one Lord
The term "Lord" in this context refers to Jesus Christ, affirming His divinity and authority over the church. In the Greco-Roman world, "lord" was a title used for emperors and deities, but Paul reclaims it to emphasize the supremacy of Christ. This echoes the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4, "The LORD our God, the LORD is one," highlighting monotheism and the unity of God. The early church faced pressures from both Jewish and pagan communities, making this declaration a bold statement of allegiance to Christ alone. This phrase also connects to Philippians 2:11, where every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, underscoring His ultimate authority and role as the head of the church.

one faith
This phrase signifies the shared belief system centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. It underscores the unity of doctrine and the core truths of Christianity, which were crucial in a time when false teachings and divisions threatened the early church. The "one faith" is the apostolic teaching handed down from Christ to His disciples, as seen in Jude 1:3, which speaks of the faith delivered once for all to the saints. This unity in faith is essential for the church's mission and witness in the world, as it reflects the truth of the gospel and the transformative power of Christ's work.

one baptism
Baptism here refers to the rite of initiation into the Christian community, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the first-century context, baptism was a public declaration of faith and allegiance to Christ, often at great personal risk. This phrase emphasizes the unity and equality of all believers, regardless of background, as they are all baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). The act of baptism also connects to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His followers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, signifying the believer's entry into the covenant community and the new life in Christ.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, Ephesus was a center of commerce and culture. The church in Ephesus was one of the early Christian communities to which Paul wrote.

3. Early Christian Church
The context in which Paul wrote this letter, the early church was grappling with issues of unity and diversity among believers.Unity in Christ
The phrase "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" underscores the unity that should exist among believers. Despite diverse backgrounds, Christians are united under one Lord.

The Centrality of Christ
"One Lord" emphasizes the central role of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith. He is the foundation upon which our faith is built.

Shared Beliefs and Practices
"One faith" and "one baptism" highlight the shared beliefs and practices that bind Christians together. These are not just personal experiences but communal ones that affirm our identity in Christ.

Baptism as a Symbol of Unity
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and a symbol of the believer's unity with Christ and the church. It signifies entry into the Christian community.

Living Out Our Unity
Christians are called to live in a manner that reflects the unity described in this verse. This involves fostering peace, love, and understanding within the church.(5) One Lord, one faith.--From the idea of "the calling," the Apostle passes naturally to Him who calls--the "one Lord"--and to the method of His calling to Himself, first, by the "one faith," and then by the "one baptism" at which profession of that one faith is made. It is on the indwelling of Christ in each heart by faith that the spiritual unity of all Christians--primarily with Him, secondarily with one another--depends; and that spiritual unity is "put on" in baptism (Galatians 3:27), in which we are "buried with Him and risen again" (Colossians 2:12), growing into the likeness of His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5). Again we note that, with but few exceptions, all Christians, even in the divided condition of the Church, are still united in the "one baptism;" and if we look to such expressions of the one faith as are contained in the baptismal profession (e.g., of the Apostles' Creed), it is clear that our divisions, great as they are, turn mainly on the fourth subsidiary Article on the "Holy Catholic Church," and not on the three primary Articles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. In these the mass of Christendom has still one faith.

Parallel Commentaries ...

one
εἷς (heis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

Lord,
Κύριος (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

one
μία (mia)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

faith,
πίστις (pistis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

one
ἓν (hen)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

baptism;
βάπτισμα (baptisma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 908: The rite or ceremony of baptism. From baptizo; baptism.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 4:5 One Lord one faith one baptism (Ephes. Eph. Ep)