“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
King James Version (KJV)
4:12 In this verse is noted the office of ministers; in the next, the aim of the saints; in the #14th|, 15th, 16th, the way of growing in grace. And each of these has three parts, standing in the same order. For the perfecting the saints - The completing them both in number and their various gifts and graces. To the work of the ministry - The serving God and his church in their various ministrations. To the edifying of the body of Christ - The building up this his mystical body in faith, love, holiness.
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints. Helping them to higher and holier lives. For the work of the ministry. For carrying on the various works assigned to the ministry. For the edifying of the body of Christ. All was intended to minister to the upbuilding of the church, within and without.