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1 Corinthians 12:14
Verse
Context
The Body of Christ
13For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.14For the body does not consist of one part, but of many.15If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the body is not one member - The mystical body, the Church, as well as the natural body, is composed of many members.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "For the body also." The analogy of the body, not consisting exclusively of one, but of many members, illustrates the mutual dependence of the various members in the one body, the Church. The well-known fable of the belly and the other members, spoken by Menenius Agrippa, to the seceding commons [LIVY, 2.32], was probably before Paul's mind, stored as it was with classical literature.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the body is not one member,.... Not only one; nor is anyone member the body, though ever so eminent, as the head or eye: thus the church of Christ is not one person only, or does not consist of one sort of persons; as only of Jews, or only of Gentiles, or only of rich and freemen, or only of men of extraordinary gifts and abilities, or greatly eminent for grace and spiritual knowledge: but many; members, as the Arabic version adds; as eyes, ears, hands, feet, &c. so in the mystical body of Christ, the church, there are many members, some in a higher station, others in a lower; some of greater gifts, grace, and usefulness, others of lesser; some Jews, other Gentiles; some bond, others free; yet all one in Christ the head, and all related to each other.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:14-21 These verses move from the image of a physical body to the image of the church as a spiritual body. Every part of the body is important and essential to its proper functioning. Believers should neither boast of their spiritual ministry nor belittle it in comparison to the ministries of other believers. God, who made the body, has put each part just where he wants it (12:18).
1 Corinthians 12:14
The Body of Christ
13For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.14For the body does not consist of one part, but of many.15If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Part 1
By J. Vernon McGee4.7K44:46MAT 6:331CO 12:11CO 12:41CO 12:71CO 12:121CO 12:141CO 12:271CO 13:11CO 13:41CO 13:131CO 14:121CO 14:26In the video, a listener shares her realization that she needs to be more involved in her husband's efforts to evangelize his family. She was inspired by a radio sermon that emphasized the importance of saving souls over material possessions. Another listener shares how reading a banned book about James Hudson Taylor ignited a desire to be a true Christian and fulfill the responsibility of spreading the word of God. The video also mentions a sermon by J. Vernon McGee on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which will be aired in two parts.
One Body Many Members - Many Members One Body
By J. Vernon McGee3.0K44:54ROM 12:41CO 12:14EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of believers. He highlights that in the early church, every sermon preached was centered around the resurrection, not just on Easter. The preacher also discusses the concept of spiritual gifts, using the term "charismatone" to refer to these gifts. He emphasizes that each person has a unique gift and should use it for the glory of God. The sermon concludes with a call to understand and appreciate the gifts of the Spirit, as there is a lack of knowledge and understanding in this area within the church.
(Om Orientation) Action - Part 2
By George Verwer2.9K28:01OrientationJHN 14:20ROM 11:21CO 12:14PHP 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ. He highlights that every member, regardless of their perceived importance, is necessary for the functioning of the body. The speaker shares examples of individuals who may go unnoticed but have a significant impact through their prayers and faithfulness. He references various Bible verses, including John 14:20, Romans 12:2, and 1 Corinthians 12, to support the idea of unity and the diverse gifts that God gives to believers. The sermon concludes with a call to strive together for the faith of the gospel and to prioritize unity over other activities.
Corinthians - God Has Arranged the Parts of the Body
By J. Glyn Owen84853:26Body Of Christ1CO 12:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unity and diversity of the body of Christ. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12:14 and 20, states that the body is not made up of just one part, but of many. This principle is repeated to emphasize the importance of understanding that although the body of Christ has many parts, it is still one body. The speaker connects this concept to the diversity of spiritual gifts mentioned in verses 4-12, highlighting the need for unity and the proper functioning of each individual's gifts for the ministry of the church. The sermon encourages listeners to take this message to heart and fulfill their God-given ministry in unity and grace.
Vital Differences
By K.P. Yohannan0Unity in DiversityThe Body of Christ1CO 12:14K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the vital differences within the Body of Christ, illustrating how each member, regardless of size or visibility, plays an essential role in the overall function and health of the church. He draws parallels between the human body and the church, highlighting that just as every part is necessary for physical balance and movement, every believer contributes uniquely to the spiritual body. Through personal experiences, he shares the importance of embracing differences and working in unity, as these differences enrich the ministry and foster growth. Yohannan encourages believers to recognize and value each other's roles, understanding that together they fulfill God's purpose. Ultimately, he calls for a compassionate and unified approach to serving one another, reflecting Christ's love and grace.
On Mr. Rudyard Kipling and Making the World Small
By Gilbert K. Chesterton0PRO 18:15PRO 22:29ECC 3:1ROM 12:41CO 10:311CO 12:121CO 12:141CO 12:27EPH 4:16COL 3:23Gilbert K. Chesterton delivers a sermon on the importance of being interested in all subjects, emphasizing that the lack of interest, not the subject itself, makes something uninteresting. He defends the value of 'bores' who possess higher qualities like enthusiasm and happiness, contrasting them with the 'bored' who lack these qualities. Chesterton highlights the poetical nature of all things, challenging individuals to find something that is not a matter of poetry, and explores the significance of names and common things being poetical. He discusses Rudyard Kipling's focus on militarism, pointing out that true courage and discipline are essential in all aspects of life, not just in war.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the body is not one member - The mystical body, the Church, as well as the natural body, is composed of many members.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "For the body also." The analogy of the body, not consisting exclusively of one, but of many members, illustrates the mutual dependence of the various members in the one body, the Church. The well-known fable of the belly and the other members, spoken by Menenius Agrippa, to the seceding commons [LIVY, 2.32], was probably before Paul's mind, stored as it was with classical literature.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the body is not one member,.... Not only one; nor is anyone member the body, though ever so eminent, as the head or eye: thus the church of Christ is not one person only, or does not consist of one sort of persons; as only of Jews, or only of Gentiles, or only of rich and freemen, or only of men of extraordinary gifts and abilities, or greatly eminent for grace and spiritual knowledge: but many; members, as the Arabic version adds; as eyes, ears, hands, feet, &c. so in the mystical body of Christ, the church, there are many members, some in a higher station, others in a lower; some of greater gifts, grace, and usefulness, others of lesser; some Jews, other Gentiles; some bond, others free; yet all one in Christ the head, and all related to each other.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:14-21 These verses move from the image of a physical body to the image of the church as a spiritual body. Every part of the body is important and essential to its proper functioning. Believers should neither boast of their spiritual ministry nor belittle it in comparison to the ministries of other believers. God, who made the body, has put each part just where he wants it (12:18).