Ephesians 4:12 “to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of…”

Ephesians 4:12

to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

World English Bible

for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ,

American Standard Version

for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:

Geneva Bible 1599

For the repairing of the Saintes, for the woorke of the ministerie, and for the edification of the bodie of Christ,

Darby Translation

for the perfecting of the saints; with a view to [the] work of [the] ministry, with a view to the edifying of the body of Christ;

Young's Literal Translation

unto the perfecting of the saints, for a work of ministration, for a building up of the body of the Christ,

Bible in Basic English

For the training of the saints as servants in the church, for the building up of the body of Christ:

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Cross references

“perfection”

1 Thessalonians 5:11–14 Romans 15:14 Luke 22:32 Hebrews 6:1 John 21:15–17 Acts 9:31

1 Thessalonians 5:11–14 · BSB

Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

Romans 15:14 · BSB

I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another.

Luke 22:32 · BSB

But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Hebrews 6:1 · BSB

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God,

John 21:15–17 · BSB

When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.”

Acts 9:31 · BSB

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

“the work”

1 Timothy 1:12 2 Corinthians 5:18 2 Corinthians 4:1 2 Corinthians 6:3 Acts 20:24 Romans 12:7

1 Timothy 1:12 · BSB

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service.

2 Corinthians 5:18 · BSB

All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:

2 Corinthians 4:1 · BSB

Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.

2 Corinthians 6:3 · BSB

We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.

Acts 20:24 · BSB

But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Romans 12:7 · BSB

if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;

“the edifying”

Ephesians 4:16 Romans 14:19 1 Corinthians 14:26 1 Corinthians 14:12 Romans 15:2 1 Corinthians 14:14

Ephesians 4:16 · BSB

From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love through the work of each individual part.

Romans 14:19 · BSB

So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

1 Corinthians 14:26 · BSB

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:12 · BSB

It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.

Romans 15:2 · BSB

Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

1 Corinthians 14:14 · BSB

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

“the body”

Ephesians 1:23 Colossians 1:24 Ephesians 4:4

Ephesians 1:23 · BSB

which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Colossians 1:24 · BSB

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

Ephesians 4:4 · BSB

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;

Also

1 Corinthians 12:27 2 Corinthians 13:9

1 Corinthians 12:27 · BSB

Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.

2 Corinthians 13:9 · BSB

In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

11And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.

Read Ephesians 4