Building Up

On 2 Cor 10:8
Oikodome ("upbuilding") is a favorite term that Paul uses for the church's growth toward spiritual maturity (Rom 14:19; 15:2; 1 Cor 14:3, 5, 12, 26; 2 Cor 10:8; 12:19; Eph 4:12, 16, 29). It lays emphasis on the process of construction, whether it be laying the foundation of a new church (1 Cor 3:10) or erecting the walls of a more established congregation (Eph 2:21). What Paul denies doing with his authority is pulling . . . down (katheiresis). The authority that he received from Christ was for constructive, not destructive, purposes (eis + accusative). Has Paul been accused of such a thing? Words such as "bold," weighty and forceful may well imply an abuse of authority (10:2, 10). It is more likely, however, that "pull down" is Paul's countercharge. He builds up. His opponents tear down. He establishes. They try to undermine his work (10:13-14) and subvert the faith of his converts (11:1-4).

Romans 14:19
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19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Romans 15:2
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2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

1 Corinthians 14:3
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3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

1 Corinthians 14:5
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5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

1 Corinthians 14:12
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12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:26
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Orderly Worship
26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

2 Corinthians 10:8
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8 For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.

2 Corinthians 12:19
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19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved.

Ephesians 4:12
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12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Ephesians 4:16
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16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:29
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29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.