Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 4:3

"giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." — Ephesians 4:3 (ASV)

The absence of these qualities may jeopardize Christian unity. That is why Paul presses his readers to exert all their powers to maintain the oneness in Christ that binds all believers to each other because they are bound by him and to him. “Make every effort” (GK 5079) suggests difficulty and a resolute determination to overcome it. It is assumed that unity between Christians already exists as given in Christ (2:13–18) by the Spirit. The “one Spirit” (v.4) is the agent of unity. Through the Spirit, Christians can attain a profound oneness. “Peace” is the clasp that ensures that this God-given unity will not fall apart.