Ephesians 4:1-6

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you have all been called to one hope."

This is where we read the famous passage: "one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all." (v. 5) Paul, or his disciples, probably wrote this letter to be circulated, because unlike the other letters in the New Testament attributed to Paul this letter is not addressed to a particular church or person. For example, Galatians is addressed to the "churches of Galatia," and Romans is addressed to "all God's beloved in Rome." Paul's two letters to the Corinthians are addressed to "the church of God, which is at Corinth," and the letter to the Philippians begins with the statement, "To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi." Ephesians, on the other hand, is addressed generally to "the saints who are also faithful in Christ Jesus."

The letter uses striking images to urge unity among Jewish and Gentile Christians. There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one baptism, and one God, so there must be one church where both Gentile and Jewish Christians witness to the good news of salvation in Christ. Today, it is often said that the lack of church unity is a scandal. But more wisely, perhaps, we might say the disunity of the church reflects its humanity. The church may point to what is divine, but remains very human.

Grace and peace...Bob