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1 Corinthians 12:21
Verse
Context
Sermons
Dale Heisey
Basilea Schlink
Joseph Balsan
David Wilkerson
F.B. Meyer
Leonard Verduin
H.J. VineSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee - The apostle goes on, with his principal object in view, to show that the gifts and graces with which their different teachers were endowed were all necessary for their salvation, and should be collectively used; for not one of them was unnecessary, nor could they dispense with the least of them; the body of Christ needed the whole for its nourishment and support. The famous apologue of Menenius Agrippa, related by Livy, will serve to illustrate the apostle's reasoning: the Roman people, getting into a state of insurrection and rebellion against the nobility, under pretext that the great men not only had all the honors but all the emoluments of the nation, while they were obliged to bear all the burdens, and suffer all the privations; they then in riotous assemblage left their homes and went to Mount Aventine. Matters were at last brought to such an issue, that the senators and great men were obliged to fly from the city, and the public peace was on the point of being utterly ruined: it was then thought expedient to send Menenius Agrippa to them, who was high in their esteem, having vanquished the Sabines and Samnites, and had the first triumph at Rome. This great general, who was as eloquent as he was valiant, went to the Mons Sacer, to which the insurgents had retired, and thus addressed them: Tempore, quo in homine non, ut nunc emnia in unum consentiebant, sed singulis membris suum cuique consilium, suus sermo fuerat, indignatas reliquas partes, sua cura, suo labore ac ministerio ventri omnia quaeri; ventrem, in medio quietum, nihil aliud, quam datis voluptatibus frui. Conspirasse inde, ne manus ad os cibum ferrent, nec os acciperet datum, nec dentes conficerent. Hac ira, dum ventrem fame domare vellent, ipsa una membra totumque corpus ad extremam tabem venisse. lnde apparuisse, ventris quoque haud segne ministerium esse: nec magis ali, quam alere eum, reddentem in omnes corporis partes hunc, quo vivimus vigemusque, divisum pariter in venas maturum, confecto cibo, sanquinem. T. Livii, Histor. lib. ii. cap. 32. "In that time in which the different parts of the human body were not in a state of unity as they now are, but each member had its separate office and distinct language, they all became discontented, because whatever was procured by their care, labor, and industry, was spent on the belly; while this, lying at ease in the midst of the body, did nothing but enjoy whatever was provided for it. They therefore conspired among themselves, and agreed that the hands should not convey food to the mouth, that the mouth should not receive what was offered to it, and that the teeth should not masticate whatever was brought to the mouth. Acting on this principle of revenge, and hoping to reduce the belly by famine, all the members, and the whole body itself, were at length brought into the last stage of a consumption. It then plainly appeared that the belly itself did no small service; that it contributed not less to their nourishment than they did to its support, distributing to every part that from which they derived life and vigor; for by properly concocting the food, the pure blood derived from it was conveyed by the arteries to every member." This sensible comparison produced the desired effect; the people were persuaded that the senators were as necessary to their existence as they were to that of the senators, and that it required the strictest union and mutual support of high and low to preserve the body politic. This transaction took place about 500 years before the Christian era, and was handed down by unbroken tradition to the time of Titus Livius, from whom I have taken it, who died in the year of our Lord 17, about forty years before St. Paul wrote this epistle. As his works were well known and universally read among the Romans in the time of the apostle, it is very probable that St. Paul had this famous apologue in view when he wrote from the 14th verse to the end of the chapter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The higher cannot dispense with the lower members.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the eye cannot say unto the hand,.... Every member of the natural body is useful and necessary. The eye, the seat of the sense of seeing, cannot say to the communicating and working hand, I have no need of thee: I can do without thee: so the seers and overseers of the church, the ministers of the Gospel, cannot say to the liberal and munificent hands, we have no need of you; for as the one stand in need of the light, instruction, comfort, advice, and direction of the other, so the other stand in need of communication from them; and as God has made it a duty, that he that is taught in the word should communicate to him that teacheth in all good things; and as it is his ordinance that they which preach the Gospel should live of it; so he has generally ordered it in his providence, that they that teach should need such assistance: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. The head, which is the seat of the senses, and is superior to, and has the command and government of all the members of the body, cannot say to the lowest and most distant parts of it, the feet, you are needless and useless; so those that are set in the first place in the church, are over others in the Lord, and have the rule over them, cannot say to those that are under them, and submit unto them, even the lowest and meanest of them, that they are of no use and service to them; they can no more be without them, than the head can be without the feet, or than princes can do without subjects, or magistrates without citizens, or generals without soldiers.
1 Corinthians 12:21
The Body of Christ
20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.”22On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Apostolic Vision) First Be Reconciled
By Dale Heisey80900:00MAT 5:231CO 12:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the spirit of reconciliation in our lives. He shares a story set in Greenland about a drunkard who caused harm to his wife. The speaker highlights the need for reconciliation in broken relationships within church communities. He urges listeners to have an attitude of forgiveness and to seek reconciliation with others, emphasizing that this is the spirit of Jesus and God's church. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of seeking forgiveness from God and healing our land through reconciliation.
I Don’t Need You
By Basilea Schlink58404:35Radio ShowMAT 6:33ROM 12:41CO 12:21In this meditation by Basilia Shlink, the apostle Paul's teachings on the unity of the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12 are explored. The concept of unity is emphasized as Paul describes how Jesus is the head of the body and believers are the different members. The importance of not saying or thinking "I don't need you" about others is highlighted, as it hinders the unity of the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit is presented as the one who can unite believers with those who are difficult to get along with, if they ask for His love and guidance.
Lesser Known Characters 05 Barnabas-Whole Hearted
By Joseph Balsan40856:10ACT 4:32ACT 11:21ACT 15:391CO 12:21In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was able to lift a fallen horse by communicating with it. The preacher then relates this story to the concept of ministry and how it involves getting down to where the fallen person is. He emphasizes the importance of not giving up on those who have failed or come short, but instead having a warm heart and offering support. The preacher references the book of Acts, specifically chapter 4, verse 32, which talks about the unity and generosity of the believers. He concludes by highlighting the need for ministers to connect with and communicate effectively with those who are struggling.
Can We Be With Christ Apart From His Body?
By David Wilkerson0Importance of CommunityUnity in ChristJHN 6:331CO 10:161CO 12:121CO 12:211CO 12:27David Wilkerson emphasizes the interconnectedness of believers as members of the body of Christ, drawing from Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians. He illustrates that just as a human body cannot function with only one part, Christians cannot be truly united with Christ while isolating themselves from one another. The sermon highlights the importance of community and mutual support among believers, asserting that each member is vital for the body to function effectively. Wilkerson reminds us that we are all nourished by Christ, the bread of life, and that our relationships with each other are essential to our spiritual health.
"Go, Return!"
By F.B. Meyer0Consequences of SinRestoration and ReturnNUM 20:12DEU 3:261SA 13:101KI 19:172KI 5:12JER 3:22MRK 14:38ACT 2:231CO 12:21F.B. Meyer emphasizes the grave consequences of sin, illustrating how it can permanently hinder one's usefulness to God through the examples of Moses, Saul, and Elijah. He highlights that while God may restore some, like Peter, others may face irrevocable consequences for their disobedience. Meyer warns that even prominent leaders can fall into temptation and be replaced in God's work, urging vigilance and humility in service. He reassures that while God may discipline His servants, He never forsakes His children, encouraging those who have strayed to return to Him for healing and restoration.
(Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Donatisten! - Part 2
By Leonard Verduin0MAT 5:44LUK 22:23JHN 18:36ACT 5:29ROM 12:191CO 12:212CO 10:4GAL 5:1EPH 6:12REV 13:10Leonard Verduin preaches about the historical impact of the Constantinian change on the Church, highlighting the dangerous fusion of secular power with religious authority, leading to the distortion of the Church's mission and the persecution of dissenters. He emphasizes the need to recognize and reject the remnants of 'Christian sacralism' in modern Christianity, advocating for a clear separation of Church and State to uphold freedom of conscience and prevent religious tyranny. Verduin praises the efforts of the Stepchildren who resisted the Constantinian influence, seeking to restore the Church to its pre-Constantinian purity and rejecting the use of the sword in matters of faith.
Complete in Him Who Is the Head
By H.J. Vine01CO 12:21EPH 4:15COL 1:18COL 2:8JUD 1:3H.J. Vine preaches about the ceaseless influences that try to divert believers from Christ, warning against philosophy, carnal practices, and asceticism. He emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ, urging believers to increase in knowledge of Him to resist distracting influences. The sermon highlights the danger of being led astray from the true portion in Christ by worldly systems and the importance of abiding in Him to experience fullness and protection from deception.
Oneness
By H.J. Vine0JHN 10:24JHN 17:21ROM 16:251CO 12:21EPH 2:51JN 2:191JN 3:141JN 4:7H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of unity among believers, emphasizing the desire for oneness that stems from the divine nature and the love of God. He highlights the need for sincere and practical love for one another, rooted in God's love, to experience true oneness. The sermon delves into the concept of oneness according to God's truth, maintained by the Spirit and the Son, and the significance of inclusiveness within the one body of Christ. It warns against exclusivity and the dangers of legalism and lawlessness that hinder the unity of believers.
Bible Reading
By F.W. Grant0PRO 27:17ROM 12:41CO 12:211CO 14:26EPH 4:11EPH 4:16COL 3:16HEB 10:241PE 4:10F.W. Grant emphasizes the importance of the Bible Reading meeting as a crucial test of the assembly's state, where knowledge is shared, tested, and used for mutual edification. He laments the decline in interest for these meetings, attributing it to a loss of enthusiasm for truth and a diminished consciousness of the Spirit's work in individuals. Grant stresses that God's Word is meant for all His people, not to be restricted to a select few, and that teachers should empower others to seek and find spiritual knowledge independently.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee - The apostle goes on, with his principal object in view, to show that the gifts and graces with which their different teachers were endowed were all necessary for their salvation, and should be collectively used; for not one of them was unnecessary, nor could they dispense with the least of them; the body of Christ needed the whole for its nourishment and support. The famous apologue of Menenius Agrippa, related by Livy, will serve to illustrate the apostle's reasoning: the Roman people, getting into a state of insurrection and rebellion against the nobility, under pretext that the great men not only had all the honors but all the emoluments of the nation, while they were obliged to bear all the burdens, and suffer all the privations; they then in riotous assemblage left their homes and went to Mount Aventine. Matters were at last brought to such an issue, that the senators and great men were obliged to fly from the city, and the public peace was on the point of being utterly ruined: it was then thought expedient to send Menenius Agrippa to them, who was high in their esteem, having vanquished the Sabines and Samnites, and had the first triumph at Rome. This great general, who was as eloquent as he was valiant, went to the Mons Sacer, to which the insurgents had retired, and thus addressed them: Tempore, quo in homine non, ut nunc emnia in unum consentiebant, sed singulis membris suum cuique consilium, suus sermo fuerat, indignatas reliquas partes, sua cura, suo labore ac ministerio ventri omnia quaeri; ventrem, in medio quietum, nihil aliud, quam datis voluptatibus frui. Conspirasse inde, ne manus ad os cibum ferrent, nec os acciperet datum, nec dentes conficerent. Hac ira, dum ventrem fame domare vellent, ipsa una membra totumque corpus ad extremam tabem venisse. lnde apparuisse, ventris quoque haud segne ministerium esse: nec magis ali, quam alere eum, reddentem in omnes corporis partes hunc, quo vivimus vigemusque, divisum pariter in venas maturum, confecto cibo, sanquinem. T. Livii, Histor. lib. ii. cap. 32. "In that time in which the different parts of the human body were not in a state of unity as they now are, but each member had its separate office and distinct language, they all became discontented, because whatever was procured by their care, labor, and industry, was spent on the belly; while this, lying at ease in the midst of the body, did nothing but enjoy whatever was provided for it. They therefore conspired among themselves, and agreed that the hands should not convey food to the mouth, that the mouth should not receive what was offered to it, and that the teeth should not masticate whatever was brought to the mouth. Acting on this principle of revenge, and hoping to reduce the belly by famine, all the members, and the whole body itself, were at length brought into the last stage of a consumption. It then plainly appeared that the belly itself did no small service; that it contributed not less to their nourishment than they did to its support, distributing to every part that from which they derived life and vigor; for by properly concocting the food, the pure blood derived from it was conveyed by the arteries to every member." This sensible comparison produced the desired effect; the people were persuaded that the senators were as necessary to their existence as they were to that of the senators, and that it required the strictest union and mutual support of high and low to preserve the body politic. This transaction took place about 500 years before the Christian era, and was handed down by unbroken tradition to the time of Titus Livius, from whom I have taken it, who died in the year of our Lord 17, about forty years before St. Paul wrote this epistle. As his works were well known and universally read among the Romans in the time of the apostle, it is very probable that St. Paul had this famous apologue in view when he wrote from the 14th verse to the end of the chapter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The higher cannot dispense with the lower members.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the eye cannot say unto the hand,.... Every member of the natural body is useful and necessary. The eye, the seat of the sense of seeing, cannot say to the communicating and working hand, I have no need of thee: I can do without thee: so the seers and overseers of the church, the ministers of the Gospel, cannot say to the liberal and munificent hands, we have no need of you; for as the one stand in need of the light, instruction, comfort, advice, and direction of the other, so the other stand in need of communication from them; and as God has made it a duty, that he that is taught in the word should communicate to him that teacheth in all good things; and as it is his ordinance that they which preach the Gospel should live of it; so he has generally ordered it in his providence, that they that teach should need such assistance: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. The head, which is the seat of the senses, and is superior to, and has the command and government of all the members of the body, cannot say to the lowest and most distant parts of it, the feet, you are needless and useless; so those that are set in the first place in the church, are over others in the Lord, and have the rule over them, cannot say to those that are under them, and submit unto them, even the lowest and meanest of them, that they are of no use and service to them; they can no more be without them, than the head can be without the feet, or than princes can do without subjects, or magistrates without citizens, or generals without soldiers.