tween these two latter methods. In favour of the second is the position of the words—and also the con- στα of the figure. It is more natural to say that the divine influence is according to the working of every part, i. e. according to its capacity and function 5 than to say, “the growth is according to the working, &e.” The increase of the body is due to the living influence which pervades it, and not to the efficiency of the several members. In either case, however, the idea of symmetrical development is included.
The body—maketh imerease of the body, i. 6. of itself. The substantive is repeated on account of the length of the sentence. This increase is an edification in love, i. e. connected with love. That is the element in which the progress of the church to its consumma- tion is effected. |
As then the human body, bound together by the vital influence derived from the head through appro- priate channels and distributed to every member and organ according to its function, constantly advances to maturity ; so the church, united as one body by the divine influence flowing from Christ its head through appropriate channels, and distributed to every member according to his peculiar capacity and function, contin- ually advances towards perfection. And as in the human body no one member, whether hand or foot, can live and grow unless in union with the body ; so union with the mystical body of Christ is the indispensable condition of growth in every individual believer. Fal- litur ergo siquis seorsum crescere appetit—CaLvIn.
CHAP. Iv. VER. 16. 945
And further, as in the human body there are certain channels through which the vital influence flows from the head to the members, and which are necessary to its communication; so also there are certain divinely appointed means for the distribution of the Holy Spirit from Christ to the several members of his body. What these channels of divine influence are, by which the church is sustained and carried forward, is clearly stated in v. 11, where the apostle says, “Christ gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists ; and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints.” It is, therefore, through the ministry ot the word that the divine influence flows from Christ the head to all the members of his body, so that where that ministry fails the divine influence fails. This does not mean that the ministry as men or as officers are the channels of the Spirit to the members of the church, so that without their ministerial intervention no man is made a partaker of the Holy Ghost. But it means that the ministry as dispensers of the truth are thus the channels of divine communication. By the gifts of revelation and inspiration, Christ constituted some apostles and some prophets for the communication and record of his truth; and by the inward call of his Spirit he makes some evangelists and some pastors for its constant proclamation and inculcation. And it is only (so far as adults are concerned) in connection with the truth, as thus revealed and preached, that the Holy Ghost is communicated. The ministry, therefore, apostles, prophets, evangelists and teachers, were given