SEV Biblia, Chapter 4:3
solícitos a guardar la unidad del Espíritu en el vínculo de la paz.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Ephesians 4:3
Verse 3. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.] There can be no doubt that the Church at Ephesus was composed partly of converted Jews, as well as Gentiles. Now, from the different manner in which they had been brought up, there might be frequent causes of altercation. Indeed, the Jews, though converted, might be envious that the Gentiles were admitted to the same glorious privileges with themselves, without being initiated into them by bearing the yoke and burden of the Mosaic law. The apostle guards them against this, and shows them that they should intensely labour (for so the word spoudazein implies) to promote and preserve peace and unity. By the unity of the Spirit we are to understand, not only a spiritual unity, but also a unity of sentiments, desires, and affections, such as is worthy of and springs from the Spirit of God. By the bond of peace we are to understand a peace or union, where the interests of all parties are concentrated, cemented, and sealed; the Spirit of God being the seal upon this knot.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 3. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit , &c.] That is, a spiritual union: there is an union between God and his people, and between Christ and his members, and between saints and saints, and the bond of each union is love; and that it is which knits and cements them together; and it is the last of these which is here intended: the saints are united under one head, and are members of one and the same body, and should be of the same mind and judgment, and of one accord, heart, and affection: and this may be called the unity of the Spirit; because it is an union of spirits, of the spirits or souls of men; and that in spiritual affairs, in the spiritual exercises of religion; and it is effected by the Spirit of God, by whom they are baptized into one body. Now to endeavour or study to keep and preserve this, supposes that this union does already exist; that it is very valuable, as making much for the glory of God, the mutual comfort and delight of saints, and is worth taking some pains about; and that it is very difficult to secure, there being so many things which frequently arise, and break in upon it, through the devices of Satan, and the corruptions of men's hearts: but though it is difficult, and may sometimes seem to be impossible, yet it becomes the saints to be diligent in the use of means to keep it up, and continue it; and which they may be said to endeavour after, when they abide with one another, and do not forsake each other upon every occasion; when they perform all offices of love to one another, and stir up each other to the like: and the way and manner in which this is to be kept, is in the bond of peace : the Arabic version reads, by the bond of love and peace: by maintaining peace among themselves, and seeking those things which tend to, and make for peace, and spiritual edification; and which is called a bond, in allusion to the Greek word used, which comes from one that signifies to knit, join, and bind together, and because it is of a knitting and uniting nature. Now so to act is to walk worthy of calling grace, or agreeably to it: peace is what the saints are called unto in the effectual calling: and what is suitable to God, who is the God of peace; and to Christ, who is the Prince of peace; and to the Holy Spirit, whose fruit is peace; and to the Gospel, which is the Gospel of peace; and to the character which the saints bear, which is that of sons of peace.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk a becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness understand humility, which is opposed to pride. By meekness, tha excellent disposition of soul, which makes men unwilling to provoke and not easily to be provoked or offended. We find much in ourselve for which we can hardly forgive ourselves; therefore we must not be surprised if we find in others that which we think it hard to forgive There is one Christ in whom all believers hope, and one heaven they ar all hoping for; therefore they should be of one heart. They had all on faith, as to its object, Author, nature, and power. They all believe the same as to the great truths of religion; they had all been admitte into the church by one baptism, with water, in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, as the sign of regeneration. I all believers God the Father dwells, as in his holy temple, by his Spirit and special grace.
Greek Textus Receptus
σπουδαζοντες 4704 5723 τηρειν 5083 5721 την 3588 ενοτητα 1775 του 3588 πνευματος 4151 εν 1722 τω 3588 συνδεσμω 4886 της 3588 ειρηνης 1515
Vincent's NT Word Studies
3. Endeavoring (spoudazontev). Not strong enough. Originally the verb means to make haste. So the kindred noun spoudh haste, Mark vi. 25; Luke i. 39. Hence diligence. Rev., here, giving diligence.
To keep (threin). See on reserved, 1 Pet. i. 4.
Unity of the Spirit. Wrought by the Holy Spirit.
Bond of peace. The bond which is peace. Compare ch. ii. 14, our peace - made both one. Christ, our peace, is thus a bond of peace. Others, however, treat in the bond as parallel with in love of ver. 2, and cite Col. iii. 14, "love the bond of perfectness."
Robertson's NT Word Studies
4:3 {The unity} (ten henoteta). Late and rare word (from heis, one), in Aristotle and Plutarch, though in N.T. only here and verse #13. {In the bond of peace} (en twi sundesmwi tes eirenes). In #Col 3:14 agape (love) is the sundesmos (bond). But there is no peace without love (verse #2).
