Edification
by Hugh DeLong
“Let all things be done for edification” (I Corinthians 14:26 NASB95).
But what does ‘edification’ mean in practical terms? Often it is used to mean educate or teach. While it includes that, it also means simply ‘to build up’.
This is said in connection with our association in a local church group, such as the church in Corinth. We see here that Paul repeatedly emphasizes building up the congregation:
- Prophecy edifies the church (I Corinthians 14:3–5).
- Believers should seek to abound for the church’s edification (I Corinthians 14:12).
- A contribution must edify others, not merely benefit the speaker (I Corinthians 14:17).
- Every part of the assembly must serve this goal (I Corinthians 14:26).
In this setting, ‘edify’ means to build up in more ways than ‘teaching’ or ‘knowledge’. “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (I Corinthians 14:3). This building up is to help other members of the congregation grow in knowledge of the truth. It would also encourage them toward faithfulness in discipleship and encourage and console those who struggle.
The problems discussed earlier in this letter did not build up the people; instead, they were divisive and destructive to their faith. Hence the instruction to let all things be done for edification. This is included in your association with the members with whom you are joined. Much of this is done ‘when you come together’ (cp. I Corinthians 11 again, and here in I Corinthians 14:23), but much can also be done in our association with them outside of our assemblies. When Paul came to Jerusalem after his conversion, he first ‘tried to associate with the disciples.’ When he was rebuffed, Barnabas took him to the apostles and explained how Paul had been converted. With that, Paul then was “with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:28 KJV).
In I Corinthians 14, Paul instructs us to “seek to abound for the edification of the church” (I Corinthians 14:12). Take an inventory of your association with other disciples. Are you busy edifying them?
