Ephesians 4:1-6 The ministry of Paul constitutes a radical paradigm shift in the early Christian faith, as it was Paul and his disciples who successfully broadened the scope of the early Christian faith to encompass Gentile society, in addition to Christianity's original Jewish followers. Ephesians 4:1-6 can be understood as a call for unity among believers, as in this passage Paul emphasizes the need for patience, humility, and peace among Christians, no matter what their background. First-century Judaism is considered by many scholars to be a "Law-oriented region focused on seeking favor with God."1 James D.G. Dunn argues that Israel viewed the Law as a "badge of Israel's special relationship with God" and also as a "boundary marker between them and others," particularly in regards to "'works' such as circumcision, purity regulations, and Sabbath observance."2 The following examination of this passage will show why Paul's stance was considered to be so radical, as he argued that rather than basing their sense of identity on ethnic consideration, Christians should regard themselves as united with the body of the Church. The passage (New International Version) (1) As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (2) Be completely humble and gentle: be patient, bearing with one another in love. (3) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (4)There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—(5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism; (6) one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:1-6). General background and structure of Ephesians In the late eighteenth century, biblical scholarship began to question Paul's authorship of the Letter to the Ephesians. 3 Scholars who agree with F.C. Bauer, the nineteenth century scholar who established the boundaries of this debate, base their opinion on the Letter's use of language, wr