In the New Testament, the concept of edification is central to the purpose and exercise of ministerial authority within the church. The term "edification" comes from the Greek word "oikodomē," which literally means "building up." This metaphorical construction is not about physical structures but rather the spiritual growth and strengthening of the body of Christ, the church.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes the role of edification in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:11-12 , Paul writes, "And He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." Here, the purpose of these ministerial roles is clearly stated: to equip and build up believers, fostering their spiritual maturity and unity.

Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 14:12 , Paul instructs, "So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church." The emphasis is on using spiritual gifts not for personal gain or status but for the edification of the church community.

Ministerial Authority and Edification

Ministerial authority, as outlined in the New Testament, is not about exerting control or dominance over others. Instead, it is a stewardship entrusted by God to church leaders for the purpose of nurturing and guiding the spiritual growth of believers. In 2 Corinthians 10:8 , Paul asserts, "For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed." This passage underscores that the authority given to ministers is intended for constructive purposes, to encourage and strengthen the faith of the congregation.

Practical Application

The practical outworking of ministerial authority for edification can be seen in various aspects of church life. Preaching and teaching are primary means through which leaders edify the church, as they expound Scripture and apply its truths to the lives of believers. In 1 Timothy 4:13 , Paul advises Timothy, "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching." These activities are designed to build up the church in knowledge and godliness.

Moreover, pastoral care and counseling are vital components of edification. Ministers are called to shepherd the flock, providing guidance, encouragement, and correction as needed. In Acts 20:28 , Paul exhorts the Ephesian elders, "Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood." This shepherding role is inherently edifying, as it seeks the spiritual welfare of the congregation.

Community and Edification

Edification is not solely the responsibility of church leaders; it is a communal endeavor. Believers are encouraged to edify one another through love, service, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 , Paul urges, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." This mutual edification fosters a healthy, vibrant church community where each member contributes to the growth and maturity of the whole.

In summary, the object of ministerial authority is the edification of the church. Through teaching, shepherding, and fostering a community of mutual encouragement, church leaders fulfill their God-given mandate to build up the body of Christ, equipping believers for service and spiritual maturity.2 Corinthians 10:8
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 13:10
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord has given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The British Advance, 1801-1856.
... choral, and orchestral, the great object being to ... to the best account for the service
and edification of the ... to progress was the system of ministerial education ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter v the british advance.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... no purpose at all. Object. 'Why may you not as well say, that edification
is greater than breaking of bread.'. Ans. So it is, else ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... consists in preaching the gospel for the edification and comfort ... My first object
is to run my race well ... The duties of the ministerial office are so various and ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ...
... Now as concerning the ministerial power, we give these following Propositions ... it,
to the confusion of the offender; and the publike edification of them ... Object. ...
/.../chap vii touching the first.htm

Coornhert and the Collegiants --A Movement for Spiritual Religion ...
... Two hundred were deposed from the ministerial office for ... the public utterance of
messages of edification by those ... make the search for truth the object of his ...
/.../chapter vii coornhert and the.htm

Knox's Book of Common Order.
... should be publicly read for edification, and that ... of Common Order explains that the
object throughout is ... were not duly ordained to the ministerial office, and ...
/.../johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter iii knoxs book of.htm

Paul in Ephesus.
... that Apollos was admitted to the ministerial office, in ... in a more private manner,
the edification of the ... The object of that science of declusion and imposture ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ...
... for his glory and the public edification, and useful ... They object that there ought
to be some ... Levitical priests, as often as their ministerial course returned ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 of the discipline.htm

From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ...
... that the address had a political object in view ... they were thereby exempted from paying
ministerial tax for ... number, possessing gifts for the edification of their ...
/.../chapter 3 from the death.htm

The General Conference of 1820
... to continue to afford you all the ministerial aid in ... in the salvation of men and
the edification of believers ... town as a principle that those whose object is to ...
/.../chapter 5 the general conference.htm

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