1 Corinthians 12:12-19 (WEL) Just as the body is one body having many members, and all the members (even though many) of that one body are one body, so is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether servant or free, and we all have drunk into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body;” is it, therefore, not of the body? 16 If the ear should say, “Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body;” is it, therefore, not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where’s the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where’s the sense of smelling? 18 But now God has set the members—every one of them—in the body as he wanted. 19 Now if they were all just one member, where’s the body?
V12 Just as the body is one body having many members, and all the members (even though many) of that one body are one body, so is Christ.
The analogy of our human body brings understanding of the relationship of believers to Jesus. There are many parts to the body, each functioning to their created abilities. Believers have different gifts and ministries.
V13 For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether servant or free, and we all have drunk into one Spirit.
This does not refer to water baptism, which is a testimony and statement that one has believed in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Baptism in the Spirit is not an outward manifestation; it is a reality associated with the new birth, reconciliation, and God’s blessing.
The one body has both Jewish believers (Messianic Jews) and Gentiles. See Galatians 3:27-28.
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary (Church): “From that time on [Pentecost—editor], all who repent and believe the gospel are, through that same baptism with the Spirit, immediately made part of that one body and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, 47; 1Cor 12:13).”
V14 For the body is not one member but many.
The comparison, illustration, of all the gifts and members of the church (believers) as a body. Each member has been created and gifted for service. Each member has a role. Each member has an obligation.
V15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body;” is it, therefore, not of the body?
Every member is important and has a ministry. We are one and must function together. We Christians need to have good food (Bible reading and study), water (the blessings of the Holy Spirit’s assisting grace), prayer (communication and fellowship with God), and fellowship in a church house to build up each other.
V16 If the ear should say, “Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body;” is it, therefore, not of the body?
Paul repeats the principle for emphasis and importance.
V17 If the whole body were an eye, where’s the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where’s the sense of smelling?
If every Christian had the same gift, then what is the point of needing each other?
V18 But now God has set the members—every one of them—in the body as he wanted.
Every believer has gifts and ministry exactly as God wants. He is the King of kings and runs His kingdom with love, justice, wisdom, and truth. He delegates and is not a tyrant as some theologies believe.
V19 Now if they were all just one member, where’s the body?
If everyone had the same gift and ministry, there would be no Christian fellowship.
Matthew Henry: “One member of a body is not a body; this is made up of many; and among these many there must be a distinction, difference of situation, shape, use, etc. So it is in the body of Christ; its members must have different uses, and therefore have different powers, and be in different places, some having one gift, and others a different one. Variety in the members of the body contributes to the beauty of it. What a monster would a body be if it were all ear, or eye, or arm! So it is for the beauty and good appearance of the church that there should be diversity of gifts and offices in it.”
We learn:
• Every member of the body of Christ (believers) has a purpose, a gift, and a ministry.
• Each one of us is important.
Questions:
• Are you using your gift?
• Are you gaining knowledge and skill of your gift by reading and studying the Bible?