Praying for Unity in Believers' Understanding of Scripture
Biblical Foundations for Praying for Unity
The concept of praying for unity among believers is rooted in several biblical passages. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul exhorts the Corinthian church to "speak the same thing" and to be "perfectly united in the same mind and in the same judgment" [3]. This call for unity is echoed in Ephesians 4:13, where Paul writes that believers should strive for "the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God" [4]. Jesus himself prayed for the unity of his followers in John 17:20-21, asking that they "may be one" just as he and the Father are one [6, 7].
The Nature of Unity
The unity for which believers pray is not merely a superficial agreement, but a deep-seated harmony rooted in their shared faith and knowledge of Christ. According to John Gill, this unity is characterized by agreement in the doctrine of faith, particularly in the person and offices of Christ [7]. Adam Clarke notes that Jesus' prayer for unity is not limited to his immediate disciples, but extends to all who would believe in him through their testimony [6].
Praying for Unity in Understanding Scripture
Praying for unity in understanding Scripture is an essential aspect of this broader call to unity. Believers are encouraged to pray for one another, that they may have a shared understanding of God's word. In Colossians 4:3, Paul asks the Colossian church to pray for him, that God may "open to us a door for the word" [1]. Similarly, in Philemon 1:6, Paul prays that the fellowship of Philemon's faith may "become effective in the knowledge of every good thing that is in us for Christ" [2].
The Role of Prayer in Achieving Unity
Prayer plays a crucial role in achieving unity among believers. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, the communion of saints includes praying for one another [5]. In 2 Corinthians 1:11, Paul notes that the Corinthians' prayers for him were a key factor in his deliverance. By praying for one another, believers can cultivate a deeper sense of unity and shared understanding.
Historical and Theological Perspectives
Throughout church history, theologians and biblical commentators have emphasized the importance of praying for unity. Adam Clarke, a Methodist/Wesleyan commentator, notes that Jesus' prayer for unity is a model for believers to follow [6]. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, highlights the importance of unity in doctrine and faith [7]. Protestant academic commentators, such as those from Tyndale House, emphasize that unity among believers is an outgrowth of their union with Christ, and that it reflects the credibility of Christ in the world [8].
Conclusion
Praying for unity in believers' understanding of Scripture is a vital aspect of the church's life and mission. By praying for one another and for a shared understanding of God's word, believers can cultivate a deeper sense of unity and harmony. As the biblical passages and historical commentators make clear, this unity is not merely a human achievement, but a divine gift that is rooted in the prayer of Christ himself [6, 7].
Sources
- Colossians “praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; -- Colossians 4:3”
- Philemon “Philemon 1:6 (LEB) — I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing that is in us for Christ.”
- 1 Corinthians “Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment. -- 1 Corinthians 1:10”
- Ephesians “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; -- Ephesians 4:13”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion of Saints — According to the prayer of Christ -- Joh 17:20,21. Is with God. -- 1Jo 1:3. Saints in heaven. -- Heb 12:22-24. Each other. -- Ga 2:9; 1Jo 1:3,7. God marks, with his approval -- Mal 3:16. Christ is present in -- Mt 18:20. In public and social worship -- Ps 34:3; 55:14; Ac 1:14; Heb 10:25. In the Lord's supper -- 1Co 10:17. In holy conversation -- Mal 3:16. In prayer for each other -- 2Co 1:11; Eph 6:18. In exhortation -- Col 3:16; Heb 10:25. In mutual comfort and edification -- 1Th 4:18; 5:11. In mutual sympathy and kindness -- Ro 12:15; Eph 4:32”
- John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on John 17:20: III. Our Lord's Prayer for His Church, and for All Who Would Believe on His Name, Through the Preaching of the Apostles and Their Successor. Joh 17:20-26. See on Joh 17:1 (note). Neither pray I for these alone - This prayer extends itself through all ages, and takes in every soul that believes in the Lord Jesus. And what is it that Christ asks in behalf of his followers? The greatest of blessings: unity, peace, love, and eternal glory.”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 17:20: That they all may be one,.... Among themselves. This may regard their unity in faith, and in the knowledge of Christ; for there is but one faith which all truly experienced souls agree in: they are converted by the same Spirit, and have the same work of grace wrought in them; and though they have not the same degree of light, and measure of spiritual knowledge, yet they agree in the main point of the Gospel, salvation alone by the Lord Jesus Christ; and such an agreement in the doctrine of faith, and the grand articles of it, respecting the person and offices of Christ”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 17:21: 17:21 For believers, becoming one with one another is an outgrowth of the union they enjoy with Jesus himself, a union modeled on the oneness of the Father and the Son. • may they be in us: Through the power of the Spirit, believers would experience a profound spiritual intimacy with the Father and the Son and be transformed (14:20, 23; 1 Jn 4:13). • Disciples of Jesus represent him, so their conduct and relationships with each other reflect the credibility of Christ in the world. When there is disunity, infighting, and intolerance, their testimony to the world is ”