Ephesians 4:12 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
The reason Jesus gave the church the five types of leaders from v. 11 is given in this verse. There are three key ideas given in this verse. First, these leaders equip (katartismos) the saints. The word equip in the Greek is based on a root which means “what is proper” or “to equip.” God gives just what is needed for us to fulfill his will for us. God does not set us out on a journey without what we need. He does not call us to holiness and love without provide his holiness and love to us. As Paul writes later in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
Second, the work of ministry (diakanos) reflects on the “good works” God has prepared for believers from Ephesians 2:10. These leaders help the people of God become who God created them to be. God gives grace to help believers work out their salvation (Philippians 2:12-13). Part of this grace includes other people who come alongside and help people accept, understand, grow in, and apply the truth of Jesus Christ.
Finally, building up (oikodomē) recalls the church as the holy temple of God built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the corner stone (Ephesians 2:20). The building will only be as strong as its foundation. Therefore, it is crucial that these “apostles and prophets,” along with “evangelists, pastors, and teachers,” be strong and orthodox in their faith. They have the responsibility of ensuring the rest of the building is strong. If the leaders are weak or if they preach a compromised message, then the whole church will be weak and will never fulfill God’s mission for it.
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