What is “the equipping of the saints” in Ephesians 4:12?

In Ephesians 4:7–16, the apostle Paul teaches about spiritual gifts and various leadership roles in the church. Paul highlights ministry gifts that are actually gifted persons whom Jesus Christ has given to His people: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11–12, NKJV).

The “equipping of the saints” in Ephesians 4:12 refers to the preparation and empowerment of all believers for ministry and service within the church. This concept is part of a larger metaphor in which the church is described as the “body of Christ,” with individual believers functioning as interconnected members (see Ephesians 4:15–16; Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27).

The Greek verb katartismos, translated as “equipping” in Ephesians 4:12 (NKJV), conveys the idea of making someone complete (perfect and adequate in every respect) and fit for a particular purpose. In classical Greek, the word can also refer to setting a bone or mending a net—essentially, making what is broken useful again (e.g. Matthew 4:21). Elsewhere in the New Testament, corresponding forms of this verb are used to describe the restoring of spiritual health to someone who has fallen (e.g. Galatians 6:1). It may also be used of supplying what is lacking in a believer’s faith (e.g. 1 Thessalonians 3:10; Hebrews 13:21; 1 Peter 5:10). Thus, Paul’s language implies a process of repairing people’s lives, uniting and training believers (or “the saints”) to work cooperatively and peacefully, while modeling Christlike behavior.

The equipping of the saints is first and foremost the task of specially gifted church leaders (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers). These ministers have a responsibility before God “to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12–13, NLT).

The goal of equipping the saints is to build up Christ’s body, so that each member grows in faith, matures, and flourishes to the point of ministering to others (see 1 Peter 4:10–11). As believers unite in faith and knowledge of Christ, the entire church grows into a spiritually fit condition together as one body (see Ephesians 2:19–22; 1 Peter 2:5). Paul explains, “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” (Ephesians 4:14–15).

In the New Testament, “the saints” refers not to an elite class of Christians, but to all believers—those set apart or made holy by faith in Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:9). Thus, Paul is speaking of the preparation of every member of the church. There are not meant to be spiritual megastars in God’s kingdom who have superior faith and knowledge. At the same time, no member of Christ’s body should be left to stagnate in infancy (see Hebrews 5:12–14). We are all called to grow up and develop together, until we reach the full measure of Christ’s character (see Ephesians 1:23). Every believer, not just ordained ministers and recognized leaders, is called to participate actively in the work of ministry and the mission of the church.

Practically speaking, the members of the body grow by being “taught the holy Scriptures,” which God uses “to prepare and equip people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14–17, NLT). Various kinds of teaching opportunities include preaching, conducting classes and Bible studies, producing videos, and speaking at conferences. Additionally, helping members connect through small group ministry can play a crucial role in equipping the body, facilitating closer fellowship, one-on-one discipleship, and extended pastoral care.

The equipping of the saints is an intentional process that involves teaching, training, and discipleship to nurture and support believers, enabling them to become effective in serving Christ and others. It is a call for the whole church to grow together into maturity and unity, each person using his or her God-given gifts for the benefit of all.