11/17/2019 YOU ARE THE BODY
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of CHRIST, and each one of you is a part of it. [New International translation]
Discussion
The 12th chapter of the first letter to the Corinthian church was authored by Paul, who describes himself as “called to be an apostle of JESUS CHRIST” and Sosthenes, who Paul describes as “our brother,” and who, in Acts 18:17, is described as “the chief ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. See, 1 Corinthians 1:1. Throughout this letter, there is a frequent theme and appeal for unity.
For example, in 1Corinthians 1:10, Paul discusses the unity of mind. Here he begs his listeners to avoid arguments, divisions and splits and dissensions over who they each believe they are “mentally attached” to in leadership or inclined to follow. For example, some claiming they are “followers of Paul” or “for Peter” or “Apollos.” Paul discourages these kinds of mental “alliances” which he describes as trying to “break CHRIST into many pieces.” Deemphasizing his own importance as well as the importance of each of these mere human leaders, Paul asks “did I die for your sins?” If they want to align themselves or boast of anyone, Paul suggests they boast of CHRIST. 1Cor.1:31.
Similarly, 1 Corinthians 12:27 is another appeal for civil unity. Using each person’s human body as an example, with its various parts (head, hands, feet, ears, eyes) Paul, tells the Corinthian believers that they are members of “The body of CHRIST.” This idea lends itself to many comparisons. There is a comparison of each person being a unit (like the units of the body) with CHRIST as “the head.” There is the comparison of each person having various gifts and functions but they must all come together for the good of the whole body, if the body, which is still ONE, is to function properly. In other words, two feet, can’t just walk off in different directions or decide they each want to be left feet, causing the body to stumble and fall. Each part needs to do its proper part and be “appreciated.” Paul wants no discord “in the body.”