Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Ephesians 4:12

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

Do you see what dignity this is? Each one speaks, acts, each one serves the edification of the Body of Christ, or the Church. Why then do you grieve, as one who has received a lesser gift? For even you contribute to the "perfecting of the saints," that is, to the benefit of the faithful and their improvement. So then, look: having received a gift for the edification of others, do not destroy yourself through envy of greater gifts. …

Commentary on Ephesians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Next, he discloses the fruitful results of these gifts or functions. The proximate effects of the above mentioned gifts or functions are threefold. First, consider those who are placed in these functions; spiritual gifts are communicated to them that they might be at the service of God and their fellow man. Thus he states for the work of the ministry which offers honor to God and salvation to one's fellow men. "Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor. 4:1). …

Commentary on Ephesians ↗