The Power of Punctuation

“…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” ~Ephesians 4:12

Have you ever noticed how one little comma can change a sentence so drastically? Consider how different these two statements are: “Let’s eat, Grandma” versus “Let’s eat Grandma.” The difference couldn’t be more significant. Punctuation is important, especially for Grandma! It’s no less important for the church and her members.

Throughout history there has been debate as to whether there should be one comma or two in Ephesians 4:12. With one comma the implication is that Christ gave shepherds and teachers to equip the saints so they might do the work of ministry. With two commas it suggests that Christ gave shepherds and teachers to equip the saints and do the work of ministry, which is the building up of the body of Christ. In other words, one comma means that each of you are meant to use your Spirit-given gifts and abilities to serve one another. But two commas means that we adopt a sort of clericalism that puts all the ministry focus on the “paid professional pastors.” I’m sure many of you have been part of denominations or churches that subscribe to the latter position. The problem is, Ephesians 4 just won’t let us reach that conclusion.

Notice in verse 7 Paul tells us that “grace was given to each one.” Again in verses 15 and 16, he says that “we are to grow up in every way… (as) the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Do you see the corporate nature of church life in Paul’s mind? Each one of us has been given grace. We are all to grow up into Christ. The whole body, that is, each part, works to build itself up in love. All this to say, Paul has in view a church full of Christians who work together and toward one another according to the grace given to each one so that the whole body works well. The shepherds and teachers — that is, the pastors and elders — equip the saints to do this body-building work.

Far from promoting clericalism, this interpretation of Ephesians 4 emphasizes the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, and it guards against the modern inclination toward a consumeristic approach to church life. As one theologian has said, “Paul is not comparing the church to a train, where all the passengers sit comfortably and passively until they arrive at their destination… Rather, he is likening the church to an orchestra, where all the members play their part and contribute to the melodic symphony of service to God.”

When you come to church this Lord’s Day, think of it like an orchestra rehearsal. You’ll learn things that will help you play well throughout the week, which is when the real performance occurs. So what instrument has God made you to play?

Rev. Kyle Lockhart, Associate Pastor