Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The translation of the verse cited in the question uses the word "upbuilding" instead of "edification", although the two words are related in meaning, as indicated by the root of the word "edification" being the word "edifice", which means "building". Other translations or paraphrases of this verse in various Bible versions (as found on the website http://www.biblehub.com) express it as "strengthening", "helping them grow", "enlightening", "increasing them in knowledge", and "motivating".

I would say that the idea being expressed is one of a process of spiritual maturing or growth, similar to the thought expressed elsewhere in Paul's writings (such as 1 Corinthians 3:1-3), where he speaks of the need for new Christians to transition from being "babies" from the standpoint of their spiritual knowledge and understanding to mature believers through the acquisition of scriptural knowledge, the increasing of their faith, exposure to Christian experience and fellowship, and instruction from those with greater insight. This is important because it then prepares them in turn to assume future leadership responsibilities in order to sustain and grow the body of believers as time progresses.

January 14 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report