Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ephesians 4:2-16

Here the apostle proceeds to more particular exhortations. Two he enlarges upon in this chapter:?To unity an love, purity and holiness, which Christians should very much study. We do not walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called if we be not faithful friends to all Christians, and sworn enemies to all sin. This section contains the exhortation to mutual love, unity, and concord, with the proper means and motives to promote them. Nothing is pressed upon us more earnestly in the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Ephesians 4:1-32

With this chapter the second part of the letter begins. In Ephesians 1:1-23 ; Ephesians 2:1-22 ; Ephesians 3:1-21 Paul has dealt with the great and eternal truths of the Christian faith, and with the function of the Church in the plan of God. Now he begins to sketch what each member of the Church must be if the Church is to carry out her part in that plan. Before we begin this chapter, let us again remind ourselves that the central thought of the letter is that Jesus has brought to a... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Ephesians 4:11-13

4:11-13 And he gave to the Church some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers. This he did that God's consecrated people should be fully equipped, that the work of service might go on, and that the body of Christ should be built up. And this is to go on until we all arrive at complete unity in faith in and knowledge of God. until we reach perfect manhood, until we reach a stature which can be measured by the fullness of Christ. There is... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Ephesians 4:11-13

After Paul has named the different kinds of office-bearers within the Church, he goes on to speak of their aim and of what they must try to do. Their aim is that the members of the Church should be fully equipped. The word Paul uses for equipped is interesting. It is katartismos ( Greek #2677 ), which comes from the verb katartizein ( Greek #2675 ). The word is used in surgery for setting a broken limb or for putting a joint back into its place. In politics it is used for bringing... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some apostles ,.... That is, he gave them gifts by which they were qualified to be apostles; who were such as were immediately called by Christ, and had their doctrine from him, and their commission to preach it; and were peculiarly and infallibly guided by the Spirit of God, and had a power to work miracles for the confirmation of their doctrine; and had authority to go everywhere and preach the Gospel, and plant churches, and were not confined to anyone particular place or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ephesians 4:12

For the perfecting of the saints , The chosen ones, whom God has sanctified or set apart for himself in eternal election: the ministry of the word is designed for the completing the number of these in the effectual calling; and for the perfecting of the whole body of the church, by gathering in all that belong to it, and of every particular saint, who is regenerated and sanctified by the Spirit of God: for the best of saints are imperfect; for though there is a perfection in them, as that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 4:11

He gave some, apostles - He established several offices in his Church; furnished these with the proper officers; and, to qualify them for their work, gave them the proper gifts. For a full illustration of this verse, the reader is requested to refer to the notes on 1 Corinthians 12:6-10 ; (note), 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 ; (note); and to the concluding observations at the end of that chapter. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 4:12

For 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 καταρτισμος , 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 same officers and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 4:11

Verse 11 He returns to explain the distribution of gifts, and illustrates at greater length what he had slightly hinted, that out of this variety arises unity in the church, as the various tones in music produce sweet melody. The meaning may be thus summed up. “The external ministry of the word is also commended, on account of the advantages which it yields. Certain men appointed to that office, are employed in preaching the gospel. This is the arrangement by which the Lord is pleased to govern... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 4:12

Verse 12 12.For the renewing of the saints. In this version I follow Erasmus, not because I prefer his view, but to allow the reader an opportunity of comparing his version with the Vulgate and with mine, and then choosing for himself. The old translation was, (ad consummationem ,) for the completeness. The Greek word employed by Paul is καταρτισμός, which signifies literally the adaptation of things possessing symmetry and proportion; just as, in the human body, the members are united in a... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ephesians 4:2-16

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Ephesians 4:1-32

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Ephesians 4:11-13

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Ephesians 4:11-13

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ephesians 4:11

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ephesians 4:12

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 4:11

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 4:12

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 4:11

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Ephesians 4:12

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