼此聯絡,竭力保守聖靈所賜合而為一的心." It may be hard to do, but grace is given to help us. The idea of "grace, gift, and give" are repeated from v.7-11. The One who give gifts is not ordinary person v.8-10. He is like a victorious King who can captured His enemies and He was from heaven and going back to heaven. The key words are in v.11, "It was he who gave (some as apostles...pastors and teachers)." Therefore, no worry, our unity was given some helps from this powerful King.
2. He gave us some gifted people, who help the church to equip us and building us up in faith and in knowledge. Unity is only possible when we all held the same teaching/doctrine. In v.1-3, unity is maintain when we are 謙虛、溫柔、忍耐,用愛心互相寬容,用和平彼此聯絡, in v.7-16 unity is maintain when we are all taught with the same teaching by the pastors and teachers in the church.
3. v.16 are 2 parallel phrases: "From him (Christ) the whole body grows," and "As each one does its part, the body grows in love." We grow not just by the work of Christ, but also by each of us who does it parts. Sanctification is both God and man works together.
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