The Imperfect Nature of Christian Service and Ministry
Christian service and ministry, while divinely appointed and empowered, are often characterized by human imperfection. The Apostle Paul, for instance, acknowledged his own weaknesses and limitations in ministry, even going so far as to say to the Corinthians, "Forgive me this wrong!" for not requiring their financial support, implying an "inferiority" on their part due to his actions [3]. This highlights a tension between the high calling of ministry and the fallibility of those who serve.
The Bible uses the concept of "blemish" to describe imperfection. In the Old Testament, a blemish or bodily deformity excluded men from the priesthood and rendered animals unfit for sacrifice (Leviticus 21:17-23; 22:19-25) [1]. However, the Christian church, "as justified in Christ, is 'without blemish'" (Ephesians 5:27), and Christ himself offered himself as a sacrifice "without blemish," acceptable to God (1 Peter 1:19) [1]. This contrast suggests that while the ideal of Christ and the church in him is perfect, the practice of ministry by individuals remains subject to human frailty.
Ministers are called by Christ and equipped by him for their work [5]. Matthew Henry notes that "Ministers, properly speaking, cannot make themselves ministers; for it is Christ's work, as king and head, prophet and teacher, of his church" [5]. Those whom Christ calls, he also qualifies [5]. Yet, even the most dedicated saints are considered imperfect [2]. John Gill, commenting on Ephesians 4:12, states that the ministry of the word is designed "for the perfecting of the saints," indicating that even those "regenerated and sanctified by the Spirit of God" are not yet complete [2]. The goal of ministry is for the Christian community to grow in understanding and experience of faith, gaining a deeper knowledge of God's Son, so that believers may become mature in the Lord, with Christ himself as the standard of maturity [6]. This ongoing process of "perfecting" implies an initial and continuing state of imperfection.
The "warfare" of ministry, as described in 2 Corinthians 10:4, refers not only to the spiritual battles common to all believers but specifically to the ministerial function and its discharge [7]. This spiritual combat is waged with "weapons" that are not carnal but "mighty through God" [7]. Despite this divine power, the human instruments wielding these weapons are not flawless. Calvin, in his commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:6, emphasizes that Paul willingly endures all things for the consolation and salvation of others, acting as a "minister" [4]. This ministerial role, while crucial, does not imply personal impeccability but rather a divinely appointed service carried out by imperfect individuals.
The support of the ministry by the church is also a point where human imperfection can manifest. Adam Clarke highlights that it is the "privilege of the Churches of Christ to support the ministry of his Gospel among them" [3]. When churches fail to do so, it can create difficulties for ministers, as Paul experienced with the Corinthians [3]. This demonstrates how the imperfections of the congregation can also impact the effectiveness and experience of ministry.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Blemish — Imperfection or bodily deformity excluding men from the priesthood, and rendering animals unfit to be offered in sacrifice (Lev. 21:17-23; 22:19-25). The Christian church, as justified in Christ, is "without blemish" (Eph. 5:27). Christ offered himself a sacrifice "without blemish," acceptable to God (1 Pet. 1:19).”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 4:12: For the perfecting of the saints, The chosen ones, whom God has sanctified or set apart for himself in eternal election: the ministry of the word is designed for the completing the number of these in the effectual calling; and for the perfecting of the whole body of the church, by gathering in all that belong to it, and of every particular saint, who is regenerated and sanctified by the Spirit of God: for the best of saints are imperfect; for though there is a perfection in them, as that designs sincerity, in opposition to hypocrisy, and as it may be taken comparat”
- 2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 12:13: For what is it wherein you were inferior - This is a fine, forcible, yet delicate stroke. It was your duty and your interest to have supported your apostle; other Churches have done so: I did not require this from you; in this respect all other Churches are superior to you. I am the cause of your inferiority, by not giving you an opportunity of ministering to my necessities: forgive me the wrong I have done you. It is the privilege of the Churches of Christ to support the ministry of his Gospel among them. Those who do not contribute their part to the suppor”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 29.6: 2 Corinthians 1:6 — probably a typesetting error in the original text. — fj. that he willingly endures all things for their consolation and salvation. Let, therefore, pious readers learn to hate and detest those profane sophists, who thus deliberately corrupt and adulterate the Scriptures, in order that they may give some color to their delusions. 25. Of which I am made a minister. Mark under what character he suffers for the Church — as being a minister , not to give the price of redemption, (as Augustine dexterou”
- 1 Timothy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 1:12: Here the apostle, I. Returns thanks to Jesus Christ for putting him into the ministry. Observe, 1. It is Christ's work to put men into the ministry, Act 26:16, Act 26:17. God condemned the false prophets among the Jews in these words, I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied, Jer 23:21. Ministers, properly speaking, cannot make themselves ministers; for it is Christ's work, as king and head, prophet and teacher, of his church. 2. Those whom he puts into the ministry he fits for it; whom he calls he qualifies. ”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:13: 4:13 The goal of ministry is for the whole Christian community to understand and experience the Christian faith more deeply and gain a deeper knowledge of God’s Son. In this way, believers will be mature in the Lord (see 1 Cor 2:6; 14:20; Phil 3:15; Col 1:28; 4:12; cp. Heb 5:14; Jas 1:4; 3:2). The standard of maturity is Christ himself; the Spirit’s transforming work is to make people fully like Christ (Rom 8:29).”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 10:4: For the weapons of our warfare,.... By "warfare" is here meant, not that which is common to all believers, who are enlisted as volunteers under the captain of their salvation, and fight his battles, and are more than conquerors through him; but what is peculiar to the ministers of the Gospel; and designs the ministerial function, or office, and the discharge of it. So the Levitical function, or the ministerial service of the Levites, is called "the warfare of the service", Num 8:25. The ministry of the word is so styled, because that as war is waged in defence ”