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As we have already observed, the temple covered a greater area than did the Holiest of
all, consequently, while the innermost shrine, the naos, that which belongs exclusively in
this figure to the Mystery, was built upon that portion of the one foundation which was
overlaid with the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Peter also could build other
portions of the holy structure according to the plan of the ages, without confusing their
separate positions and character.
"In Whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the
Lord" (Eph. 2: 21).
The words translated "all the building" are the Greek pasa oikodome and so should be
translated strictly "every building". Tyndale reads `every bildynge', Cranmer `what
buyldyng soever', the R.V. `each several building'. To interpret this as though the
Apostle conceived of a number of different buildings, growing into a holy temple is
contrary to the teaching of the whole context, yet, unless we are going to assume that we
need not be too particular over shades of grammatical accuracy, some recognition of the
peculiar wording is called for.
"In English the word `building' has various shades of meaning, each of which is found
equally in its counterpart in the Greek. It may mean `the process of building', it may
mean `the building itself when complete' or it may have a sense intermediate between
these two, and mean `the building regarded as in process'." (J. Armitage Robinson,
D.D.).
`Every building' then will not mean a number of separate buildings but as though the
Apostle had said `However many may take part in this building, whatever their share or
particular constitution, whether of executive, of transport, of direction, of actual labour or
attending to the needs of those thus engaged, every act of building is directed to one end,
the erection of a naos a most holy place, `a dwelling place of God in the Spirit'. A glance
at Eph. 4: 16 will show that this co-operative idea is there presented in the figure of a
Body, Christ being the Head, instead of the Chief Corner Stone; the believers the several
joints of supply, instead of being builders, the `building up' and the `growing' (increase)
being repeated.
The reader may feel that a fair amount of time and space has been devoted to a very
small and not very important item, but mature reflection will show that the meaning at
which we have arrived has a far reaching effect. If every act of building which is
rendered by every member of the church of the Mystery has in view the building of a
naos or heavenly holiest of all, then a very definite understanding will have been reached
concerning the nature and scope of ministry as it pertains to the dispensation of the
Mystery. The parallel passage, Eph. 4: 16, is equally emphatic that the main purpose of
the mutual ministry of `every joint' is the increase and edifying of the body of Christ. A
little earlier the Apostle had spoken of the ministry as follows:
"For the perfecting (re-adjusting) of the saints,
for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the Body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith" (Eph. 4: 12, 13).