for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ,
Parallel Translations
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for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ,
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that the sainctes might have all thinges necessarie to worke and minister with all to the edifyinge of the body of christ
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For the repairing of the Saintes, for the woorke of the ministerie, and for the edification of the bodie of Christ,
Cross-references (39)
Passages linked to Ephesians 4:12 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do. But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. We exhort you, brothers: Admonish the disorderly; encourage the faint-hearted; support the weak; be patient toward all.
- Ephesians 4:16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.
- 1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
- Romans 15:14 I myself am also persuaded about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish others.
- Romans 14:19 So then, let’s follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.
- 1 Corinthians 14:4-5 He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26 What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, or has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.
- 1 Corinthians 14:12 So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.
- 1 Timothy 1:12 I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service;
- Luke 22:32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”
- Acts 14:22-23 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into God’s Kingdom. When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.
- 2 Corinthians 5:18 But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation;
- Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let’s press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God,
- Acts 9:31 So the assemblies throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 So let a man think of us as Christ’s servants, and stewards of God’s mysteries. Here, moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
- 2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint.
- 2 Corinthians 6:3 We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed,
- Colossians 1:28 We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;
- Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
- John 21:15-17 So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
- Acts 11:23 who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.
- Acts 20:24 But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.
- Acts 20:28 Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.
- Romans 12:7 or service, let’s give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching;
- Romans 15:2 Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up.
- Romans 15:29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of the Good News of Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 12:7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all.
- 1 Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
- 2 Corinthians 3:8 won’t service of the Spirit be with much more glory?
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
- 2 Corinthians 12:19 Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.
- Acts 1:17 For he was counted with us, and received his portion in this ministry.
- Acts 1:25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.”
- Ephesians 1:23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
- Philippians 1:25-26 Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.
- Philippians 3:12-18 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you. Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let’s walk by the same rule. Let’s be of the same mind. Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example. For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ,
- Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly,
- Colossians 4:17 Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
- 2 Timothy 4:5 But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this verse (18 sources)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain 12. For the renewing of the saints. In this…
12. For the renewing of the saints. In this version I follow Erasmus, not because I prefer his view, but to allow the reader an opportunity of comparing his version with the Vulgate and with mine, and then choosing for himself. The old translation was, (ad consummationem,) for the completeness. The Greek word employed by Paul is καταρτισμός, which signifies literally the adaptation of things possessing symmetry and proportion; just as, in the human body, the members are united in a proper and regular manner; so that the word comes to signify perfection. But as Paul intended to express here a just and orderly arrangement, I prefer the word (constitutio) settlement or constitution, taking it in that sense in which a commonwealth, or kingdom, or province, is said to be settled, when confusion gives place to the regular administration of law.
For the work of the ministry. God might himself have performed this work, if he had chosen; but he has committed it to the ministry of men. This is intended to anticipate an objection. “Cannot the church be constituted and properly arranged, without the instrumentality of men?” Paul asserts that a ministry is required, because such is the will of God.
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For the edifying of the body of Christ. This is the same thing with what he had formerly denominated the settlement or perfecting of the saints. Our true completeness and perfection consist in our being united in the one body of Christ. No language more highly commendatory of the ministry of the word could have been employed, than to ascribe to it this effect. What is more excellent than to produce the true and complete perfection of the church? And yet this work, so admirable and divine, is here declared by the apostle to be accomplished by the external ministry of the word. That those who neglect this instrument should hope to become perfect in Christ is utter madness. Yet such are the fanatics, on the one hand, who pretend to be favored with secret revelations of the Spirit, — and proud men, on the other, who imagine that to them the private reading of the Scriptures is enough, and that they have no need of the ordinary ministry of the church.
If the edification of the church proceeds from Christ alone, he has surely a right to prescribe in what manner it shall be edified. But Paul expressly states, that, according to the command of Christ, no real union or perfection is attained, but by the outward preaching. We must allow ourselves to be ruled and taught by men. This is the universal rule, which extends equally to the highest and to the lowest. The church is the common mother of all the godly, which bears, nourishes, and brings up children to God, kings and peasants alike; and this is done by the ministry. Those who neglect or despise this order choose to be wiser than Christ. Woe to the pride of such men! It is, no doubt, a thing in itself possible that divine influence alone should make us perfect without human assistance. But the present inquiry is not what the power of God can accomplish, but what is the will of God and the appointment of Christ. In employing human instruments for accomplishing their salvation, God has conferred on men no ordinary favor. Nor can any exercise be found better adapted to promote unity than to gather around the common doctrine — the standard of our General.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain He showeth the end of Ecclesiastical functions, to wit,…
He showeth the end of Ecclesiastical functions, to wit, that by the ministry of men all the Saints may so grow up together, that they may make one mystical body of Christ.
The Church.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the…
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Ver. 12. For the perfecting of the saints] καταρτισμον, for the jointing of them whom the devil hath dislocated.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain For the perfecting of the saints; either for the…
For the perfecting of the saints; either for the restoring and bringing them into right order, who had been, as it were, dissipated, and disjointed by sin: or rather the knitting together and compacting them more and more, both in nearer union to Christ their Head by faith, and to their fellow members by love: see 1Co 1:10.
For the work of the ministry; or, for the work of dispensation, i.e. for dispensing the word, and all those ordinances which it appertains to them to dispense; and so it implies their whole work. But there may be a trajection in the words, and then this clause is to be read before the former, and the meaning plainly is:
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For the work of the ministry, which is to perfect the saints, and edify the body of Christ.
For the edifying of the body of Christ; the same in effect as perfecting the saints, viz. the building up the church, both in bringing in new members to it, and strengthening those that are brought in already, in faith and holiness.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain For the perfecting of the saints, The chosen ones,…
For the perfecting of the saints, The chosen ones, whom God has sanctified or set apart for himself in eternal election: the ministry of the word is designed for the completing the number of these in the effectual calling; and for the perfecting of the whole body of the church, by gathering in all that belong to it, and of every particular saint, who is regenerated and sanctified by the Spirit of God: for the best of saints are imperfect; for though there is a perfection in them, as that designs sincerity, in opposition to hypocrisy, and as it may be taken comparatively with respect to what others are, or they themselves were; and though there is a perfection of parts of the new man in them, yet not of degrees; and though there is a complete perfection in Christ, yet not in themselves, their sanctification is imperfect, as their faith, knowledge, love, &c. sin is in them, and committed by them, and they continually want supplies of grace; and the best of them are sensible of their imperfection, and own it: now the ministration of the word is a means of carrying on the work of grace in them unto perfection, or "for the restoring or joining in of the saints"; the elect of God were disjointed in Adam's fall, and scattered abroad, who were representatively gathered together in one head, even in Christ, in redemption; and the word is the means of the visible and open jointing of them into Christ, and into his churches, and also of restoring them after backslidings:
for the work of the ministry; gifts are given unto men by Christ to qualify them for it: the preaching of the Gospel is a work, and a laborious one, and what no man is sufficient for of himself; it requires faithfulness, and is a good work, and when well performed, those concerned in it are worthy of respect, esteem, and honour; and it is a ministering work, a service and not dominion:
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for the edifying the body of Christ; not his natural body the Father prepared for him; nor his sacramental body in the supper; but his mystical body the church; and gifts are bestowed to fit them for the preaching of the Gospel, that hereby the church, which is compared to an edifice, might be built up; and that the several societies of Christians and particular believers might have spiritual edification, and walk in the fear of the Lord, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost, and their numbers be increased, and their graces be in lively exercise.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain In this verse is noted the office of ministers;…
In this verse is noted the office of ministers; in the next, the aim of the saints; in the 14th, 15th, 16th, the way of growing in grace. And each of these has three parts, standing in the same order. For the perfecting the saints - The completing them both in number and their various gifts and graces. To the work of the ministry - The serving God and his church in their various ministrations. To the edifying of the body of Christ - The building up this his mystical body in faith, love, holiness.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 12. For the perfecting of the saints] For…
Verse 12. For the perfecting of the saints] For the complete instruction, purification, and union of all who have believed in Christ Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles. For the meaning of καταρτισμος, perfecting, 2Co 13:9.
For the work of the ministry] All these various officers, and the gifts and graces conferred upon them, were judged necessary, by the great Head of the Church, for its full instruction in the important doctrines of Christianity. The same officers and gifts are still necessary, and God gives them; but they do not know their places. In most Christian Churches there appears to be but one office, that of preacher; and one gift, that by which he professes to preach. The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are all compounded in the class preachers; and many, to whom God has given nothing but the gift of exhortation, take texts to explain them; and thus lose their time, and mar their ministry.
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Edifying of the body] The body of Christ is his Church, see Eph 2:20, c. and its edification consists in its thorough instruction in Divine things, and its being filled with faith and holiness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain Eph 4:12-13. For the perfecting — Προς τον καταρτισμον…
Eph 4:12-13. For the perfecting — Προς τον καταρτισμον των αγιων; in order to, or, for the sake of; completing of the saints — Both in number, and in the various branches of true Christianity, namely, in the knowledge of all Christian doctrines, the possession of all Christian graces, the enjoyment of all Christian privileges, the performance of all Christian duties. Now in order to the attainment of these ends, and thereby the completing the Christian character of each individual member of the church, and of all in general, he appointed the sundry officers above named, whether ordinary or extraordinary, (several of the latter having left their writings for the instruction of the faithful in all ages,) for the work of the ministry — The serving of God and his church, in their various ministrations, especially in dispensing the word, administering the ordinances, maintaining Christian discipline, and performing all other ministerial duties. For the edifying of the body of Christ — The building up Christ’s mystical body, in faith, love, and universal holiness: or by ministering to the increase of the graces of such as were already converted, and by the addition of new members to the true church. Till we all come — Which gifts, offices, and ministrations, are to continue in the church, till every member thereof come to the unity of the faith, and knowledge of the Son of God — To both an exact agreement in the Christian doctrine, and an experimental, practical knowledge, or acknowledgment, of Christ as the Son of God; to a perfect man — To a state of spiritual manhood, both in understanding and strength, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ — Or, to the full measure of his stature, that is, to that maturity of age and spiritual stature, wherein we shall be possessed of his whole mind, and fully conformed to him. But the words εις την ενοτητα της
πιστεως, &c., which we translate in the unity of the faith, &c., ought rather to be rendered, to the unity, or union, of the faith, or that union which is the fruit or consequence of the faith, namely, of perfect faith, even the faith spoken of by our Lord in his intercessory prayer, recorded Joh 17:20-23, where he says, I pray for them which shall believe on me, that they all may be one, as thou Father art in me and I in thee, that they may be made perfect in one, that is, may be perfectly united in love to us and one another. The following verses lead us to this meaning of the passage.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain For the perfecting of the saints - On the…
For the perfecting of the saints - On the meaning of the word rendered here as “perfecting” - καταρτισμὸν katartismon - see the notes on 2Co 13:9. It properly refers to “the restoring of anything to its place;” then putting in order, making complete, etc. Here it means that these various officers were appointed in order that everything in the church might be well arranged, or put into its proper place; or that the church might be “complete.” It is that Christians may have every possible advantage for becoming complete in love, and knowledge, and order.
For the work of the ministry - All these are engaged in the work of the ministry, though in different departments. Together they constituted the “ministry” by which Christ meant to establish and edify the church. All these offices had an existence at that time, and all were proper; though it is clear that they were not all designed to be permanent. The apostolic office was of course to cease with the death of those who were “the witnesses” of the life and doctrines of Jesus (compare notes on 1Co 9:1); the office of “prophets” was to cease with the cessation of inspiration; and in like manner it is possible that the office of teacher or evangelist might be suspended, as circumstances might demand. But is it not clear from this that Christ did not appoint “merely” three orders of clergy to be permanent in the church? Here are “five” orders enumerated, and in 1Co 12:28, there are “eight” mentioned; and how can it be demonstrated that the Saviour intended that there should be “three” only, and that they should be permanent? The presumption is rather that he meant that there should be but one permanent order of ministers, though the departments of their labor might be varied according to circumstances, and though there might be helpers, as occasion should demand. In founding churches among the pagan, and in instructing and governing them there, there is need of reviving nearly all the offices of teacher, helper, evangelist, etc., which Paul has enumerated as actually existing in his time.
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For the edifying - For building it up; that is, in the knowledge of the truth and in piety; see the notes on Rom 14:19.
The body of Christ - The Church; see the notes on Eph 1:23.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain For--with a view to; the ultimate aim. "Unto."
For--with a view to; the ultimate aim. "Unto."
perfecting--The Greek implies correcting in all that is deficient, instructing and completing in number and all parts.
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for--a different Greek word; the immediate object. Compare Rom 15:2, "Let every one . . . please his neighbor for his good unto edification."
the ministry--Greek, "ministration"; without the article. The office of the ministry is stated in this verse. The good aimed at in respect to the Church (Eph 4:13). The way of growth (Eph 4:14-16).
edifying--that is, building up as the temple of the Holy Ghost.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain c. All for building a compact and energetic Christian…
c. All for building a compact and energetic Christian Church, Eph_4:12-16.
12. For—In order to: a different Greek word from the two fors following. This perfecting or fitting the saints is for two things: first, for a (not the) work of service, (not an official ministry,) so as to be a true working Church in all temporal, benevolent, and spiritual matters; and second, for the building up the Church, so that it be at once a strong edifice, and that edifice the body of Christ. The figures of architecture and of anatomy are blended.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain 12. for the perfecting of the saints, &c.] More…
12. for the perfecting of the saints, &c.] More lit., with a view to the equipment of the saints for [their] work of service. Latin versions, ad consummationem sanctorum in opus ministerii. The noun rendered equipment occurs only here in N.T. The kindred verb occurs e.g. Mat_4:21 (A.V., “mending nets”); Gal_6:1 (A.V., “restore such a one”); Heb_13:21 (“make you perfect”; and so 2Co_13:11; 1Pe_5:10). The idea is of mending a breach, completing a connexion, putting the dislocated in order.—The practical suggestion here is most important. The Divine gift of a Christian Ministry is to have its effect above all things in the fitting of “the saints” (true believers in general) for active “service” for the common Lord. Government, preaching, teaching, is to bear upon this. Nothing will be a more lawful result of a Divine ministerial commission than energetic efforts for Christ and His cause on the part of private Christians. These efforts, on the other hand, will never be made (in the true ideal of Christian work) in neglect or contempt of the ordered ministry.
for the edifying of the body] A special aspect of the “work of service” just mentioned. Each true believer is, by the spiritually enabled ministry, to be “equipped” to act as a “builder up” of the Lord’s Body (on which see above, on Eph_4:4); to gather in new “living stones,” new “members,” by holy influence of word and work; and to compact and consolidate the cohesion. See below Eph_4:29 for a special form of such labours.—For the fusion of the metaphors of “building” and “body” see the closing verses of ch. 2, and below Eph_4:16.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (12) For the perfecting . . .—The parallelism of…
(12) For the perfecting . . .—The parallelism of the three clauses of our version of this verse does not exactly correspond to the original, though we notice that Chrysostom supports it, and therefore evidently saw nothing in the Greek to contradict it. The preposition (eis) used in the two latter clauses (which should be unto work of ministration, unto edification of the body of Christ) properly signifies “contact with a thing,” and the preposition (pros) used in the first clause, “direction towards a thing.” The two are often apparently interchanged; but in close juxtaposition here can hardly be intended to be identical or exactly parallel; and, if distinction is to be drawn, the former must signify immediate consequence, and the other the remoter object to which such immediate consequence is designed to minister. The construction would be greatly simplified, if inversion of the first two clauses could be allowed. For it would then run, “unto work of ministration with a view to perfecting of saints, unto building up of the body of Christ;” and so would plainly represent the two-fold operation of the ministry: first, its work in its various offices for the perfecting of individual souls; and next, its general direction to the building up of the whole body. But whether this construction be grammatically possible or not, this appears to be in any case the general sense of the passage.
The perfecting of the saints.—The word rendered “perfecting” (akin to the “perfection” of 2Co_13:9) is derived from a root which signifies either to “mend” what is broken (as in Mat_4:21), or to “complete” what is unfinished (as in Luk_6:40; Rom_9:22); and hence is used spiritually for to “restore” the fallen (Gal_6:1), or to “perfect” the imperfect Christian (Heb_13:21; 1Th_3:10). Both processes are necessarily implied in that perfection of the individual saints here spoken of, and more fully described in the next verses.
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The edifying of the body of Christ.—This is that part of the work of the ministry (as in preaching and ministering in public worship) which tells upon the Church or congregation as a whole. It is here represented as subsequent, perhaps as subordinate, to the individual pastoral dealing with souls. But each has his own gift. Some ministries are more blessed to the individual perfecting of the saints; others to the building up of the whole Church.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain In order to the perfecting of the saints. The…
In order to the perfecting of the saints. The ultimate end for which the gifts bestowed. (comp. Heb_12:1) A work of completion is in hand, which must be fulfilled (see ver. 13): the saints, now compassed about with infirmity, have to be freed from all stain, (Eph_5:26, Eph_5:27) and as instruments towards this end, the ministers of the Church are given by Christ; they are not mere promoters of civilization, men of culture planted among the rude, but instruments for advancing men to complete holiness. For the work of the ministry. The preposition is changed from prov to eijv prov denoting the ultimate end, eijv the immediate object; (Rom_15:2) the office of the Church officers is not lords, but diakonoi, servants, as Christ himself was. (Mat_20:28) For the building up of the body of Christ. Bringing bone to its bone and sinew to its sinew, increasing the number of believers, and promoting the spiritual life of each; carrying on all their work as Christ"s servants and with a definite eye to the promotion of the great work which he undertook when he came to seek and to save the lost.
Vers. 12-16.
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Christ"s gifts to his Church: their end or purpose.
I Generally, Christ has a work of perfection on hand. This denoted by the perfecting of the saints" (ver. 12), and "unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (ver. 13). What a high aim with reference to creatures so poor and needy as the members of his Church!
II In order to this, the work of the ministry exists; and that work seeks
(1) "the edifying the body of Christ;
(2) the promotion of unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God (ver. 13);
(3) protection of the Church from childish fickleness and the arts of men who seek to unsettle her (ver. 14). In order to accomplish these ends, the ministry is called to speak the truth in love (ver. 15), and especially truth "as it is in Jesus" (ver. 21). Truth, thus spoken, is the great means of spiritual edification and of progress towards perfection. External rites or ceremonies can profit nothing except in so far as they are Divine channels for conveying this truth.
III While ministers are instruments, Jesus is himself the great Source of growth.
1. The growth to be promoted is growth "unto him who is the Head" (ver. 15). All vital, spiritual influence is in Christ. As the woman reasoned, "If I may but touch the hem of his garment, I shall be made whole;" so if we, by faith, shall come into contact with our living Head, his gracious influence will spread through our souls.
2. The whole Church is articulated with Christ; its parts are articulated with each other, but all are designed to communicate with the Head, and to assist in conveying vital influence front the Head to the members. So it is in the human body; it is all jointed and connected together; but the object of this is to facilitate the transmission of the vital force throughout the whole. All the members of the Church should realize their position as parts of a body connected with the head, and should regard the measure of energy received by them as designed for the general good (ver. 16).
3. While Christ is the sole Source of vital influence, and ministers are the main instruments of its transmission, the whole body is to be self-edifying, intelligently and consciously moving on towards the grand consummation (ver. 16). Ministers do not differ in kind from the members. They have got special gifts for the edifying of the body, but every part of the body has got some gift for the same end. All ought to conspire harmoniously together, keeping in view the grand consummation. Churches and members of Churches must not be content with any inferior aim, but habitually and earnestly move on toward perfection. And for this the Spirit of love is indispensable (ver. 16). The Church cannot edify itself except in love. Strife and division are sure to arise, and these are not edifying, but disintegrating. One great lesson here is that, as Christ is the Truth, so he also is the Life. The gospel as a system of truth has Christ in the center; so the Church as a living agency has Christ in the center. Take Christ from either, and "Ichabod" may be inscribed on the wall.
The design of the ministry.
It is to perfect the saints for Christian service and for sharing in the edification of the Church. The ministry is intended to "equip or prepare for future enterprise by means of perfecting the power and adaptation of the man for his task." It prepares the saints for two services.
I THE WORK OF MINISTRY. It is maintained by some that this passage warrants all saints to preach the gospel, because the four classes of officers spoken of are said to prepare saints for the work of ministry. If so, then these officers, or some of them, are still needed for the purpose; yet this is expressly denied. The passage, however, implies that the preparation in question is to be continuous, for it is to last till the end of time. The word "ministry," however, must be taken in a large sense to signify general spiritual service, that may assume a thousand different forms (Act_6:4 Act_11:29; 1Co_16:15; 2Co_9:12, 13 11:8; 2Ti_4:11) Every believer is not only to be "fruitful in every good work," but to "hold forth the Word of life," though he should be neither trained nor called to the Christian pastorate.
II THE EDIFICATION OF THE CHURCH. This is the second end included in the Christian pastorate. The action of the ministry upon the saints is blessed to the enlargement of the Church, both in numbers and in spirituality. A revival of religion is always accompanied or followed by "a building up of the body of Christ. T.C.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain For the perfecting of the saints, for the work…
Eph_4:12
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
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No perfection without pains
However prodigious may be the gifts of nature to her elect, they can only be developed and brought to their extreme perfection by labour and study. Think of Michael Angelo working for a week without taking off his clothes, and Handel hollowing out every key of his harpsichord, like a spoon, by incessant practice. Gentlemen, after this, never talk of difficulty Or weariness. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The perfecting of believers
The invisible power of Christ, and His visible gifts in the Church, are in cooperation for the perfecting of the saints. An endless variety of ministry is provided for this end. Every Divine ministry is supplied with its measure of wisdom and of grace, from the treasury of Christ. Diversities of gifts are necessary to meet a corresponding diversity in the natures of men. Each disciple is susceptible of a development peculiar to himself; nor can his perfection be confounded with that of any other man. The perfection of a primrose is not that of a lily, nor the perfection of a lily that of a rose. Gods idea of perfection is not to make lilies into fruit trees, nor fruit trees into cedars. God will have His lily-like children to be perfect as lilies, and His cedar children to be perfect as cedars, and so on. There will be endless diversity among men, yet each perfect in his own order. The riches of Divine love and wisdom, strength and beauty, will be mirrored in the variety. The perfecting of the saints is not only very distinct from their conversion, or first faith in Christ; but much more important than their comforting. The Divine method of comforting is by perfecting. To comfort souls, and leave them unrenewed and disqualified for life in heaven, would be delusive and cruel. To look to Christ as the Beginner of the new life is absurd, unless we also look to Him as the Finisher. Finishing the life of faith, and perfecting men, are the same work. The perfecting of the saints can never be promoted by the ministry of a mere evangelist, or preacher of gospel facts. The hodman is very useful, but not as an architect. A reiterator of common places is not a teacher. The perfecting of your house must be given to other hands than the men who dig out the foundation. The grand end of the Christian ministry, as it is also the end of time, and the end of Christs whole work, is to perfect man, or rather to perfect humanity. (J. Pulsford.)
The edifying of Christs body
I. The edifying of Christs body consists in enlarging your views of the polluted, guilty, helpless state of fallen man.
II. Person, work, and relation of Christ to His people.
III. The freedom with which the Scriptures hold Him forth for our salvation.
IV. The privileges of believers.
V. The necessity of, and Scriptural arguments to enforce, an exemplary walk before God, the Church, the world.
VI. The sovereignty of God in the disposal of His favours.
VII. The grounds of submission to Him.
VIII. In pointing out to them their particular sins. It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, etc. (1Co_5:1, etc.). Errors. Galatians. In putting them in mind of their future glory. Wherefore comfort one another with these words (1Th_4:10). (H. Foster, M. A.)
The Christian Church the body of Christ
Observe some points of importance connected with the Church as the body of the Redeemer.
I. Its visibility.
II. It is a living body.
III. As the body--the Church just exhibit Christs mind and character.
The body of flesh Christ had was under the control and hallowed influence of the Holy Spirit. It was the residence of the Deity. Now just so also His body the Church. It is to receive celestial influences and impressions from Christ, and then to show them forth.
1. Was Christ meek and lowly? So must be His Church.
2. Spiritual and holy? So must be His Church.
3. Self-denying and forbearing? So must be His Church.
4. Devoted and obedient? So must be His Church.
5. Compassionate and merciful? So must be His Church.
The mind, and spirit, and life of Christ, must be reflected by the Church, the body of Christ.
IV. As the body of Christ, it must carry out the purposes and will of Christ.
1. The Church must be a teaching holy.
2. The Church must be a sympathizing body.
3. The Church must be an active body.
4. The Church must be a liberal and benevolent body.
5. It must be a heavenly body.
It is of heavenly formation. He had heaven in His spirit, and words and life, so must the Church His body. (J. Burns, D. D.)
The Church Christs body
I. The Church is called Christs body.
1. All the senses are in the head for the guidance and protection of the body (Eph_1:22; Col_1:19; Joh_1:16; 1Co_1:30).
2. The variety and respective usefulness of the members in it (1Co_12:15, etc.).
3. The infirmities to which the various members are liable.
4. The concern of one member for another (1Co_12:26).
5. Its continual increase, etc. (Eph_4:12-13; Eph_4:16).
6. Christ, as its Head, has the preeminence, etc. (Col_1:18).
7. Without it, Christ would not be complete (Eph_1:23; Heb_2:13).
II. The edifying of the body in ministry of the word, consists--
1. In enlarging their views of gospel truths, in their importance, connection, and use.
2. In pointing out to them their sins and errors. it is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, etc. (1Co_5:1, etc.). Galatians.
3. In getting before them their duty in their various connections in life. (H. Foster, M. A.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain 12. For the perfecting of the saints. Helping them…
12. For the perfecting of the saints. Helping them to higher and holier lives. For the work of the ministry. For carrying on the various works assigned to the ministry. For the edifying of the body of Christ. All was intended to minister to the upbuilding of the church, within and without.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain (See Scofield "Mat 5:48").
perfect
(See Scofield "Mat 5:48").
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 4:12 God’s gifts are given so that believers will…
4:12 God’s gifts are given so that believers will build up the church (see 1 Cor 12:7; cp. 1 Pet 2:5). • to equip God’s people to do his work: All believers are called to active Christian service.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.