Eph 2:21-22, 4:29 | JFB | STEP | 21. In whom —as holding together the whole. fitly framed —so as exactly to fit together. groweth —"is growing" continually. Here an additional thought is added to the image; the Church has the growth of a living organism, not the mere increase of a building. Compare ; " lively stones . . . built up a spiritual house." Compare , "The Branch shall build the temple of the Lord," where similarly the growth of a branch, and the building of a temple, are joined. holy —as being the "habitation of God " ( ). So "in the Lord" (Christ) answers to "through the Spirit" ( ; compare ). "Christ is the inclusive Head of all the building, the element in which it has its being and now its growth" [ALFORD ].

Ephesians 2:21-22

21. In whom—as holding together the whole.

fitly framed—so as exactly to fit together.

groweth—"is growing" continually. Here an additional thought is added to the image; the Church has the growth of a living organism, not the mere increase of a building. Compare 1Pe 2:5; "lively stones . . . built up a spiritual house." Compare Eph 4:16; Zec 6:12, "The Branch shall build the temple of the Lord," where similarly the growth of a branch, and the building of a temple, are joined.

holy—as being the "habitation of God" (Eph 2:22). So "in the Lord" (Christ) answers to "through the Spirit" (Eph 2:22; compare Eph 3:16, 17). "Christ is the inclusive Head of all the building, the element in which it has its being and now its growth" [ALFORD].

22. are builded together—Translate, "are being builded together."

through—Greek, "in the Spirit." God, by His Spirit in believers, has them for His habitation (1Co 3:16, 17; 6:19; 2Co 6:16).

Ephesians 4:29

29. corrupt—literally, "insipid," without "the salt of grace" (Col 4:6), so worthless and then becoming corrupt: included in "foolish talking" (Eph 5:4). Its opposite is "that which is good to edifying."

communication—language.

that which, &c.—Greek, "whatever is good."

use of edifying—literally, "for edifying of the need," that is, for edifying where it is needed. Seasonably edifying; according as the occasion and present needs of the hearers require, now censure, at another time consolation. Even words good in themselves must be introduced seasonably lest by our fault they prove injurious instead of useful. TRENCH explains, Not vague generalities, which would suit a thousand other cases equally well, and probably equally ill: our words should be as nails fastened in a sure place, words suiting the present time and the present person, being "for the edifying of the occasion" (Col 4:6).

minister—Greek, "give." The word spoken "gives grace to the hearers" when God uses it as His instrument for that purpose.