CHAP. IV. VER. 13. 235

(or stature) of Christ.’ The church is to become a per- fect man, 1. 6. it is to attain the measure of the full maturity of Christ. In other words, it is to be com- pletely conformed to him, perfect as he is perfect. This interpretation, which supposes πληρώματος to qualify adjectively ἡλικίας, is in accordance with a familiar characteristic of Paul’s style, who frequently connects three genitives in this way, the one governing the others, where one is to be taken adjectively. See Col. 1,138, εἰς βασιλείαν τοῦ υἱοῦ THs ἀγάπης αὑτοῦ, ““ Son of his love,” for ‘his beloved Son ;’ “age of fulness,” for ‘full age.’ Col. 2, 2.18. 2 Thess. 1, 9. Commentators are much divided on the question whether the goal, the terminus ad quem of the church’s progress here spoken of, is to be attained in this world or the next. Those who say it is to be attained here, rely principally on the following verse: ‘ We are to become men wm order that we should be no longer children,’ &c. To determine this question it would seem to be enough to state what the contemplated con- summation is. It is perfection, and perfection of the whole church. We are to become perfect men, we are to attain complete conformity to Christ; and we are all to reach this high standard. The Bible, however, never represents the consummation of the church as occurring in this life. Christ gave himself for the church that he might present it to himself a glorious church without spot or wrinkle, but this presentation is not to take place until he comes a second time to be glorified in the saints and admired in all them that