American Standard Version
Ephesians 4:12
12for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:
Ephesians 4:12 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
- New International Version (NIV)to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
- English Standard Version (ESV)to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
- New King James Version (NKJV)for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Context of Ephesians 4:12
10He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: 13till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;
Read all of Ephesians 4Ephesians 4:12 word by word
πρὸς τὸν καταρτισμὸν τῶν ἁγίων εἰς ἔργον διακονίας, εἰς οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ·Read the interlinear
Cross-references for Ephesians 4:12
- Luke 22:32but I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not; and do thou, when once thou hast turned again, establish thy brethren.
- John 21:15So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, 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.
- Acts 9:31So the church throughout all Judæa and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.
- Acts 11:23who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord:
- Acts 14:22confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.
- Acts 20:28Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.
- Romans 15:14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
- 1 Corinthians 12:7But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.
- 2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
- Philippians 1:25And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith;
- Philippians 3:12Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus.
- Colossians 1:28whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.
- Hebrews 6:1Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
- Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.
- Acts 1:17For he was numbered among us, and received his portion in this ministry.
Commentaries on Ephesians 4:12
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 12For 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 , perfecting, see the note on 2 Corinthians 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…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 12For the perfecting of the saints - On the meaning of the word rendered here as “perfecting” - ̀ katartismon- see the notes on 2 Corinthians 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…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 7-16Verses 7-16 Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience. There is a fulness in Christ, and a measure of that fulness given…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 12God gives gifts to believers to help them strengthen the church (see 1 Corinthians 12:7; compare 1 Peter 2:5). to equip the saints for works of ministry: All believers are called to active Christian service.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1212. 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. for--a different Greek word; the immediate object. Compare Ro 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…Read the comment
Topics related to Ephesians 4:12
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Ephesians 4
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
American Standard Version — 1901 — Public Domain
Commentaries