1 Corinthians 12:20-26 (WEL) Now there are many members, yet only one body. 21 But the eye can’t say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” or the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, those parts of the body which seem to be weaker are much more necessary. 23 Those parts of the body, which, we think, are less honorable, we bestow special value on them, so our less beautiful parts end up having greater beauty. 24 For our beautiful parts have no such necessity. So, God has put together our body, having given greater honor to that part, which didn’t have it. 25 So that there would be no discord in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, or if one part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it.
V20 Now there are many members, yet only one body.
This is a continuation of Paul’s message.
(Dictionary of Bible Themes) “The church is one in essence, because it is founded on one gospel, united to one Lord and indwelt by one Spirit. Its unity is under constant threat because of the tendency to division that is inherent in fallen humanity, and needs to be continually maintained and actively expressed in fellowship.”
V21 But the eye can’t say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” or the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
All Christians are necessary for the body of Christ to be most effective. Each has a gift; each has a ministry serving the Lord Jesus. We are not to reject another person who is truly a believer in Jesus Christ.
Every believer, whether recently believing in Jesus Christ or one converted decades ago.
V22 No, those parts of the body which seem to be weaker are much more necessary.
Some might mention how weak they are, so Paul states that God has a purpose for you.
See 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 13:4, and Isaiah 40:29.
V23 Those parts of the body, which, we think, are less honorable, we bestow special value on them, so our less beautiful parts end up having greater beauty.
God values each person. All believers are His children. Some have more ability, more gifts, greater ministry, etc., but God honors faithfulness, not results. Let us be faithful. See 1 Corinthians 4:2. For an example of faithfulness, compare Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24.
V24 For our beautiful parts have no such necessity. So, God has put together our body, having given greater honor to that part, which didn’t have it.
An example might be made of an individual who has a very public, successful ministry; they are the beautiful part. Another is private, faithful is what they do, but they are not well known; they are those who do not have that public honor.
God honors those who honor Him—2 Samuel 2:30. Why should He honor those who refuse to honor Him?
V25 So that there would be no discord in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other.
There should be no selfish motives, no rebellion, etc.; only cooperation, preaching, teaching, living the Christian faith.
Also see 1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:3, and 1 Peter 3:8.
V26 If one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, or if one part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it.
If there are strifes, arguments, rebellions, then the body of Christ brings dishonor to our Lord Jesus. It is one of satan’s works to cause strife among believers.
Comments:
(Pulpit Commentary): “Chrysostom illustrates this verse by saying that if a thorn runs into the heel, the whole body feels it and is troubled; and that, on the other hand, if the head is garlanded, the whole man is glorified.”
(Barclay, but beware): “So Paul draws a picture of the unity which should exist inside the Church if it is to fulfill its proper function. A body is healthy and efficient only when each part is functioning perfectly. The parts of the body are not jealous of each other and do not covet each other’s functions. From Paul’s picture we see certain things which ought to exist in the Church, the body of Christ.
“(i) We ought to realize that we need each other. There can be no such thing as isolation in the Church. Far too often, people in the Church become so engrossed in the bit of work that they are doing and so convinced of its supreme importance that they neglect or even criticize others who have chosen to do other work. If the Church is to be a healthy body, we need the work that everyone can do.
“(ii) We ought to respect each other. In the body, there is no question of relative importances. If any limb or any organ ceases to function, the whole body is thrown out of gear. It is so with the Church. “All service ranks the same with God.” Whenever we begin to think about our own importance in the Christian Church, the possibility of really Christian work is gone.”
We learn:
- The importance of every believer to all fellow believers.
- We are not to despise other believers because of a supposed weakness.
Questions:
- Do you minister to other believers?
- Do you accept others helping you?