11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 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.
The gifts from Christ mentioned in verses 7-8 are detailed here, though these gifts differ from the apostolic gifts such as healing, tongues, or the gifts that every believer receives for service within the Body of Christ. Rather, these gifts are men whom God has appointed for particular high-accountability roles within the Body. The use of the semicolon, which "groups" the gifts of pastors and teachers within the list, seems noteworthy. It could imply that they work in concert, or even that they come together as a single gift. The purpose of the gifts is clearly given, and three-fold: perfecting, working, and edifying.
There is opportunity for misunderstanding the sense of the word “perfecting” as it is used in Scripture, so it is important to be clear on it. Today, the word is often used to mean “without flaw.” Despite the common usage, that cannot be the implication in Scripture. If it were, what would be make of Genesis 6:9, where Noah is said to be “a just man and perfect in his generations”? We know that Noah was not without flaw or sin, as Romans 3:23 makes it plain that none are without sin, and Genesis 9:20-24 exemplifies that in Noah’s life. Some might claim that word is in reference to achieving a sinless walk, but we know that is not possible while we are in the flesh, as the Lord has consistently needed to make provision for man’s individual failures in every dispensation. As we consider the use of “perfecting” in Scripture, the most troubling encounters we have are in Hebrews 2:10, where it says that Christ was made “perfect through sufferings,” and Hebrews 5:8-9 where Christ is “made perfect” through his learned obedience and suffering. Given these examples of the word throughout Scripture, we know the Lord cannot be referring to some kind of flawlessness or sinlessness, for in the flesh we are perpetually flawed, and Christ “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Laurence Vance provides the light we need in order to sort this matter out. He says, “Perfect is ultimately from the Latin perficere, ‘complete.’ It has the meanings in the AV of complete, exact, mature, or prepared” (289). This, of course, is perfectly supported by Scripture, not only when applied to the passages mentioned above, but also in other places, such as Colossians 4:12, where Epaphras prays that the Colossians would be perfect and complete; and 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where Paul states that Scripture is given that “the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (my emphasis added to “furnished”). Returning the Ephesians 4:12, it is plain that the gifts all pertain to the proclamation and exposition of God’s word, with the purpose to complete, exact, mature, and prepare the saints.
The second and third purposes require less explanation. "Work" ties back to "vocation" at the start of the chapter (4:1), and “edifying” is a simple concept, though the word is less common today and so we might benefit from a clear definition: “Building up in Christian knowledge; instructing; improving the mind” (Webster).
In verse thirteen Paul establishes the duration of the gifts being exercised: until unity and knowledge of Christ and perfection are at full stature. But notice also how inclusive verses 13-14 are – Paul says “we,” thus including himself in these exhortations! The apostle and penner of one-third of the New Testament acknowledges his need and vulnerability (much like he does in Philippians 3:12). That is remarkable!
Verse fourteen’s “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness” is a painfully accurate description of the state of affairs we face today. Private interpretations abound, and were it not for the grace of God, none would ever decipher the truth amidst the cacophony. How crucial is discipleship! How treacherous the pilgrim path in the early days of a believer’s new life in Christ! But lest we despair, we should also keep in mind that this verse, along with the two epistles to Ephesus’ pastor Timothy, makes it clear that these troubling circumstances were already present in the church of Paul’s day. Believers have faced last-days conditions from the very start, and so we are in good company as we stand fast against those with itching ears who cannot tolerate sound doctrine.
Perhaps I am picking a fight where there is not one, but it seems to me that "speaking the truth in love" is an oft-abused phrase to excuse not taking a firm stance against sin, or watering down truth so that it is less offensive. Consider Christ’s example: throughout His earthly ministry, He encountered sinners of every stripe. With the notable exception of condemnation He openly spoke towards the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees, Christ speaks the truth in love to the sinners around Him. He never compromised the truth, and He never hedged on the issue. Rather, He balanced the ugly, present truth of their condition with the hope for their future that He came to offer (see John 3:16-18 and John 12:46-48). For a vivid illustration, see John 8:1-11.
Verses 15-16 take us again to the idea of the body of Christ (see 2:16) with Christ as the head (see I Corinthians 11:3). When every member of the body exercises the gift given, then it edifies the whole body of Christ.
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