Speaking Unto Edification

W. Carl Ketcherside

[Page 168]

     Few readers of this journal would argue against the assertion in some of the more venerable creeds that the chief aim of man is to glorify God, yet all of us recognize that in our corporate expression of praise we have an equally obvious responsibility to edify the saints. Indeed, in the only real description of the activities of the primitive saints when assembled, it is distinctly said, "Let all things be done unto edifying" (1 Corinthians 14:26).

     This admonition occurs in a setting which deals primarily with the exercise of spiritual gifts, and because of the abuse of such gifts. On the one hand the disciples were in danger of creating the impression upon outsiders who dropped in that they had mistaken the address and ended up in the insane asylum. At the same time the brethren were not being properly nurtured and strengthened, although admittedly there was a lot of excitement going on. It was like forgetting to feed the baby during a tornado and for three or four days afterwards. If there was a problem in those days when the Holy Spirit imparted special gifts through imposition of apostolic hands, we have no less a problem now that we are dependent upon natural gifts and abilities. There is every reason to believe that great congregations assemble regularly and go through a ritual or liturgy and return home with no idea of entering combat duty. It is a little like training army inductees by taking them regularly to symphony concerts. They may be pacified but they will not be edified.

     There was a sense of urgency about the congregating of those first century followers of the Messiah. All of them knew that on the morrow they might be arrested and thrown into a dungeon, or immediately deported to suffer banishment on some far-off island. It was essential that in the corporate fellowship they should find that inner fortitude which would sustain them through long periods of suffering and privation until the final slumber brought peace. Every tissue of their spiritual being longed for the water of life, and for the bread of life.

[Page 169]

     In such circumstances, it is well to note what constituted the recommendation of the Spirit as to the aim and purpose of addressing the saints. First, let us remember that the gift of prophecy was to be preferred above the other spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1). The reason for this is stated. The man who spoke in another tongue contributed nothing of value to the auditors, "for no man understandeth him" (verse 2). "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, exhortation and comfort."

     Edification, exhortation, comfort--what is involved in these? Our word "edify" comes from the Latin. In the dim past it was a combined form of aedes, a fireplace; and ficare, to make. Men tended to make their abodes where they constructed their fire rings, and so eventually the word came to mean "a building or house."

     Of course Paul used the word oikodome which means "to build a house." To edify means to build up, and in its spiritual usage has to do with the promotion of spiritual growth. The apostle shows his concern for the development of the saints by pointing out that any message conveyed must be translated into the language of the people "that the church may receive edifying."

     In these days of theological gobbledy-gook and ecclesiastical jargon some preachers can talk English and still speak in an unknown tongue. Jesus did not say, "Feed my giraffes," but "Feed my sheep." To do this one needs to throw the fodder down and not put it into orbit.

     Just as one cannot grow physically upon what he cannot digest, so he cannot develop spiritual strength from that which he does not assimilate. The word of God must be translated into life, for this is one version no one can oppose. The man who does the most good for the disciples is the one who trains them to stand upon their own feet. "Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church" (1 Corinthians 14:12).

     The word "exhortation" is from a term which originally meant to call to a person, and then came to mean to call on, or entreat one to exert an effort. We instruct those who do not know, and exhort those who do. Thus exhortation has to do with incitation or motivation to the fulfillment of a task.

     Edification is the diet table for God's athletes, exhortation is the cheering section while they are in the race. Edification is the drill in the manual of arms for the Christian soldiers, exhortation is the call of the officers to attack the foe. The first is involved in getting what is needed, the second is getting involved where one is needed.

     The term "comfort" is from para-muthia, which occurs only this once in the scriptures. Para means near, and muthos means speech. To comfort literally means to speak closely to one, to directly console or encourage him. We make a mistake when we confuse comfort with a kind of sticky or sickly sentimentality. We've abused the word "comfortable" until it is devoid of its original meaning. The word is from fortis, which is found in such words as fortress, or fortify. It has to do with strength and defence.

     Edify means to build up, exhort means to stir up, and comfort means to cheer up. W. E. Vine says, "Edification develops the character; encouragement stimulates the will; consolation strengthens the spirit." And the Holy Spirit indicates that this should be the aim of the assembled saints.