following word, so as to give the sense, “let us increase in love.” But this leaves the participle too naked, and is not indicated by the position of the words. Besides, in the next verse, which is part of the same sentence, we have αὔξησιν ποιεῖται εἰς οἰκοδομὴν͵ ev ἀγάπῃ, which would be a needless repetition of the same idea.
We are “to grow up into (rather wnto) him,” εἰς αὐτόν. This is to be explained by a reference to the expressions εἰς ἄνδρα τέλειον, εἰς μέτρον ἡλικίας KTH. iD v. 13. These are different forms of expressing the idea that conformity to Christ is the end to be attained. We are to grow so as to be conformed to him, τὰ πάντα, as to all things. Him, “who is the head, viz. Christ.” We are to be conformed to our head—because he is our head, i. e. because of the intimate union between him and us. The slight confusion in the metaphor which presents Christ as the model to which we are to be conformed, and the head with whose life we are to be pervaded, is no serious objection to this interpreta- tion, which is demanded by the context.
V.16. From whom the whole body fitly joined to- gether, and compacted by that which every joint sup- plieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body to the edify- ing of itself in love. The church is Christ’s body; he is the head. The body grows. Concerning this growth the apostle says—1. It is from him, (ἐξ od). He is the causal source, from whom all life and power are de- rived. 2. It depends on the intimate union of all the parts of the body with the head by means of appro-