Reflections From Ephesiansნიმუში

Today, we will look briefly at unity and diversity, then at the purpose God has in giving “gifts to his people.”

Paul, in verses 1-6, before speaking of the diversity of gifts/operations God has given us, makes a strong case for unity. Our unity, which is maintained by us working on humility and gentleness with patience, is premised on the unity of the faith - “one body and one Spirit … one hope … one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.” In other words, at the heart of God and our faith is a profound unity, a togetherness that transcends any diversity or division. Because of this, Paul is then able to speak of the different gifts God has given the church, without difference becoming divisive or sectarian - a habit of humans. If we are one in Christ, which we are, then it is something worth fighting for, with all our spiritual energies, no matter our gifts.

In verses 7-10, a picture is painted for us that employs the actions of a conqueror. The conqueror would plunder a vanquished foe and distribute gifts to his soldiers and others. Paul is saying Jesus did this after defeating death and evil (Satan). He gave enduring gifts to the church - gifts that would enforce and spread Christ’s victory - not gifts that would perish with consumption.

What amazing verses 11-13 are, and how often do we miss the point because of the hierarchical nature of our societies? God gave these ministry/apostolic gifts SO THAT the body of Christ would be built up by the equipped saints doing the work of ministry - serving in love. This is why Paul could move on from the churches he planted - the people in them had been equipped to do the ministry. His presence was no longer required or necessary - even though it would have been wonderful for any church to have him there permanently; many tears were shed when he moved on.

Our tendency is to invert the importance of those with one of these five gifts. We have elevated the gifted, whereas God has elevated the saints. Our default creates a church structure that appears upside down (in effect) to Paul’s intent, leaders being necessary notwithstanding. Numerous ‘gifted’ people in the Western church have monetized their gift and, in some cases, become wealthy by it. This would have horrified the aged apostle. The point of the ascended Christ giving gifts was that the benefit would be spread to all God's people, not just a few.

Verse 13 and the grand goal of the saints building up the church by what each contributes is, “the unity of the faith and … the knowledge of the Son of God … the full stature of Christ.” If every believer were motivated by being equipped and causing encouragement and strengthening to the church, then there would be much less of the pulpit and pew difference, the division between the professional and the amateur. All God’s people would be built up by what each had been equipped to do. Unity from diversity is the point Paul is making.