Ephesians 4:16
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
From whom the whole body - Dr. Macknight has a just view of this passage, and I cannot express my own in more suitable terms: "The apostle's meaning is, that, as the human body is formed by the union of all the members to each other, under the head, and by the fitness of each member for its own office and place in the body, so the Church is formed by the union of its members under Christ, the head. Farther, as the human body increases till it arrives at maturity by the energy of every part in performing its proper function, and by the sympathy of every part with the whole, so the body or Church of Christ grows to maturity by the proper exercise of the gifts and graces of individuals for the benefit of the whole." This verse is another proof of the wisdom and learning of the apostle. Not only the general ideas here are anatomical, but the whole phraseology is the same. The articulation of the bones, the composition and action of the muscles, the circulation of the fluids, carrying nourishment to every part, and depositing some in every place, the energy of the system in keeping up all the functions, being particularly introduced, and the whole terminating in the general process of nutrition, increasing the body, and supplying all the waste that had taken place in consequence of labor, etc. Let any medical man, who understands the apostle's language, take up this verse, and he will be convinced that the apostle had all these things in view. I am surprised that some of those who have looked for the discoveries of the moderns among the ancients, have not brought in the apostle's word επιχορηγια , supply, from επιχορηγεω, to lead up, lead along, minister, supply, etc., as some proof that the circulation of the blood was not unknown to St. Paul!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Col 2:19). fitly joined together--"being fitly framed together," as in Eph 2:21; all the parts being in their proper position, and in mutual relation. compacted--implying firm consolidation. by that which every joint supplieth--Greek, "by means of every joint of the supply"; joined with "maketh increase of the body," not with "compacted." "By every ministering (supplying) joint." The joints are the points of union where the supply passes to the different members, furnishing the body with the materials of its growth. effectual working-- (Eph 1:19; Eph 3:7). According to the effectual working of grace in each member (or else, rather, "according to each several member's working"), proportioned to the measure of its need of supply. every part--Greek, "each one part"; each individual part. maketh increase--Translate, as the Greek is the same as Eph 4:15, "maketh (carrieth on) the growth of the body."
John Gill Bible Commentary
From whom the whole body fitly joined gether,.... By which is meant, the church; see Eph 1:23 sometimes it designs all the elect of God in heaven and in earth, but here the church militant, which only can admit of an increase; this body is from Christ, as an head, and the phrase denotes the rise and origin of the church from Christ, her dependence upon him, and union to him, and of its members one to another; she has her being and form, from him, and all her blessings, as her life and light, righteousness and holiness, her grace and strength, her joy, peace, and comfort, her fruitfulness and final perseverance; and her dependence is upon him for subsistence, sustenance, protection and safety, and for grace and glory; and her union to him is very near, strict and close, and indissoluble; and the union between the several members is also very close, and both are very beautiful: and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part. The Alexandrian copy reads, "of every member"; and so the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions; the author of the union of the members of Christ's body to one another is the Spirit of God, by him they are baptized into one body; the cement or bond of this union is the grace of love wrought in their souls by him; and the means are the word and ordinances, and these convey a supply from Christ the head to every member, suitable to the part it bears in the body, according to the energy of the Spirit, who makes all effectual: and so maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love; the increase of the body the church, is either in numbers, when persons are converted and added to it; or in the exercise of grace, under the influence of the Spirit, through the ministration of the word and ordinances; and both these tend to the edifying or building of it up; and nothing is of a more edifying nature to the church than love, which bears the infirmities of the weak, and seeks for, and follows after those things which make for peace and godly edification, Co1 8:1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:16 Each part of the body plays an important role and helps the other parts grow. Christ, the head of the body, works through the individual parts, makes them fit together, and is the ultimate source of growth (see Col 2:19). • When all believers are ministering effectively, the whole body will be healthy and growing and full of love (cp. 1 Cor 8:1). Love is the most important factor in Christian growth (1 Cor 13:1-13).
Ephesians 4:16
Unity in the Body
15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.16From 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"That They May Be one."
By Art Katz17K39:25UnityJHN 17:21ACT 20:281CO 12:121CO 14:26EPH 4:16COL 3:171PE 5:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not treating the preaching of the word of God as a mere ceremonial duty. He criticizes the idea of paying someone to fill a slot for a biblical presentation without truly understanding and honoring the divine intention behind it. The speaker calls for a revival and restoration of our understanding of God and His purpose for the church. He discusses the concept of the Trinity and how it relates to the church, highlighting the need for deference, humility, and self-deference to one another in order to experience the fullness of God's plan.
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire-Iii Interview: Jim Cymbala
By Jim Cymbala4.5K29:29InterviewMAT 6:33MAT 22:371CO 3:13EPH 4:16HEB 4:16JAS 5:161PE 5:2In this video, Dr. Richard Land discusses the bias against conservatives and Christians in the national media, as detailed in Bernard Goldberg's book "Bias." He highlights the outrage from figures like Dan Rather in response to this revelation. The video then transitions to a personal story shared by a pastor about encountering a man in need of Jesus during a church service. The pastor reflects on his own lack of spiritual awareness and conviction in that moment. The video concludes by mentioning the power of prayer in a church and community in New York.
Freedom From Addictions
By Neil T. Anderson4.3K40:33AddictionsMAT 6:33ROM 8:22CO 5:17EPH 4:16PHP 3:8HEB 10:10In this sermon, the speaker, Dick, emphasizes the importance of learning in committed relationships. He shares a powerful experience where he gathered a group of people in a mountain setting and had them express appreciation for one another while washing each other's feet. He also discusses a man who struggled with discipling others because he did not have a personal connection with them. Dick highlights the need for community and relationships in the process of learning and transformation, rather than just acquiring knowledge.
Why Church? God's Purpose
By Francis Chan3.7K47:21ChurchEXO 25:22MAT 5:141CO 3:161CO 12:27EPH 4:16HEB 10:241PE 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible beyond individual salvation. He uses the illustration of playing blackjack to highlight how often we focus only on our own relationship with God, rather than working collectively as a body of believers. The preacher also mentions the work of Children's Hunger Fund and their mercy networks, where supplies are sent to churches in need. He shares his admiration for a student who preached about the issue of isolation and the importance of community in helping those in need.
Bakht Singh Funeral - Part 2
By Bakht Singh3.0K06:00PSA 119:105MAT 4:4ACT 2:42EPH 4:161TI 4:13HEB 10:24This sermon is a powerful testimony of Baksh Singh's journey in Christian ministry, from humble beginnings of sharing his faith on the streets to impacting thousands with the word of God. It highlights the importance he placed on personal Bible possession, prayer, and dedication to serving the Lord and His people. The establishment of Hebron Church with its unique characteristics and emphasis on equality in Christ is a testament to Baksh Singh's deep faith and commitment to a simple, prayerful, and community-focused church life.
The Local Church 2 - Part 6
By William MacDonald1.8K05:41EPH 4:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of believers growing and maturing in their faith to reflect the likeness of Jesus Christ. It highlights the need for every believer to actively participate in the ministry, exercise their spiritual gifts, and contribute to the edification of the church. The passage from Ephesians 4 underscores the idea that all believers are called to be ministers and work together for the growth and unity of the body of Christ.
Gifts of the Spirit
By Bill McLeod1.5K19:53Spiritual GiftsEPH 4:8EPH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the gift of healing and emphasizes the importance of simplicity and humility in receiving God's blessings. He shares a story of a man who experienced a miraculous breakthrough in his business after he obeyed God's prompting to attend a prayer meeting. The preacher also highlights the need for churches to understand the truth that God desires to produce His Son in every local church. He mentions the example of Methodist churches in the 1850s experiencing revival and the impact of testimonies on unbelievers. The sermon concludes with a reminder that all parts of the body of Christ are necessary and should not be overlooked, using the example of the disciples' failure to cast out a demon. The preacher also mentions the examples of George Muller and God's ability to provide abundantly for His people.
Getting Back to Basics: The Love We Had at First
By Robert Wurtz II1.2K44:42EPH 1:15EPH 2:4EPH 3:17EPH 3:19EPH 4:2EPH 4:16EPH 5:1EPH 5:25EPH 6:23In this sermon, the speaker continues their study on getting back to basics. They discuss the importance of becoming fishers of men and evangelizing to win souls for God. The speaker then introduces a new subject titled "the love that we had at first." They highlight the story of the church at Ephesus, who had once had a great love for Christ but gradually lost it. The speaker emphasizes the need for Christians to retrace their steps and rediscover their first love for God, as it is a travesty to give that love to someone or something else.
Doing Greater Works Than Christ
By Zac Poonen1.2K55:33JHN 14:12JHN 17:21ROM 12:41CO 12:12GAL 5:13EPH 3:10EPH 4:16PHP 2:31PE 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving in the New Covenant out of love, becoming more Christ-like, and doing the will of God. It discusses the need to listen to God, deny our own will, and work together in unity despite differences. The speaker highlights the significance of each believer fulfilling their specific ministry and the wisdom of God displayed through unity amidst diversity.
New Covenant - the Gifts of the Spirit -Part 6
By Zac Poonen1.1K09:001CO 12:71CO 14:41CO 14:12EPH 4:11EPH 4:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of using spiritual gifts to serve others in the body of Christ. It highlights the need for believers to seek anointing and guidance from God, focusing on building up the church and blessing others through various manifestations of the Spirit. The message encourages repentance from laziness, cultural hindrances, and traditions that may obstruct the work of God in the church, urging believers to actively participate in edifying the body of Christ.
Gods Power Is Manifested in Our Weakness
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:10:02MAT 14:13JHN 4:231CO 1:272CO 12:9EPH 4:161PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of being weak and humble before God, focusing on the transformation from being strong and self-reliant to becoming a worshipper who seeks God above all else. It highlights the need to surrender everything to God, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and allow God to break and make us weak so His power can be manifested through us. The message encourages self-examination to ensure alignment with God's ways and to prioritize worship and humility over serving and self-reliance.
The Local Church 5 - Part 3
By William MacDonald1.1K08:49JHN 14:15ACT 2:421CO 11:24EPH 4:16HEB 10:25This sermon emphasizes the significance of Christian fellowship, highlighting the impact of collective prayer and support within a community. It underscores the unique bond and depth of relationships found in Christian fellowship that surpass worldly connections. The sermon also delves into the responsibilities that come with being part of the family of God, stressing the importance of spiritual gifts, unity, faithful attendance at meetings, and prioritizing gatherings for worship and remembrance of Christ.
New Covenant- God\'s Final Goal - Church -Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.1K09:42GEN 1:26GEN 2:18MAT 6:33JHN 13:341CO 12:12EPH 4:16COL 3:14HEB 10:241JN 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning God's will and passing the tests He presents, drawing parallels from Adam's choice of a wife to our own decisions. It highlights the need to prioritize seeking God's kingdom first and not settling for the first option that comes our way. The speaker shares personal experiences of testing and temptation in building a church, stressing the significance of maintaining New Testament standards and true fellowship in the body of Christ.
05 New Wine in New Wineskins - Presenting the Church as a Virgin to Christ
By Zac Poonen1.0K1:00:38MAT 18:20ACT 2:421CO 12:12EPH 4:16PHP 2:1COL 3:14HEB 10:24JAS 3:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of building fellowship and unity within the church, highlighting the need for elders to lead with humility, service, and a focus on building strong relationships. It calls for repentance, fasting, and prayer to seek God's guidance and to present the church as a pure virgin to Jesus Christ. The message stresses the significance of functioning as a unified body of Christ, where every member plays a vital role in building up the church in love and fellowship.
The Glory of God
By Emanuel Esh8641:24:30Glory Of GodISA 35:1ISA 60:1LUK 2:19JHN 1:29EPH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher talks about the slim chances and expectations placed on Jesus in his earthly life. Despite this, people in darkness saw hope and freedom in him. The preacher emphasizes that all the power of heaven and earth was invested in Jesus, who willingly died on the cross and descended to hell to take the keys from the devil. The sermon also mentions a moment in hell where Satan trembles upon hearing Jesus' voice and tries to prevent him from ascending to his throne. The preacher shares a personal experience of initially being hesitant about attending a sing-along about the Messiah but eventually being inspired by the Word of God. The sermon concludes with a call to arise and shine, as the glory of the Lord has come.
Discerning Between Temptation and Sin
By Zac Poonen77533:12PRO 22:6EPH 3:10EPH 4:16JAS 1:15This sermon emphasizes the distinction between temptation and sin, using the analogy of conception to explain how yielding to temptation leads to sin. It also delves into the importance of family life, obedience to parents, and building godly marriages. The focus then shifts to the significance of building a church that reflects God's wisdom through unity and love, showcasing a fellowship that transcends cultural and social barriers.
Balanced Christianity 5. Holiness and Fellowship
By Zac Poonen7231:12:52GEN 6:14MAL 1:11MAT 18:20JHN 15:51CO 12:27EPH 4:16HEB 10:241PE 2:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a balanced Christian life, focusing on the need for fellowship within a local church. It highlights the significance of falling into the ground and dying to self to bear much fruit, the necessity of being part of a body of believers to reflect the image of Christ, and the safety found in being cemented into the church as opposed to being a loose brick. The speaker encourages listeners to seek fellowship, manifest grace and truth, and engage in evangelism and discipleship within the context of a local church.
God's Plan for the Ages 03 God's Plan
By Lawrence Chambers72253:59EPH 4:11EPH 4:16PHP 2:5In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the description of Jesus in Philippians 2:5-11, where Jesus humbly stoops from heaven to suffer and die for humanity. The speaker then encourages the audience to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing the importance of fruitfulness and obedience. The fourth day is highlighted as the day of grace, where God fills the heavens with light through the sun, moon, and stars. The speaker relates this to the believers' role in shining as lights in their own homes and in the world, especially during the parenthetic period of the age of grace.
The New Covenant Life and Church - Part 1
By Zac Poonen6141:11:32ISA 1:18MAT 18:20ROM 15:71CO 12:12GAL 6:2EPH 4:16COL 3:13JAS 4:41JN 2:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of radical conversion and commitment to Christ, highlighting the need for believers to be integrated into the body of Christ, valuing each member regardless of their weaknesses or background. It stresses the significance of accepting one another as Christ accepted us, not for personal comfort but for the glory of God, and encourages building churches as loving families where all are welcomed and supported in their spiritual growth.
The Church: A Three Storey Building
By Zac Poonen6011:08:50PRO 11:22PRO 22:6MAT 18:15EPH 2:14EPH 3:10EPH 4:16JAS 1:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of repeating key messages in the church, especially for new members and growing children. It encourages elders to prioritize repeating foundational truths over always seeking new teachings for personal honor. The sermon also highlights the significance of teaching children, building godly family lives, and fostering unity in the church as a reflection of God's wisdom to the spiritual realm.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Makes Us Bold
By Sandeep Poonen58849:192CH 29:342CH 30:26ISA 50:4ACT 2:41EPH 4:162TI 1:7JAS 1:51PE 4:172PE 2:5REV 1:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of consecrating ourselves daily to God, seeking to be disciples who listen to His voice, respond to His leading, and contribute to the growth of the body of Christ. It highlights the need for boldness against the religious system within us, the world system around us, and the call to be preachers of righteousness like Noah, building the 'ark' of the local church. The message stresses the significance of power, love, and self-control as fruits of the Holy Spirit, encouraging each individual to play a part in the body's growth by being conscientious in consecrating themselves daily.
Christ's Plan for the Church - Part 2
By William MacDonald54745:17ChurchMAT 6:331CO 12:7EPH 4:11EPH 4:16In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of discovering the importance of exercising spiritual gifts within the context of a New Testament assembly. He emphasizes the need for individuals to develop their own convictions based on the Word of God, rather than relying on the beliefs of others. The speaker highlights Ephesians chapter 4 as a revolutionary passage that reveals the purpose of spiritual gifts in the church. He explains that when every member of the church actively uses their gifts, the body of Christ grows and is protected from false teachings and cults. The sermon encourages believers to embrace their role as evangelists, Bible students, and active participants in the ministry of the church.
The God Centered Can Build the Church
By Zac Poonen4041:08:42MAT 16:182CO 3:182CO 4:10GAL 1:16EPH 4:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of moving from a self-centered life to a God-centered life within the church. It highlights the need to die to self daily, allowing the life of Jesus to be manifested in our actions and interactions. The goal is to be part of the inner core of the church, willing to pay the price to align with God's interests and fulfill our individual roles in building the body of Christ.
Evenwichtigheid (Eng - Dutch)
By George Verwer15438:23DutchMAT 6:33ACT 8:4ACT 8:25ROM 12:52CO 6:10EPH 4:16JAS 2:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following Christ and giving our lives to Him. He encourages the audience to share their testimonies and experiences with the Dutch office, either in person or through writing. The speaker also discusses the balance between different aspects of ministry, such as evangelism and church planting, as well as the need for balance in other areas of life, including discipline in the home. Additionally, the speaker highlights the significance of understanding history and how God has worked in different denominations.
Loving Others: By Seeing God's Glory (Jn. 15:12; 17:22)
By Mike Bickle331:08:55Community in ChristAbiding LoveLoving OthersMAT 16:18JHN 15:12JHN 17:22EPH 4:16HEB 2:7Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of loving others as a reflection of God's glory, urging the congregation to extend their love beyond familiar circles to those who feel unnoticed or unloved. He highlights that true love mirrors the relationship within the Trinity and is essential for the church's mission, as it demonstrates God's character to the world. Bickle encourages believers to actively seek out and include those who may feel isolated within the church community, reinforcing that every member has a pastoral calling to love and support one another.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
From whom the whole body - Dr. Macknight has a just view of this passage, and I cannot express my own in more suitable terms: "The apostle's meaning is, that, as the human body is formed by the union of all the members to each other, under the head, and by the fitness of each member for its own office and place in the body, so the Church is formed by the union of its members under Christ, the head. Farther, as the human body increases till it arrives at maturity by the energy of every part in performing its proper function, and by the sympathy of every part with the whole, so the body or Church of Christ grows to maturity by the proper exercise of the gifts and graces of individuals for the benefit of the whole." This verse is another proof of the wisdom and learning of the apostle. Not only the general ideas here are anatomical, but the whole phraseology is the same. The articulation of the bones, the composition and action of the muscles, the circulation of the fluids, carrying nourishment to every part, and depositing some in every place, the energy of the system in keeping up all the functions, being particularly introduced, and the whole terminating in the general process of nutrition, increasing the body, and supplying all the waste that had taken place in consequence of labor, etc. Let any medical man, who understands the apostle's language, take up this verse, and he will be convinced that the apostle had all these things in view. I am surprised that some of those who have looked for the discoveries of the moderns among the ancients, have not brought in the apostle's word επιχορηγια , supply, from επιχορηγεω, to lead up, lead along, minister, supply, etc., as some proof that the circulation of the blood was not unknown to St. Paul!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Col 2:19). fitly joined together--"being fitly framed together," as in Eph 2:21; all the parts being in their proper position, and in mutual relation. compacted--implying firm consolidation. by that which every joint supplieth--Greek, "by means of every joint of the supply"; joined with "maketh increase of the body," not with "compacted." "By every ministering (supplying) joint." The joints are the points of union where the supply passes to the different members, furnishing the body with the materials of its growth. effectual working-- (Eph 1:19; Eph 3:7). According to the effectual working of grace in each member (or else, rather, "according to each several member's working"), proportioned to the measure of its need of supply. every part--Greek, "each one part"; each individual part. maketh increase--Translate, as the Greek is the same as Eph 4:15, "maketh (carrieth on) the growth of the body."
John Gill Bible Commentary
From whom the whole body fitly joined gether,.... By which is meant, the church; see Eph 1:23 sometimes it designs all the elect of God in heaven and in earth, but here the church militant, which only can admit of an increase; this body is from Christ, as an head, and the phrase denotes the rise and origin of the church from Christ, her dependence upon him, and union to him, and of its members one to another; she has her being and form, from him, and all her blessings, as her life and light, righteousness and holiness, her grace and strength, her joy, peace, and comfort, her fruitfulness and final perseverance; and her dependence is upon him for subsistence, sustenance, protection and safety, and for grace and glory; and her union to him is very near, strict and close, and indissoluble; and the union between the several members is also very close, and both are very beautiful: and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part. The Alexandrian copy reads, "of every member"; and so the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions; the author of the union of the members of Christ's body to one another is the Spirit of God, by him they are baptized into one body; the cement or bond of this union is the grace of love wrought in their souls by him; and the means are the word and ordinances, and these convey a supply from Christ the head to every member, suitable to the part it bears in the body, according to the energy of the Spirit, who makes all effectual: and so maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love; the increase of the body the church, is either in numbers, when persons are converted and added to it; or in the exercise of grace, under the influence of the Spirit, through the ministration of the word and ordinances; and both these tend to the edifying or building of it up; and nothing is of a more edifying nature to the church than love, which bears the infirmities of the weak, and seeks for, and follows after those things which make for peace and godly edification, Co1 8:1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:16 Each part of the body plays an important role and helps the other parts grow. Christ, the head of the body, works through the individual parts, makes them fit together, and is the ultimate source of growth (see Col 2:19). • When all believers are ministering effectively, the whole body will be healthy and growing and full of love (cp. 1 Cor 8:1). Love is the most important factor in Christian growth (1 Cor 13:1-13).