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No.75.
The Practical Section (4: - 6:).
The Head, Ta panta
(4: 15)
pp. 81 - 86
The admonition to "speak the truth in love" taken from the A.V. of Eph. 4: 15 is one
that should ever be before the mind of the believer. It is not, however, the meaning of
this particular verse. There is no word here for "speaking", it is rather "being the truth",
i.e., so living that every act and motion and motive shall be in line with "truth". It is
possible that the words "in love" complete the statement, "being the truth in love", but we
believe the true rendering of the passage links the words "in love" with what follows,
namely, growth.
We have been warned of the dangers that beset the believer who remains a "babe". To
attain the unity of the faith necessitates the "perfect man" and the "stature or full age" of
the fullness of Christ. This therefore demands growth. Over against the sleight of men,
the cunning craftiness and the systematic deception of wickedness, the apostle places
one simple word, aletheuontes. One wishes that our language permitted such a word as
"truthing", it does not, but even "being true" seems weak in comparison with the fullness
of the original. Over against the perfect man and the stature, the apostle places "growth".
It can be easily seen if set out thus:--
A |
Faith, knowledge, perfect man, stature of Christ.
B
| Systematic deception.
B
| Being true.
A |
Growth in love into Christ.
The words "in love" we believe should be read with the words "we should be
growing". It will be observed that the section of verses 15 and 16 is bounded by the
words "in love":--
"IN LOVE we should be growing unto Him, the all things, Who is the HeadChrist
. . . . unto the building up of itself IN LOVE."
We have pointed out in other articles of this series that the "Body" of Eph. 4: is the
reflection in the practical section of the "Temple" in the doctrinal (Eph. 2:).
The Temple is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
The Body is built up as a result of the ministry of the apostles and prophets.
The Temple is fitly framed together.
The Body is fitly joined together.
The Temple has Christ as its Chief Corner stone.
The Body has Christ as its Head.
The Temple grows unto an holy temple in the Lord.
The Body grows unto Christ.
The Temple "In whom ye are builded."
The Body "Out of whom . . . . . makes for growth."