In Ephesians chapter 4, Stephen emphasizes the importance of Christian unity, urging believers to walk worthy of their calling with humility and love. He highlights that unity is a divine calling, rooted in the oneness of the body of Christ, which is made possible through the Holy Spirit. Stephen reflects on Jesus' high priestly prayer for unity among His followers, asserting that this oneness is not merely a goal but a spiritual reality established by God. He discusses the early Church's unity as depicted in the Book of Acts, where believers shared everything in common, demonstrating their oneness in Christ. Stephen warns against the divisions that have crept into the Church throughout history, stressing that true unity is not achieved through human efforts or organizations but is a work of the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging believers to diligently keep the unity of the Spirit, recognizing that they are all part of one body, sharing one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father. This unity is a precious gift that must be preserved and cherished among all believers.
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: