“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up — the ministers' task (katartizō, 'to equip,' 'to restore to full function') is the hagioi ('saints,' believers) for ergon diakoniās ('works of service,' ministry), resulting in oikodomeō ('building up,' strengthening) of the sōma Christou ('body of Christ').
Church Fathers on Ephesians 4:12
“And 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.” What he said elsewhere, “Wherefore also God has highly exalted Him” Philippians 2:9, that says he also here. “He that descended, is the same also that ascended.” It did Him no injury that He came down into the lower parts of the earth, nor was it any hindrance…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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