Ephesians 4:1-2

4:1

As a prisoner – Restricted movement, controlled by another—either physically or figuratively. Probably uses it with double meaning. While he was probably in a prison when he wrote this, he had also come to a point in his walk with Christ that allowed the Lord Jesus to dictate his movements. Somehow I need to come to that same point of submission.

But “prisoner” in the context that follows also carries with it a degree of authority. As he demonstrated in chapter 3, he is suffering on behalf of the communities of faith, such as the Ephesians, which he has planted around the empire. With that authority, he leads into the commands that follow.

for the Lord [NLT = for serving the Lord] – I prefer NIV here. The NLT version seems to exclude the figurative application.

then [NLT: therefore] – as a result of: Paul’s calling to be an apostle to the Gentiles, as a result of: God’s name on His family… God’s wealth of power… our being rooted in love, et al., the following exhortations arise from these foregoing facts.

I urge [beg] you – Strong emotional appeal, based on Paul’s apostolic authority and his constant praying for them, which had formed a bond.

to live a life – ongoing pattern of behavior or lifestyle, hallmark of a person’s character

worthy of the calling – The calling—its high standards—is described in chapters 2 and 3. These are lofty goals. Today [nowadays], I know I fall far short of that calling. The calling in chapter 2 indicates a love for believers that sees no distinctions. And chapter 3 gives a prayer that God’s power will enable us to live by that love. Now Paul presses me to do my part by putting into action the principle of love for believers with no regard to distinctions.

you have received – when God called me to follow Him, He called me to love the brothers and sisters and thus demonstrate to the world the power of God with our community.

4:2

Be – Imperative, command: Live this way; act accordingly

completely – entirely, no exceptions

humble – not demanding my “rights”

and gentle – difficult quality for me to picture. We use the phrase, “gentle as a lamb.” Those of us who find gentleness elusive often excuse our non-gentle ways. I rationalize that I’m just this way. I don’t know how to be gentle. But Paul gives the command to live this way completely. Having written that, it occurs to me that I don’t usually picture Paul in a lamb-like attitude either. So I need the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to what gentleness really looks like.

be patient – another command, perhaps fleshing out the previous command. Patient: setting aside my timetable

bearing with one another [NLT = making allowance for each others faults] – focusing on, admitting to my faults, without demanding reciprocation.