How does the Bible define edification?

Edification is a term that appears frequently in Christian discourse, but understanding its biblical definition and significance requires a deep dive into Scripture and theological reflection. Edification, derived from the Latin word "aedificare," literally means to build up. In the context of the Bible, it refers to the process of spiritual growth and the strengthening of the faith community.

The concept of edification is woven throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles. Paul uses the term to describe the building up of the church, both in terms of individual believers and the collective body of Christ. One of the clearest expressions of this is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (NIV). Here, the idea of building up is closely tied to encouragement and mutual support among believers.

In Ephesians 4:11-16, Paul elaborates on the mechanisms of edification within the church. He writes:

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (NIV).

This passage highlights several key aspects of biblical edification. First, it is Christ who provides the necessary gifts and roles within the church to facilitate growth. These roles—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—are given for the purpose of equipping believers for service. The ultimate goal is the unity and maturity of the body of Christ, characterized by a deep knowledge of the Son of God and a steadfastness in faith.

Paul also emphasizes the importance of truth and love in the process of edification. Speaking the truth in love is essential for growth, as it prevents believers from being misled by false teachings and enables them to mature in their faith. The imagery of the body, with Christ as the head, underscores the interconnectedness of believers. Each member has a role to play, and the growth of the whole body depends on the effective functioning of each part.

Another significant passage on edification is found in 1 Corinthians 14. In this chapter, Paul addresses the use of spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of prophecy, within the church. He contrasts the gift of tongues, which edifies the individual, with the gift of prophecy, which edifies the church. Paul writes:

"Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified" (1 Corinthians 14:4-5, NIV).

Here, Paul underscores the communal aspect of edification. While personal spiritual experiences are valuable, the edification of the church as a whole is of greater importance. Prophecy, which involves speaking God's truth to the community, serves to build up the church by providing guidance, encouragement, and instruction.

The theme of edification is also present in the writings of Peter. In 1 Peter 2:4-5, he uses the metaphor of a spiritual house to describe the process of being built up:

"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (NIV).

This imagery emphasizes the collective nature of edification. Believers are not isolated individuals but are being built together into a spiritual house. The purpose of this building is to offer spiritual sacrifices, indicating that edification involves both growth in holiness and active participation in worship and service.

The writings of early church fathers and later Christian theologians also shed light on the concept of edification. Augustine, in his work "The City of God," discusses the building up of the City of God through the growth of its citizens in virtue and knowledge. Thomas Aquinas, in his "Summa Theologica," explores the role of the virtues, particularly the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, in the edification of the believer and the church.

In contemporary Christian thought, the concept of edification continues to be central. Richard Foster, in his book "Celebration of Discipline," emphasizes the importance of spiritual disciplines—such as prayer, fasting, and study—in the process of edification. Foster argues that these disciplines are means of grace that enable believers to grow in their relationship with God and their ability to serve others.

Dallas Willard, in "The Spirit of the Disciplines," also highlights the role of spiritual practices in edification. He emphasizes that true spiritual growth involves the transformation of the whole person, including the mind, will, and body. Willard argues that this transformation is facilitated by the regular practice of spiritual disciplines within the context of a supportive Christian community.

In practical terms, edification within the church involves several key activities. First, it requires the faithful teaching and preaching of God's Word. Scripture is the primary means by which believers are built up in their faith. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (NIV).

Second, edification involves mutual encouragement and support among believers. This can take many forms, including prayer, fellowship, and acts of service. The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to encourage one another daily and to spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24).

Third, edification requires the exercise of spiritual gifts. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12-14, the Holy Spirit distributes gifts to each believer for the common good. These gifts are to be used in love and for the purpose of building up the church.

Finally, edification involves personal spiritual growth. This includes the development of Christian virtues, the deepening of one's relationship with God, and the cultivation of a Christ-like character. As Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:5-8:

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (NIV).

In summary, the Bible defines edification as the process of building up the church, both individually and collectively, in faith, knowledge, and love. It involves the faithful teaching of Scripture, mutual encouragement and support, the exercise of spiritual gifts, and personal spiritual growth. Edification is a communal endeavor, rooted in the love of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, with the ultimate goal of maturity and unity in the body of Christ.