Note 30 at Eph. 4:16: The phrase "fitly joined together" comes from the Greek word SUNARMOLOGEO, which means "to render closejointed together, i.e. organize compactly." It is a word picture taken from the way our physical bodies function. In the same way that every part of our body contributes towards the good of the whole, so the body of Christ should function as one to serve the Lord Jesus Christ who is our head (Eph. 1:22-23).

Note 31 at Eph. 4:16: The word "compacted" means "to press or join firmly together" (Am. Her. Dict.). It's descriptive of the way particle board is made from joining small wood scraps in such a way that they become as strong as a solid piece of wood. The strength comes from each piece being in union with the other pieces. Separately, each small piece can not bear much stress, but when compacted with many other scraps of wood, great strength can be achieved.

Note 32 at Eph. 4:16: This joining (see note 30 at this verse) and compacting (see note 31 at this verse) can only be achieved by that which every joint supplies. That is to say, that every member of the body of Christ (see note 14 at 1 Cor. 12:27, p. 934; see note 3 at 1 Cor. 12:14, p. 932) has to be doing his part for the whole to reach the fullness of the stature of Christ (v. 13). It has to be a joint effort of all believers. Only when we all function in our place can we truly perform as Christ's body. No one person or group can do it alone. It takes a collective effort. This is one reason why unity among all believers is so important.

Note 33 at Eph. 4:16: Through a number of analogies in this verse, Paul has been stressing that every part of the body of Christ (see note 14 at 1 Cor. 12:27, p. 934; see note 3 at 1 Cor. 12:14, p. 932) has to function properly for the whole body of Christ to reach its full potential (see notes 31 and 32 at this verse). This has not been true of Christ's church up to now.

Very few believers in any generation seem to live up to their God-given abilities. To continue Paul's analogy, this would be like a person who has well developed legs, but other parts of his body, such as his arms and hands would be so weak as to be useless. In this condition, there is no way he could perform as well as he could if every part of his body was working properly. That's the way it is with Christ's body. We've only had a few individuals manifesting forth God's power while the majority of the church is powerless. The end result is a body at less than its full vigor and leaving a less than desirable witness to the world.

The maturing of every part of the body of Christ must be a priority if we are ever to accomplish the Lord's instructions. Reaching the stature of the fullness of Christ (see notes 24-25 at v. 13, p. 1119) must be a collective effort.