The concept of one body is central to understanding Ephesians chapter four. In this passage, Paul shifts from explaining God's plan to showing how Christians should live. He urges believers to live in a way that reflects what God did through Jesus. This means being humble, gentle, and patient. It also means working to keep the unity of the Spirit.

Paul explains that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. He already showed how Christ brought Jews and Gentiles together in chapter two. The cross removed the barriers between them. All believers are part of one body because the Holy Spirit lives in each of them.

Paul emphasizes this unity by referencing 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. Just like a physical body has many parts, the church comprises many different people. But they are all united by the same Spirit through baptism. This means that no matter someone's background, they are part of the one body if they believe in Jesus.

The apostle John opposed those who denied the reality of Jesus in the flesh. Paul condemned those who altered the message of the gospel. It is essential to protect the unity of the Spirit. We do this by holding on to the core teachings of the Christian faith.

The New Testament teaches specific things about baptism. The word itself means immersion. Jesus taught that we are reborn of water and the Spirit (John 3:5). His disciples practiced water baptism (John 4:1-2). Jesus commanded baptism for all believers (Matthew 28:19-20). Peter said that God gives the Holy Spirit to those who repent and are baptized (Acts 2:38-39). Paul taught that nd resurrectionRomans 6:3-4).

However, there is much disagreement about baptism today. Some groups practice sprinkling or pouring instead of immersion. Others deny its importance for salvation. This division goes against the idea of one body.

Paul also discusses the gifts that Christ bestowed upon the church. He references Psalm 68:18⁠, portraying Jesus as a victorious king. This king grants gifts to his people, which include apostles and prophets. The apostles served as special witnesses of Jesus and possessed unique spiritual abilities.

The apostles and prophets are two gifts that established the one body we call the church.

These gifts were crucial for revealing God's plan to unite all people in Christ. This plan was hidden for a long time. God revealed it through the apostles and prophets of the first century. They form part of the church's foundation.