Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8400 The tasks of the believer  »  8413 edification

The building up and strengthening in the faith of believers and churches. Believers are strengthened by God and are urged, too, to build up one another. The church is edified through God's word, through the Holy Spirit and the proper use of spiritual gifts, through the church's appointed ministries and through the mutual love, support and encouragement of its members.

God edifies his people by strengthening them

Isaiah 40:29-31; Ezekiel 34:16 See also Psalm 29:11; Psalm 73:26; Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 13:9

The edification of believers

God builds up the community of faith

1 Peter 2:4-5 See also Jeremiah 24:6-7; Jeremiah 31:4; Jeremiah 42:10; Ephesians 2:19-22

Believers are to build themselves up

Jude 20 See also Colossians 2:6-7

Believers are to build one another up

Romans 15:2 See also Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:29; Hebrews 3:13

The means of edification

God's word

Acts 20:32 See also Psalm 119:28; Romans 4:20 Abraham was strengthened in his faith by his acceptance of God's promise; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 2:2

The Holy Spirit

Ephesians 3:16 See also Acts 9:31

Spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 14:26 See also Romans 1:11; 1 Corinthians 12:7; Corinthians 14:3-4,12

Appointed ministries

Ephesians 4:11-12

Pastors are to build up the flock in their care:

Jeremiah 3:15; Jeremiah 23:4; Ezekiel 34:4; Zechariah 11:16

Paul's apostolic commission includes strengthening the churches:

Acts 15:41; Acts 18:23; 2 Corinthians 12:19 Acts 16:4-5 The message from the Jerusalem apostles results in believers being strengthened.

Paul's apostolic authority is for the building up of the church:

2 Corinthians 10:8; Corinthians 13:10

Love and encouragement

Ephesians 4:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11 See also Romans 1:12; Romans 14:20-21; 1 Corinthians 8:1,10-13; Corinthians 10:23-24; Hebrews 12:12-13; Isaiah 35:3-4

Examples of those who edified others

Deuteronomy 3:28 Moses; Job 4:3-4 Job; Isaiah 40:1-2 Isaiah; Luke 22:32 Simon Peter; Acts 14:22 Paul and Barnabas; Acts 15:32 Judas and Silas; 1 Thessalonians 3:2 Timothy; Phm 7 Philemon

The goal of edification

Ephesians 4:13

Edification results in spiritual discernment:

Ephesians 4:14; Philippians 1:9-10; Hebrews 5:14 1 Thessalonians 3:13 Edification results in right living.

See also

5240  building
5902  maturity
5954  strength
7020  church, the
7110  body of Christ
7706  apostles
7756  preaching, content
7925  fellowship among believers
7942  ministry
7968  spiritual gifts
8347  spiritual growth
8414  encouragement