Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

Paul continues to teach us about the various spiritual gifts and identifies some of them. In verse 11 he spells out those of leadership, of which the first two – apostles and prophets – are foundational (2:20; 3:5). Their ministry is now particularly manifest in the ongoing exposition of the Scriptures which they authored (2 Tim. 3:14 – 4:5). 

Next Paul lists evangelists. They are messengers of good news who present the gospel in a biblically faithful but culturally relevant way. Then Paul mentions ‘the pastors and teachers’. This is a single gift or office: someone sent to shepherd the flock and to feed them with the truth (John 21:15–-17; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1–4). Leadership in the church is vital to its wellbeing – a healthy leadership will lead to a healthy church. 

Ephesians 4:12–13 are key verses because the job of all leaders is to mobilise the flock. Paul identifies three aspects of their job description. 

Leaders are to ‘equip’ the saints (v. 12). The same Greek word can be used for mending nets (Matt. 4:21) and means to restore, complete and enable. Leaders are to mend the nets of their service potential so that they can be more effective. 

They are to do this so that the saints can do ‘works of service’ (v. 12). They are to help God’s people to recognise and use their gifts, both within the church and in their workplace, neighbourhood, and so on. 

The result of this is that the body of Christ will be ‘built up’ and grow towards maturity (vv. 12–13). This is the opposite of a one-man band ministry. If the leaders try to control everything and refuse to equip and mobilise others, then the church will be paralysed and petrified. Only when the church operates together will there be unity in relationship, a progress in our knowledge of Christ and growing maturity of character.

Christians grow to maturity in the truth so that they are not led astray by false teaching but speak the truth in love (vv. 14–15). Paul ends with a description of how the church is meant to be: ‘From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work’ (v. 16). Does your church look healthy?

Reflection

All God’s people are to be involved in sharing the gospel (1 Pet. 3:15) and encouraging the saints (Heb. 10:24–25). How is this being worked out in your life at the moment?