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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 4:12 to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/49_Eph_04_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 4:12 - Unity in the Body" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nasb/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; <a href="/lsb/ephesians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ, <a href="/amp/ephesians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; <a href="/csb/ephesians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, <a href="/asv/ephesians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: <a href="/cev/ephesians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> so his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. <a href="/erv/ephesians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: <a href="/gwt/ephesians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Their purpose is to prepare God's people to serve and to build up the body of Christ. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> He did this to prepare all God's people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. <a href="/isv/ephesians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> to equip the saints, to do the work of ministry, and to build up the body of the Messiah <a href="/net/ephesians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, <a href="/nheb/ephesians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; <a href="/wbt/ephesians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> in order fully to equip His people for the work of serving--for the building up of Christ's body--<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/ephesians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, <a href="/web/ephesians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> to the perfecting of the holy ones, for a work of ministry, for a building up of the body of the Christ, <a href="/blb/ephesians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> toward the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, <a href="/ylt/ephesians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> unto the perfecting of the saints, for a work of ministration, for a building up of the body of the Christ, <a href="/slt/ephesians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For the adjusting of the holy, for the work of the service, for the building up of the body of Christ:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> for the sake of the perfection of the saints, by the work of the ministry, in the edification of the body of Christ, <a href="/nabre/ephesians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For the perfecting of The Holy Ones, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of The Messiah,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> for the complete instruction of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of the Christ, <a href="/godbey/ephesians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> unto the perfection of the saints, in the work of the ministry, in the edification of the body of Christ: <a href="/haweis/ephesians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> for the perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ: <a href="/mace/ephesians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ: <a href="/wey/ephesians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> in order fully to equip His people for the work of serving--for the building up of Christ's body-- <a href="/worrell/ephesians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> with a view to the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; <a href="/worsley/ephesians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> to the edifying of the body of Christ: <a href="/parallel/ephesians/4-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=645" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/4.htm">Unity in the Body</a> …11And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12<a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2677.htm" title="2677: katartismon (N-AMS) -- A bringing to a condition of fitness, perfecting. From katartizo; complete furnishing.">to equip</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: hagiōn (Adj-GMP) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">saints</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">for</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergon (N-ANS) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">works</a> <a href="/greek/1248.htm" title="1248: diakonias (N-GFS) -- Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.">of ministry</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3619.htm" title="3619: oikodomēn (N-AFS) -- Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation.">to build up</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōmatos (N-GNS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">body</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ,</a> 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">1 Corinthians 12:7-11</a> Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. / To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, / to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ... <a href="/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4-8</a> Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, / so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. / We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; ... <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10-11</a> As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">1 Corinthians 14:12</a> It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church. <a href="/colossians/1-28.htm">Colossians 1:28-29</a> We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. / To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. <a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a> All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-27.htm">1 Corinthians 12:27-31</a> Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it. / And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. / Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? ... <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">1 Corinthians 14:26</a> What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a> For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:11</a> Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing. <a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Hebrews 13:21</a> equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-14</a> The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. / For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. / For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-18.htm">1 Corinthians 12:18-20</a> But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design. / If they were all one part, where would the body be? / As it is, there are many parts, but one body. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-25.htm">1 Corinthians 12:25-26</a> so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. / If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-6</a> There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:perfection.<a href="/luke/22-32.htm">Luke 22:32</a> But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.<a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15-17</a> So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs… <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Acts 9:31</a> Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.the work.<a href="/acts/1-17.htm">Acts 1:17,25</a> For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry… <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Acts 20:24</a> But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.<a href="/romans/12-7.htm">Romans 12:7</a> Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;the edifying.<a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Ephesians 4:16,29</a> From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love… <a href="/romans/14-19.htm">Romans 14:19</a> Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.<a href="/romans/15-2.htm">Romans 15:2</a> Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.the body.<a href="/ephesians/4-4.htm">Ephesians 4:4</a> There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;<a href="/ephesians/1-23.htm">Ephesians 1:23</a> Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.<a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Colossians 1:24</a> Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/4-4.htm">Body</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Building</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-22.htm">Built</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-21.htm">Church</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Equip</a> <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">God's</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-1.htm">Ministering</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-8.htm">Ministration</a> <a href="/galatians/2-8.htm">Ministry</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-10.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-9.htm">Perfecting</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">Service</a> <a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">Training</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-14.htm">View</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-20.htm">Work</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-20.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Body</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Building</a> <a href="/colossians/2-7.htm">Built</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-23.htm">Church</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm">Equip</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">God's</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-11.htm">Ministering</a> <a href="/philippians/2-17.htm">Ministration</a> <a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Ministry</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm">Order</a> <a href="/psalms/57-2.htm">Perfecting</a> <a href="/philemon/1-22.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-6.htm">Service</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-7.htm">Serving</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Training</a> <a href="/philippians/1-5.htm">View</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-19.htm">Work</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 4</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">He exhorts to unity;</a> 7. <a href="/ephesians/4-7.htm">and declares that God therefore gives various gifts unto men;</a> 11. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">that his church might be edified,</a> 16. <a href="/ephesians/4-16.htm">and grow up in Christ.</a> 18. <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">He calls them from the impurity of the Gentiles;</a> 24. <a href="/ephesians/4-24.htm">to put on the new man;</a> 25. <a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">to cast off lying;</a> 29. <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">and corrupt communication.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The term "saints" denotes those set apart for God, highlighting their holy calling. The concept of equipping suggests a process of making ready or furnishing with necessary tools. In the context of the early church, this equipping was often done through teaching, discipleship, and the impartation of spiritual gifts (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-11</a>). The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers mentioned earlier in <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11</a> were given to the church to facilitate this equipping. The Greek word used here, "katartismos," implies a complete furnishing or perfecting, indicating that the saints are being prepared for a specific purpose.for works of ministry The purpose of equipping the saints is for them to engage in "works of ministry." This phrase underscores the active role of every believer in serving others and advancing the kingdom of God. Ministry is not limited to clergy but is the responsibility of all Christians. The early church was characterized by a communal approach to ministry, where believers shared resources and responsibilities (<a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42-47</a>). The "works" refer to various acts of service, whether spiritual, such as teaching and evangelism, or practical, like helping the needy. This aligns with the teaching of Jesus, who modeled servanthood and instructed His followers to serve one another (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).and to build up the body of Christ, The ultimate goal of equipping and ministry is the edification or building up of the "body of Christ," a metaphor for the church. This imagery highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of believers, each contributing to the health and growth of the whole. The body of Christ is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, emphasizing unity and diversity within the church (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a>). The building up of the body involves spiritual growth, maturity, and unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God (<a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Ephesians 4:13</a>). This process reflects the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live out their faith and fulfill their calling. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect His character and mission in the world, serving as a witness to His redemptive work.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_saints.htm">The Saints</a> Refers to the believers or members of the Christian community in Ephesus and, by extension, all Christians who are called to live holy lives. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_body_of_christ.htm">The Body of Christ</a> A metaphor used by Paul to describe the church, emphasizing unity and diversity among believers, each contributing to the whole. 4. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A major city in Asia Minor where the early church was established. It was a center of commerce and culture, and the church there faced various challenges. 5. <a href="/topical/m/ministry.htm">Ministry</a> The service and work carried out by believers, which includes spreading the Gospel, teaching, and serving others in love.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/e/equipping_the_saints.htm">Equipping the Saints</a> The Greek word for "equip" (katartismos) implies preparing and perfecting. Believers are to be trained and prepared for service. <a href="/topical/p/purpose_of_ministry.htm">Purpose of Ministry</a> Ministry is not just for church leaders but for all believers. Each person has a role in serving and building up the church. <a href="/topical/b/building_up_the_body.htm">Building Up the Body</a> The church grows stronger when each member contributes their gifts and talents. Unity and maturity are the goals. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> Just as a body has many parts, the church is made up of diverse individuals who must work together in harmony. <a href="/topical/p/practical_service.htm">Practical Service</a> Ministry involves practical acts of service, teaching, and encouragement. It is about meeting the needs of others and glorifying God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 4</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'edifying_the_body_of_christ'.htm">What does "Edifying the Body of Christ" mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_serve_effectively_in_church.htm">How can I serve effectively in the church?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_types_of_spiritual_gifts.htm">What are the different types of spiritual gifts?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_homily.htm">What defines a homily?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 <a href="/2_corinthians/13-9.htm" title="For we are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.">2Corinthians 13:9</a>) is derived from a root which signifies either to "mend" what is broken (as in <a href="/matthew/4-21.htm" title="And going on from there, he saw other two brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.">Matthew 4:21</a>), or to "complete" what is unfinished (as in <a href="/luke/6-40.htm" title="The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.">Luke 6:40</a>; <a href="/romans/9-22.htm" title="What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:">Romans 9:22</a>); and hence is used spiritually for to "restore" the fallen (<a href="/galatians/6-1.htm" title="Brothers, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.">Galatians 6:1</a>), or to "perfect" the imperfect Christian (<a href="/hebrews/13-21.htm" title="Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.">Hebrews 13:21</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-10.htm" title="Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?">1Thessalonians 3:10</a>). Both processes are necessarily implied in that perfection of the individual saints here spoken of, and more fully described in the next verses. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - In order to the perfecting of the saints. The ultimate end for which the gifts bestowed (comp. <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a>). 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 (<a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26, 27</a>), 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 πρὸς to εἰς πρὸς denoting the ultimate end, εἰς the immediate object (comp. <a href="/romans/15-2.htm">Romans 15:2</a>); the office of the Church officers is not lords, but διακονοί, servants, as Christ himself was (<a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Matthew 20:28</a>). 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. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/4-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>to equip καταρτισμὸν (katartismon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2677.htm">Strong's 2677: </a> A bringing to a condition of fitness, perfecting. From katartizo; complete furnishing. the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. saints ἁγίων (hagiōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. for εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. works ἔργον (ergon) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. of ministry, διακονίας (diakonias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1248.htm">Strong's 1248: </a> Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. build up οἰκοδομὴν (oikodomēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3619.htm">Strong's 3619: </a> Feminine of a compound of oikos and the base of doma; architecture, i.e. a structure; figuratively, confirmation. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. body σώματος (sōmatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. of Christ, Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/4-12.htm">Ephesians 4:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints (Ephes. Eph. Ep) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ephesians 4:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ephesians 4:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ephesians 4:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ephesians 4:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>