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"For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

Text: Ephesians 4:12

APPLICATION OF THE IDEA OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

The concept of the Church as the Body of Christ was especially developed by the apostle Paul. He used it in a number of ways:-

1. As a general reference to the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23)

2. As that special entity made up of Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:16)

3. As that unifying doctrine that binds all believers as one (Ephesians 3:4)

THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

Paul added another idea to the concept of “the body of Christ”. He speaks of the body of Christ as that which needs to be “edified” (“oikodomen”). What does this mean?

1. A lexical insight (“oikodomen”)

The idea behind the word “edification” is that of the building of a house. A house has to be carefully built up. It is made up of many parts and each part must be carefully put together in order to form a beautiful and complete home.

2. An application of a physical idea to an abstract concept

Paul used this rather physical word to the concept of the body of Christ. We now have a rare combination of both physical and abstract ideas:-

a) The physical aspect (building of a house)

i) The idea of laying the foundation (Ephesians 2:20)

ii) Christ is the chief cornerstone of this building (Ephesians 2:20)

iii) This edifice is none other than the temple of God (Ephesians 2:22)

b) The abstract aspect (the body of Christ)

i) The body needs to be built up (Ephesians 4:12)

ii) It needs to be nourished (edified) (Ephesians 4:12)

iii) It needs to be made strong (edified) (Ephesians 4:12)

GOD’S MEANS TO EDIFY THE BODY OF CHRIST

The means are “the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). Their combined ministries were meant to make the body of Christ fully edified and this gain much strength.