![]() ![]() Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleEndeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit. ![]() As "lowliness and meekness" answer to "forbearing one another in love" (compare "love," Eph 4:15, 16), so "long-suffering" answers to (Eph 4:4) "endeavoring (Greek, 'earnestly' or 'zealously giving diligence') to keep (maintain) the unity of the Spirit (the unity between men of different tempers, which flows from the presence of the Spirit, who is Himself 'one,' Eph 4:4) in (united in) the bond of peace" (the "bond" by which "peace" is maintained, namely, "love," Col 3:14, 15 or, "peace" itself is the "bond" meant, uniting the members of the Church ). It is only the lowly, humble heart that is also meek (Col 3:12). Meekness-that spirit in which we accept God's dealings with us without disputing and resisting and also the accepting patiently of the injuries done us by men, out of the thought that they are permitted by God for the chastening and purifying of His people (2Sa 16:11 compare Ga 6:1 2Ti 2:25 Tit 3:2). lowliness-In classic Greek, the meaning is meanness of spirit: the Gospel has elevated the word to express a Christian grace, namely, the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary2, 3. The following verses contain the reasons for this. It is not mere "external" unity it is not a mere unity of creed it is not a mere unity in the forms of public worship it is such as the Holy Spirit produces in the hearts of Christians, when it fills them all with the same love, and joy, and peace in believing. The American Indians usually spoke of peace as a "chain of friendship" which was to be kept bright, The meaning here is, that they should be bound or united together in the sentiments and affections of peace. ![]() ![]() In the bond of peace - This was to be by the cultivation of that peaceful temper which binds all together. Hence, the subject is so often dwelt on in the Scriptures (see the notes on 1 Corinthians 2ff), and hence, there is so much need of caution and of care in the churches. There are so many different tastes and habits there is such a variety of intellect and feeling the modes of education have been so various, and the temperament may be so different, that there is constant danger of division. (2) there is always danger of discord where people are brought together in one society. (1) "unity" of feeling is eminently desirable to honor the gospel (see the notes on John 17:21) and, There is "always" occasion for such an exhortation for: There was occasion among the Ephesians for this exhortation for they were composed of Jews and Gentiles, and there might be danger of divisions and strifes, as there had been in other churches. It may be implied here, as is undoubtedly true, that such a unity would be produced only by the Holy Spirit and that, as there was but one Spirit which had acted on their hearts to renew them, they ought to evince the same feelings and views. It means that Christians should be united in temper and affection, and not be split up into factions and parties. This does not refer to the fact that there is one Holy Spirit but it refers to unity of affection, of confidence, of love. Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe unity of the Spirit - A united spirit, or oneness of spirit. ![]()
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