Ephesians 4:13
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In the unity of the faith - Jews and Gentiles being all converted according to the doctrines laid down in the faith - the Christian system. The knowledge of the Son of God - A trite understanding of the mystery of the incarnation; why God was manifest in the flesh, and why this was necessary in order to human salvation. Unto a perfect man - Εις ανδρα τελειον· One thoroughly instructed; the whole body of the Church being fully taught, justified, sanctified, and sealed. Measure of the stature - The full measure of knowledge, love, and holiness, which the Gospel of Christ requires. Many preachers, and multitudes of professing people, are studious to find out how many imperfections and infidelities, and how much inward sinfulness, is consistent with a safe state in religion but how few, very few, are bringing out the fair Gospel standard to try the height of the members of the Church; whether they be fit for the heavenly army; whether their stature be such as qualifies them for the ranks of the Church militant! The measure of the stature of the fullness is seldom seen; the measure of the stature of littleness, dwarfishness, and emptiness, is often exhibited.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
come in--rather, "attain unto." ALFORD expresses the Greek order, "Until we arrive all of us at the unity," &c. faith and . . . knowledge--Full unity of faith is then found, when all alike thoroughly know Christ, the object of faith, and that in His highest dignity as "the Son of God" [DE WETTE] (Eph 3:17, Eph 3:19; Pe2 1:5). Not even Paul counted himself to have fully "attained" (Phi 3:12-14). Amidst the variety of the gifts and the multitude of the Church's members, its "faith" is to be ONE: as contrasted with the state of "children carried about with EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE." (Eph 4:14). perfect man--unto the full-grown man (Co1 2:6; Phi 3:15; Heb 5:14); the maturity of an adult; contrasted with children (Eph 4:14). Not "perfect men"; for the many members constitute but one Church joined to the one Christ. stature, &c.--The standard of spiritual "stature" is "the fulness of Christ," that is, which Christ has (Eph 1:23; Eph 3:19; compare Gal 4:19); that the body should be worthy of the Head, the perfect Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Till we all come in the unity of the faith,.... These words regard the continuance of the Gospel ministry in the church, until all the elect of God come in: or "to the unity of the faith"; by which is meant, not the union between the saints, the cement of which is love; nor that which is between Christ and his people, of which his love, and not their faith, is the bond; but the same with the "one faith", Eph 4:5 and designs either the doctrine of faith, which is uniform, and all of a piece; and the sense is, that the ministration of the Gospel will continue until the saints entirely unite in their sentiments about it, and both watchmen and churches see eye to eye: or else the grace of faith, which as to its nature, object, author, spring, and cause, is the same; and it usually comes by hearing; and all God's elect shall have it; and the work and office of the ministry will remain until they are all brought to believe in Christ; and of the knowledge of the Son of God; which is but another phrase for faith in Christ, for faith is a spiritual knowledge of Christ; it is that grace by which a soul beholds his glory and fulness, approves of him, trusts in him, and appropriates him to itself; and such an approbatory, fiducial, appropriating, practical, and experimental knowledge of Christ, is here intended; and which is imperfect in those that have it, and is not yet in many who will have it; and inasmuch as the Gospel ministry is the means of it, this will be continued until every elect soul partakes of it, and arrives to a greater perfection in it: for it follows, unto a perfect man; meaning either Christ, who is in every sense a perfect man; his human nature is the greater and more perfect tabernacle, and he is perfectly free from sin, and has been made perfect through sufferings in it; and coming to him may be understood either of coming to him now by faith, which the Gospel ministry is the means of, and encourages to; or of coming to him hereafter, for the saints will meet him, and be ever with him, and till that time the Gospel will be preached: or else the church, being a complete body with all its members, is designed; for when all the elect of God are gathered in and joined together, they will be as one man; or it may respect every individual believer, who though he is comparatively perfect, and with regard to parts, but not degrees, and as in Christ Jesus, yet is in himself imperfect in holiness and knowledge, though hereafter he will be perfect in both; when he comes unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: not of Christ's natural body, but of his mystical body the church, which will be his fulness when all the elect are gathered in; and when they are filled with his gifts and graces, and are grown up to their proportion in it, they will be come to the measure and stature of it: or it may be understood of every particular believer, who has Christ formed in him; who when the work of grace is finished in him, will be a perfect man in Christ, and all this will be true of him; till which time, and during this imperfect state, the Gospel ministry will be maintained: the phrase is taken from the Jews, who among the forms and degrees of prophecy which the prophets arrived to, and had in them the vision of God and angels, make , "the measure of the stature" (z), a principal one; and is here used for the perfection of the heavenly state in the vision, and enjoyment of God and Christ. (z) Maimon. in Misn. Sanhedrin, c. 11. sect. 1. Cosri, par. 4. sect. 3. p. 213. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:13 The goal of ministry is for the whole Christian community to understand and experience the Christian faith more deeply and gain a deeper knowledge of God’s Son. In this way, believers will be mature in the Lord (see 1 Cor 2:6; 14:20; Phil 3:15; Col 1:28; 4:12; cp. Heb 5:14; Jas 1:4; 3:2). The standard of maturity is Christ himself; the Spirit’s transforming work is to make people fully like Christ (Rom 8:29).
Ephesians 4:13
Unity in the Body
12to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Salvation by Faith (Reading)
By John Wesley13K27:26Audio BooksMAT 6:33ROM 3:28ROM 11:201CO 15:57EPH 4:13COL 3:3JAS 2:17In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series, which aims to bring classic Christian texts, including Mr. Wesley's sermons, into audiobook form. He highlights the importance of these writings in inspiring a new generation to hear these messages. The video also mentions the establishment of the law and the fulfillment of righteousness through faith in Christ. It addresses the concern of pride that may arise from preaching this faith and emphasizes the need for believers to be cautious. Overall, the video promotes the importance of holiness and the impact of John Wesley's evangelism ministry in bringing about positive change in the Christian church.
Grow Up and Be Free
By Warren Wiersbe7.7K29:36FreedomPSA 37:4ROM 6:14GAL 3:29GAL 4:7GAL 5:1EPH 4:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of freedom and maturity in the context of the book of Galatians. The main message is that growing up spiritually leads to freedom in Christ. The speaker emphasizes that maturity is not determined by age, but by the quality of experience. The sermon also highlights the contrast between being motivated by fear under the law and being motivated by love under grace.
Biblical Courtship Session #4 - the When of Biblical Courtship
By Paul Washer3.6K59:17Biblical CourtshipPRO 4:23HOS 4:6MAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 4:132TI 2:151PE 1:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living every moment of our lives for the glory of God. He highlights that simply acquiring knowledge and principles without a Christ-like character is of little value. The speaker also discusses the significance of teaching children about relationships and sexuality within the context of the parent-child relationship, cautioning against exposing them to worldly influences. He concludes by discussing the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the dangers of allowing young people to enjoy the privileges of adulthood without assuming the responsibilities that come with it.
The Time of Jacob's Trouble
By Art Katz3.0K1:07:03Jacob's TroubleISA 6:8JER 31:7ROM 11:11EPH 4:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the time of Jacob's trouble, which refers to a period of great suffering and judgment for Israel and the Jewish people. The speaker emphasizes that this judgment is not God's final word, but rather a necessary step towards their salvation and transformation. The speaker references Isaiah chapter 6, where the prophet Isaiah is called by God to deliver a message of judgment to the people. The speaker suggests that the church needs to understand and accept the severity of God's judgment in order to fully grasp the significance of Jacob's trouble.
Holy Spirit and the Crisis of Pentecost - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks2.7K30:42PentecostGEN 1:2MAT 28:19JHN 16:7ACT 1:8EPH 1:13EPH 4:13EPH 4:30In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the significance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Holy Spirit is described as a seal, representing our inheritance and the guarantee of what God will do for those who believe. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit's role in revealing Christ to us and opening our hearts to understand God's truth. The passage from Ephesians is referenced to support the idea that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption.
Until Christ if Formed in You
By J. Glyn Owen2.0K45:41Christ LikenessISA 53:11MAT 6:33ROM 8:292CO 3:18GAL 4:19EPH 4:13COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God and the presence of Jesus in various biblical stories. He explains that the power of God enabled Moses to lead the Israelites through the desert and provided for their needs. He also mentions the story of the three friends of Daniel who were protected by a fourth person in the fiery furnace. The preacher highlights the importance of having the spirit of God within oneself, which brings joy and peace. He concludes by urging believers to surrender to the lordship of Christ and allow him to rule over every aspect of their lives.
The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K1:04:02Divine PurposeISA 55:11ACT 16:9EPH 1:23EPH 4:8EPH 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus as a prophet and a supreme example of God's sovereignty. The purpose of Jesus' life was to rebuke and show what God required of his people, ultimately laying down his life for them. The speaker also highlights the need for continuity and a focused mind when studying the word of God. The ultimate goal for believers is to attain the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ and for the church to be the fullness of Him.
The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 10
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K40:44Purpose Of GodEZK 40:3EZK 43:10MAT 6:33EPH 4:13COL 2:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the instructions given to the Prophet in the book of Ezekiel. The Prophet is told to behold with his eyes, hear with his ears, and set his heart upon all that he is shown. The speaker emphasizes the importance of paying attention to every detail and not neglecting the small things. The Prophet is instructed to declare all that he sees to the house of Israel, highlighting the need for clear understanding before presenting anything to others.
Hope for the Godly in Death
By John Murray1.7K25:33DeathPSA 119:89ISA 61:3MAT 18:12ROM 8:392CO 12:9EPH 4:131TH 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing our thoughts and hearts on the glorious event of Christ's manifestation in his matchless glory. He encourages the audience to measure the depth of their love, hope, and outreach by how much they gravitate towards this future event. The preacher assures the congregation that their departed loved ones, including husbands, fathers, and pastors, will be glorified with Christ at his glorious appearance. He addresses the concern of the Thessalonians about whether those who have died will experience the rapture and assures them that the last enemy to be destroyed is death. The final truth the preacher highlights is that the godly will always be with the Lord, being snatched up into the air to meet him.
The Unity of the Spirit
By Alan Martin1.2K00:00UnityJHN 17:20EPH 4:11EPH 4:13HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the goal of believers being made one in unity. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in achieving this unity by guiding believers into all truth and glorifying Jesus. The speaker highlights the importance of having a singleness of devotion to Christ and focusing our eyes on Him. The transcript also mentions the opposition and difficulties that arise in achieving this goal, but emphasizes that the Spirit of God is the key to overcoming division and fostering true fellowship among believers.
Unto Fulness #1 - the Call to Fulness
By Stephen Kaung9621:00:10EPH 1:17EPH 3:14EPH 4:13EPH 5:18COL 1:9COL 2:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of fullness in relation to God. He emphasizes that although God is infinite and full, our limited understanding often restricts our perception of His fullness. The speaker uses the story of Jacob as an illustration, highlighting how Jacob's journey and obedience led to God fulfilling His plans for him. The main point of the sermon is that God calls every believer to experience His fullness and challenges listeners to consider their response to this calling. The speaker encourages the audience to seek a vision of God's fullness and respond accordingly.
The Way to Spiritual Perfection
By Stephen Kaung8511:05:26MAT 6:33ROM 12:1EPH 4:13PHP 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds in order to walk in the way of spiritual perfection. He explains that before encountering God, our minds are focused on worldly things, but through surrendering to God, our minds undergo a transformation. The speaker also highlights the responsibility we have to diligently cooperate with God in order to receive the promises and blessings He has given us. He emphasizes the need for unity and fellowship with other believers, as we can learn from and support one another in our spiritual growth. Ultimately, the speaker concludes that spiritual perfection is both obtained through the finished work of Jesus on the cross and attained through our ongoing pursuit of God.
What Is Spiritual Fullness
By Stephen Kaung8171:21:44MAT 11:27JHN 1:18ROM 11:33EPH 1:23EPH 3:19EPH 4:13COL 1:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the fullness of God's grace and truth through Jesus Christ. He highlights how Jesus demonstrated mercy, love, grace, and truth during his time on earth, forgiving sinners and performing miracles. The preacher also warns about the increasing sinfulness and rebellion in the world, suggesting that judgment may be imminent. He references biblical stories such as the flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of God's judgment on sinful cities. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be prepared for the coming redemption and to trust in God's love and mercy.
The Love of God
By T.M. Anderson71243:08MAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 17:26ROM 5:81CO 13:13EPH 4:131JN 4:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the perfection of God's love and its importance in our lives. He emphasizes that in the current world, it is crucial to rely on God's love more than ever before. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about encountering a couple in distress and highlights the power of God's love to bring comfort and healing. He then delves into the concept of love being dimensional in four directions: height, depth, length, and breadth, emphasizing that God's love is limitless and never-ending.
Knowledge of the Father
By Robert B. Thompson5891:00:06EXO 20:1NEH 3:1MAT 6:33MAT 19:16JHN 15:16JHN 17:1EPH 4:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of completing the work that God has given us to do. He emphasizes that many people go through life without a sense of purpose or destiny, unaware of the specific work they are meant to accomplish. The speaker highlights the importance of knowing and fulfilling our God-given purpose before we reach the end of our lives. He also addresses the idea that the kingdom of God does not operate according to democratic principles, as Jesus revealed himself only to those whom God had given him out of the world.
Effectual Prayer Empowered by the Spirit
By Don Currin57234:15ROM 11:25GAL 4:4EPH 1:16EPH 3:14EPH 4:13EPH 6:18COL 1:9This sermon delves into Paul's prayer in Ephesians chapter 3, emphasizing the essence of revival praying and the need for a visitation from God. Paul's prayer focuses on believers being strengthened by the Spirit to experience Christ dwelling in their hearts, rooted in love, comprehend the vast love of Christ, and be filled with all the fullness of God. The sermon highlights the desperate need for effectual prayer, the Spirit's enablement, and the pursuit of experimental reality in encountering God's presence and fullness.
Entering Into Fullness
By George Warnock3311:30:40FullnessISA 6:5MAT 6:33MRK 7:20LUK 13:34JHN 14:26EPH 4:13REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of gathering together under God and making Him the Lord of our gatherings. He encourages the listeners to expect to hear words from the Spirit of the Lord that will convict their hearts, rather than just seeking a social gathering. The speaker also highlights the unity of the family of God, both those who have passed away and those still on earth, and urges them to comprehend the message he is sharing. He emphasizes the need to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters, showing compassion and love, rather than relying on external systems like welfare. The speaker concludes by urging the listeners to nurture the measure of love God has given them and draw the Spirit closer to them.
Restoration Series #5 - the Restoration of Gospel Power
By James Robison18458:39GospelACT 3:19EPH 4:1EPH 4:11EPH 4:13In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of a transformative change in his life that occurred two and a half years ago. He describes his life as a garden filled with weeds and thorns, but through the work of the Lord, he was able to remove those negative elements and cultivate beauty and growth. The preacher also recounts a story of encountering bedraggled teenage boys who were struggling to set up a tent in the dark. Through this story, he emphasizes the importance of relying on Jesus in difficult times and finding freedom in Him. The sermon concludes with a reminder that believers should not abandon or separate themselves from the body of Christ, but rather remain united and steadfast in their faith.
Wanting Jesus (Hearing His Voice, and Receiving "So Great salvation.")
By Hans R. Waldvogel1Desire for ChristTrue SalvationACT 3:26EPH 4:13EPH 4:15PHP 2:12HEB 2:3Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of truly wanting Jesus and hearing His voice to experience the fullness of salvation. He critiques the superficiality of many who attend church without genuine transformation, urging believers to grow into the likeness of Christ rather than merely seeking blessings. Waldvogel warns against complacency in faith, highlighting that true salvation involves a deep, personal relationship with God that leads to holiness and righteousness. He calls for a revival of desire for Christ Himself, rather than the gifts He provides, stressing that many are deceived by their own spiritual complacency. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to awaken to the reality of their faith and the greatness of their salvation.
The Full Stature of Manhood
By T. Austin-Sparks1Spiritual GrowthIdentity in Christ2CO 12:2EPH 4:13HEB 2:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of attaining the full stature of manhood in Christ, illustrating how humanity was created to express God's thoughts and realities. He explores the complexities of human existence, including physical, mental, and relational aspects, and highlights that Christ embodies the solution to these challenges, offering a new kind of humanity. Sparks underscores that spiritual growth is achieved through a deep concern for reproduction and increase, mirroring the life of Isaac, Joseph, and Moses, who exemplified dignity, discernment, and meekness. Ultimately, he calls believers to recognize their identity as 'men in Christ' and to pursue spiritual maturity that reflects the character of Christ.
"Well Done"
By David Wilkerson0Pursuing God's BlessingsSpiritual MaturityACT 24:16ROM 15:29EPH 3:19EPH 4:7EPH 4:13David Wilkerson emphasizes the call to pursue the fullness of Christ's blessings as outlined by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians. He highlights that true fullness is not about material wealth but about having a clear conscience and an open relationship with God, allowing His blessings to flow freely in our lives. Wilkerson reflects on Paul's confidence in his walk with Christ, which stemmed from his commitment to live without hidden sin and to strive for spiritual maturity. The ultimate goal is to receive God's commendation, 'Well done,' as a testament to our faithfulness. This pursuit of fullness is a divine task that every believer is called to embrace.
How Old Are You? Spiritually, That Is
By Paris Reidhead0Spiritual MaturityGrowth in FaithPSA 103:13ISA 5:1LUK 22:20GAL 4:19EPH 3:17EPH 4:13EPH 5:25COL 1:28HEB 5:121JN 2:12Paris Reidhead emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity in his sermon 'How Old Are You? Spiritually, That Is.' He challenges the congregation to take a spiritual inventory as the year ends, questioning whether they have grown in their faith or merely gone through the motions. Reidhead outlines God's goal for His children as maturity, highlighting the different stages of spiritual growth: little children, young men, and fathers. He encourages believers to recognize God's grace and the resources available for growth, while also expressing God's grief over those who remain stagnant in their faith. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to pursue spiritual development in the coming year.
Growing Up Into Christ Ephesians 4
By John Nelson Darby0Unity in the Body of ChristBlessings in ChristJHN 15:12ROM 5:52CO 5:17EPH 2:19EPH 4:13PHP 1:6COL 1:27HEB 10:241PE 2:91JN 4:12John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound love and interest God has in blessing His people, illustrating that His thoughts are centered on bringing us into the fullness of Christ. He explains that through Christ's descent and ascent, we find strength and comfort, as He understands our trials and sorrows. Darby highlights that our natural portion as Christians is to enjoy God, and that the love of God is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to grow up into Christ, fostering unity and love among one another, as this reflects God's nature. Ultimately, our fellowship and communion with each other are rooted in the divine love that God has for us, which transcends worldly troubles.
Filled
By F.B. Meyer0Appropriating God's GraceFulfillment in ChristPSA 107:9JHN 10:102CO 9:8EPH 1:23EPH 3:19EPH 4:10EPH 4:13EPH 5:18PHP 4:19COL 2:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from being filled with Christ, who is the source of all fullness for both the Church and individual believers. He illustrates how earthly pursuits and human love often leave us wanting, while only in Christ can we find complete satisfaction and grace. Meyer encourages believers to actively receive this fullness through faith, worship, gratitude, and mutual submission, highlighting that Christ's infinite nature ensures we can never exhaust His love and power. He reminds us that this fullness was made available through Christ's death and resurrection, and that our growth in faith should reflect the stature of Christ. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a conscious effort to appropriate the blessings of Christ in our lives.
Man in Christ
By F.B. Meyer0Identity in ChristTransformationROM 6:41CO 15:452CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:15EPH 3:16EPH 4:13EPH 4:22EPH 4:24COL 3:10F.B. Meyer emphasizes that Christ is the ideal man, embodying purity and beauty untouched by sin, and that through Him, humanity can be restored to its original glory. He explains that while Adam fell and brought sin into the world, Jesus, as the second man, offers a new life and identity to all who believe, creating a new humanity that transcends divisions. Meyer highlights the importance of the inner man, where the Holy Spirit dwells, and the need for believers to recognize and utilize their spiritual gifts for the growth of the Church. He contrasts the old man, characterized by sinful habits, with the new man, which reflects the character of Christ and is to be assumed by faith. Ultimately, Meyer calls for believers to put on the new man, allowing Christ's likeness to shine through them.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In the unity of the faith - Jews and Gentiles being all converted according to the doctrines laid down in the faith - the Christian system. The knowledge of the Son of God - A trite understanding of the mystery of the incarnation; why God was manifest in the flesh, and why this was necessary in order to human salvation. Unto a perfect man - Εις ανδρα τελειον· One thoroughly instructed; the whole body of the Church being fully taught, justified, sanctified, and sealed. Measure of the stature - The full measure of knowledge, love, and holiness, which the Gospel of Christ requires. Many preachers, and multitudes of professing people, are studious to find out how many imperfections and infidelities, and how much inward sinfulness, is consistent with a safe state in religion but how few, very few, are bringing out the fair Gospel standard to try the height of the members of the Church; whether they be fit for the heavenly army; whether their stature be such as qualifies them for the ranks of the Church militant! The measure of the stature of the fullness is seldom seen; the measure of the stature of littleness, dwarfishness, and emptiness, is often exhibited.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
come in--rather, "attain unto." ALFORD expresses the Greek order, "Until we arrive all of us at the unity," &c. faith and . . . knowledge--Full unity of faith is then found, when all alike thoroughly know Christ, the object of faith, and that in His highest dignity as "the Son of God" [DE WETTE] (Eph 3:17, Eph 3:19; Pe2 1:5). Not even Paul counted himself to have fully "attained" (Phi 3:12-14). Amidst the variety of the gifts and the multitude of the Church's members, its "faith" is to be ONE: as contrasted with the state of "children carried about with EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE." (Eph 4:14). perfect man--unto the full-grown man (Co1 2:6; Phi 3:15; Heb 5:14); the maturity of an adult; contrasted with children (Eph 4:14). Not "perfect men"; for the many members constitute but one Church joined to the one Christ. stature, &c.--The standard of spiritual "stature" is "the fulness of Christ," that is, which Christ has (Eph 1:23; Eph 3:19; compare Gal 4:19); that the body should be worthy of the Head, the perfect Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Till we all come in the unity of the faith,.... These words regard the continuance of the Gospel ministry in the church, until all the elect of God come in: or "to the unity of the faith"; by which is meant, not the union between the saints, the cement of which is love; nor that which is between Christ and his people, of which his love, and not their faith, is the bond; but the same with the "one faith", Eph 4:5 and designs either the doctrine of faith, which is uniform, and all of a piece; and the sense is, that the ministration of the Gospel will continue until the saints entirely unite in their sentiments about it, and both watchmen and churches see eye to eye: or else the grace of faith, which as to its nature, object, author, spring, and cause, is the same; and it usually comes by hearing; and all God's elect shall have it; and the work and office of the ministry will remain until they are all brought to believe in Christ; and of the knowledge of the Son of God; which is but another phrase for faith in Christ, for faith is a spiritual knowledge of Christ; it is that grace by which a soul beholds his glory and fulness, approves of him, trusts in him, and appropriates him to itself; and such an approbatory, fiducial, appropriating, practical, and experimental knowledge of Christ, is here intended; and which is imperfect in those that have it, and is not yet in many who will have it; and inasmuch as the Gospel ministry is the means of it, this will be continued until every elect soul partakes of it, and arrives to a greater perfection in it: for it follows, unto a perfect man; meaning either Christ, who is in every sense a perfect man; his human nature is the greater and more perfect tabernacle, and he is perfectly free from sin, and has been made perfect through sufferings in it; and coming to him may be understood either of coming to him now by faith, which the Gospel ministry is the means of, and encourages to; or of coming to him hereafter, for the saints will meet him, and be ever with him, and till that time the Gospel will be preached: or else the church, being a complete body with all its members, is designed; for when all the elect of God are gathered in and joined together, they will be as one man; or it may respect every individual believer, who though he is comparatively perfect, and with regard to parts, but not degrees, and as in Christ Jesus, yet is in himself imperfect in holiness and knowledge, though hereafter he will be perfect in both; when he comes unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: not of Christ's natural body, but of his mystical body the church, which will be his fulness when all the elect are gathered in; and when they are filled with his gifts and graces, and are grown up to their proportion in it, they will be come to the measure and stature of it: or it may be understood of every particular believer, who has Christ formed in him; who when the work of grace is finished in him, will be a perfect man in Christ, and all this will be true of him; till which time, and during this imperfect state, the Gospel ministry will be maintained: the phrase is taken from the Jews, who among the forms and degrees of prophecy which the prophets arrived to, and had in them the vision of God and angels, make , "the measure of the stature" (z), a principal one; and is here used for the perfection of the heavenly state in the vision, and enjoyment of God and Christ. (z) Maimon. in Misn. Sanhedrin, c. 11. sect. 1. Cosri, par. 4. sect. 3. p. 213. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:13 The goal of ministry is for the whole Christian community to understand and experience the Christian faith more deeply and gain a deeper knowledge of God’s Son. In this way, believers will be mature in the Lord (see 1 Cor 2:6; 14:20; Phil 3:15; Col 1:28; 4:12; cp. Heb 5:14; Jas 1:4; 3:2). The standard of maturity is Christ himself; the Spirit’s transforming work is to make people fully like Christ (Rom 8:29).