Are all people made holy through Christ? Is he reconciling all creation to Him? If so, then how are we to understand Ephesians 4?
Apostles. Prophets. Evangelists. Teachers. Pastors. These are the five roles given for the equipping of the saints. But pause for a moment ... are these words accurate translations?
Saints ... This is an English word used to translate the Greek word meaning sacred or holy. It is the same word always used to refer to the Holy Spirit and Holy Scriptures. As such, it is not surprising to see it in terms of God's holy people or saints. But is that what has occurred here? Does the next part of the passage which refers to doing the work of the ministry only refer to believers?
Equipping ... To provide whatever is needed to make something perfect, mature, full.
Consider for a moment (John 14-15, Rom 2, Heb 8-10, Col 1) ... According to Jesus, truth and spirit influences everything and everywhere, whether or not it recognises it as doing so. Therefore, what would happen if this understanding were placed into the Ephesians passage?
The five roles were provided by God so everyone (and everything) God considers holy could be made perfect, mature, full in every way.
This is significant because it suggests that apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, and pastors were not sent for Christians. Rather, they were sent for all creation, every part of it, including everyone regardless of their faith, experience of God, or acknowledgement of Him.
Could it be God is prepared to interact directly with people? Could it be that people are not obligated to go to designated Christian places and spaces? Could it be that we are to go to them?
