Eph 4:11-16 | RWP | e4.org | And he gave ( κα αυτος εδωκεν ). First aorist active indicative of διδωμ . In Paul uses εθετο (more common verb, appointed), but here repeats εδωκεν from the quotation in verse . There are four groups ( τους μεν , τους δε three times, as the direct object of εδωκεν ). The titles are in the predicate accusative ( αποστολουσ, προφητασ, ποιμενας κα διδασκαλους ). Each of these words occurs in (which see for discussion) except ποιμενας (shepherds). This word ποιμην is from a root meaning to protect. Jesus said the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep ( ) and called himself the Good Shepherd. In Christ is the Great Shepherd (cf. ). Only here are preachers termed shepherds (Latin pastores ) in the N.T. But the verb ποιμαινω , to shepherd, is employed by Jesus to Peter ( ), by Peter to other ministers ( ), by Paul to the elders (bishops) of Ephesus ( ). Here Paul groups "shepherds and teachers" together. All these gifts can be found in one man, though not always. Some have only one.

‏ Ephesians 4:11-16

And he gave ( κα αυτος εδωκεν ). First aorist active indicative of διδωμ. In 1Co 12:28 Paul uses εθετο (more common verb, appointed), but here repeats εδωκεν from the quotation in verse 8. There are four groups ( τους μεν, τους δε three times, as the direct object of εδωκεν ). The titles are in the predicate accusative ( αποστολουσ, προφητασ, ποιμενας κα διδασκαλους ). Each of these words occurs in 1Co 12:28 (which see for discussion) except ποιμενας (shepherds). This word ποιμην is from a root meaning to protect. Jesus said the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (Joh 10:11) and called himself the Good Shepherd. In Heb 13:20 Christ is the Great Shepherd (cf. 1Pe 2:25). Only here are preachers termed shepherds (Latin pastores) in the N.T. But the verb ποιμαινω, to shepherd, is employed by Jesus to Peter (Joh 21:16), by Peter to other ministers (1Pe 5:2), by Paul to the elders (bishops) of Ephesus (Ac 20:28). Here Paul groups "shepherds and teachers" together. All these gifts can be found in one man, though not always. Some have only one.

For the perfecting ( προς τον καταρτισμον ). Late and rare word (in Galen in medical sense, in papyri for house-furnishing), only here in N.T., though καταρτισις in 2Co 13:9, both from καταρτιζω, to mend (Mt 4:21; Ga 6:1). "For the mending (repair) of the saints."

Unto the building up ( εις οικοδομην ). See 2:21. This is the ultimate goal in all these varied gifts, "building up."

Till we all attain ( μεχρ καταντησωμεν ο παντες ). Temporal clause with purpose idea with μεχρ and the first aorist active subjunctive of κατανταω, late verb, to come down to the goal (Php 3:11). "The whole" including every individual. Hence the need of so many gifts.

Unto the unity of the faith ( εις την ενοτητα της πιστεως ). "Unto oneness of faith" (of trust) in Christ (verse 3) which the Gnostics were disturbing.

And of the knowledge of the Son of God ( κα της επιγνωσεως του υιου του θεου ). Three genitives in a chain dependent also on την ενοτητα, "the oneness of full ( επι- ) knowledge of the Son of God," in opposition to the Gnostic vagaries.

Unto a full-grown man ( εις ανδρα τελειον ). Same figure as in 2:15 and τελειος in sense of adult as opposed to νηπιο (infants) in 14.

Unto the measure of the stature ( εις μετρον ηλικιας ). So apparently ηλικια here as in Lu 2:52, not age (Joh 9:21). Boys rejoice in gaining the height of a man. But Paul adds to this idea "the fulness of Christ" ( του πληρωματος του Χριστου ), like "the fulness of God" in 3:19. And yet some actually profess to be "perfect" with a standard like this to measure by! No pastor has finished his work when the sheep fall so far short of the goal.

That we may be no longer children ( ινα μηκετ ωμεν νηπιο ). Negative final clause with present subjunctive. Some Christians are quite content to remain "babes" in Christ and never cut their eye-teeth (Heb 5:11-14), the victims of every charlatan who comes along.

Tossed to and fro ( κλυδωνιζομενο ). Present passive participle of κλυδωνιζομα, late verb from κλυδων (wave, Jas 1:6), to be agitated by the waves, in LXX, only here in N.T. One example in Vettius Valens.

Carried about ( περιφερομενο ). Present passive participle of περιφερω, old verb, to carry round, whirled round "by every wind ( ανεμω, instrumental case) of teaching." In some it is all wind, even like a hurricane or a tornado. If not anchored by full knowledge of Christ, folks are at the mercy of these squalls.

By the sleight ( εν τη κυβια ). "In the deceit," "in the throw of the dice" ( κυβια, from κυβος, cube), sometimes cheating.

In craftiness ( εν πανουργια ). Old word from πανουργος ( παν, εργον, any deed, every deed), cleverness, trickiness.

After the wiles of error ( προς την μεθοδιαν της πλανης ). Μεθοδια is from μεθοδευω ( μετα, οδος ) to follow after or up, to practise deceit, and occurs nowhere else (Eph 4:13; 6:11) save in late papyri in the sense of method. The word πλανης (wandering like our "planet") adds to the evil idea in the word. Paul has covered the whole ground in this picture of Gnostic error.

In love ( εν αγαπη ). If truth were always spoken only in love!

May grow into him ( αυξησωμεν εις αυτον ). Supply ινα and then note the final use of the first aorist active subjunctive. It is the metaphor of verse 13 (the full-grown man). We are the body and Christ is the Head. We are to grow up to his stature.

From which ( εξ ου ). Out of which as the source of energy and direction.

Fitly framed ( συναρμολογουμενον ). See 2:21 for this verb.

Through that which every joint supplieth ( δια πασης αφης της επιχορηγιας ). Literally, "through every joint of the supply." See Col 2:19 for αφη and Php 1:19 for the late word επιχορηγια (only two examples in N.T.) from επιχορηγεω, to supply (Col 2:19).

In due measure ( εν μετρω ). Just "in measure" in the Greek, but the assumption is that each part of the body functions properly in its own sphere.

Unto the building up of itself ( εις οικοδομην εαυτου ). Modern knowledge of cell life in the human body greatly strengthens the force of Paul's metaphor. This is the way the body grows by cooperation under the control of the head and all "in love" ( εν αγαπη ).