Daily Verse
January 24, 2026
Ephesians 4:11-13 ESV
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ
In Ephesians 4:11–13, Paul reminds believers that Christ himself gives gifts to the church—apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. These are not rewards for status or personal achievement, but gracious provisions from a loving Savior who knows what his people need to grow. God’s gifts are people, equipped to serve, teach, lead, and care for others so that the whole body is strengthened.
The purpose of these gifts is clear: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Ministry is not meant to be carried by a few while others remain spectators. Every believer is called to participate, using their gifts in dependence on Christ. As each part does its work, the church grows healthier and stronger.
This growth leads toward God’s deeper desire—unity. Paul points to “the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,” a unity grounded not in uniformity or personality, but in shared faith in Christ. As believers mature together, they are shaped into a body that reflects Christ’s fullness. God’s gifts, when received with humility and exercised in love, draw believers together and display the beauty of unity in Christ.