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1 Corinthians 12:27
Verse
Context
The Greater Gifts
26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.27Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now ye are the body of Christ - The apostle, having finished his apologue, comes to his application. As the members in the human body, so the different members of the mystical body of Christ. All are intended by him to have the same relation to each other; to be mutually subservient to each other; to mourn for and rejoice with each other. He has also made each necessary to the beauty, proportion, strength, and perfection of the whole. Not one is useless; not one unnecessary. Paul, Apollos, Kephas, etc., with all their variety of gifts and graces, are for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, Eph 4:12. Hence no teacher should be exalted above or opposed to an other. As the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee, so luminous Apollos cannot say to laborious Paul, I can build up and preserve the Church without thee. The foot planted on the ground to support the whole fabric, and the hands that swing at liberty, and the eye that is continually taking in near and distant prospects, are all equally serviceable to the whole, and mutually helpful to and dependent on each other. So also are the different ministers and members of the Church of Christ. From a general acquaintance with various ministers of Christ, and a knowledge of their different talents and endowments manifested either by their preaching or writings, and with the aid of a little fancy, we could here make out a sort of correspondency between their services and the uses of the different members of the human body. We could call one eye, because of his acute observation of men and things, and penetration into cases of conscience and Divine mysteries. Another hand, from his laborious exertions in the Church. Another foot, from his industrious travels to spread abroad the knowledge of Christ crucified: and so of others. But this does not appear to be any part of the apostle's plan.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now ye are the body of Christ,.... Not his natural body, which his Father prepared for him, in which he bore our sins on the tree, and which was offered up once for all; nor his sacramental body, or the bread in the supper, which is a representation of his body; but his body mystical, the church; not that the Corinthians were the whole of the body, only a part of it, as every single congregational church is of the church universal. This is an accommodation of the simile the apostle had to so much advantage enlarged upon: and members in particular; or in part: meaning either that they as single members were part of the general body: or that only a part of them were so, there being some among them, as in all particular and visible churches, who had not the true grace of God; and so are neither members of Christ, nor of the general assembly and church of the firstborn: or the sense is, that they were not only members of Christ, and of his body, but were particularly members one of another, in strict union and close communion, and of mutual use and service to each other.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
I. Here the apostle sums up the argument, and applies this similitude to the church of Christ, concerning which observe, 1. The relation wherein Christians stand to Christ and one another. The church, or whole collective body of Christians, in all ages, is his body. Every Christian is a member of his body, and every other Christian stands related to him as a fellow-member (Co1 12:27): Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular, or particular members. Each is a member of the body, not the whole body; each stands related to the body as a part of it, and all have a common relation to one another, dependence upon one another, and should have a mutual care and concern. Thus are the members of the natural body, thus should the members of the mystical body be, disposed. Note, Mutual indifference, and much more contempt, and hatred, and envy, and strife, are very unnatural in Christians. It is like the members of the same body being destitute of all concern for one another, or quarrelling with each other. This is the apostle's scope in this argument. He endeavours in it to suppress the proud, vaunting, and contentious spirit, that had prevailed among the Corinthians, by reason of their spiritual gifts. 2. The variety of offices instituted by Christ, and gifts or favours dispensed by him (Co1 12:28): God hath set some in the church; first, apostles, the chief ministers entrusted with all the powers necessary to found a church, and make an entire revelation of God's will. Secondarily, prophets, or persons enabled by inspiration, as the evangelists did. Thirdly, teachers, those who labour in word and doctrine, whether with pastoral charge or without it. After that, miracles, or miracle-workers. The gifts of healing, or those who had power to heal diseases; helps, or such as had compassion on the sick and weak, and ministered to them; governments, or such as had the disposal of the charitable contributions of the church, and dealt them out to the poor; diversities of tongues, or such as could speak divers languages. Concerning all these observe, (1.) The plenteous variety of these gifts and offices. What a multitude are they! A good God was free in his communications to the primitive church; he was no niggard of his benefits and favours. No, he provided richly for them. They had no want, but a store - all that was necessary, and even more; what was convenient for them too. (2.) Observe the order of these offices and gifts. They are here placed in their proper ranks. Those of most value have the first place. Apostles, prophets, and teachers, were all intended to instruct the people, to inform them well in the things of God, and promote their spiritual edification: without them, neither evangelical knowledge nor holiness could have been promoted. But the rest, however fitted to answer the great intentions of Christianity, had no such immediate regard to religion, strictly so called. Note, God does, and we should, value things according to their real worth: and the use of things is the best criterion of their real worth. Those are most valuable that best answer the highest purposes. Such were apostolical powers, compared with theirs who had only the gift of healing and miracles. What holds the last and lowest rank in this enumeration is diversity of tongues. It is by itself the most useless and insignificant of all these gifts. Healing diseases, relieving the poor, helping the sick, have their use: but how vain a thing is it to speak languages, if a man does it merely to amuse or boast himself! This may indeed raise the admiration, but cannot promote the edification, of the hearers, nor do them any good. And yet it is manifest from ch. 14 that the Corinthians valued themselves exceedingly on this gift. Note, How proper a method it is to beat down pride to let persons know the true value of what they pride themselves in! It is but too common a thing for men to value themselves most on what is least worth: and it is of great use to bring them to a sober mind by letting them know how much they are mistaken. (3.) The various distribution of these gifts, not all to one, nor to every one alike. All members and officers had not the same rank in the church, nor the same endowments (Co1 12:29, Co1 12:30): Are all apostles? Are all prophets? This were to make the church a monster: all one as if the body were all ear or all eye. Some are fit for one office and employment, and some for another; and the Spirit distributes to every one as he will. We must be content with our own rank and share, if they be lower and less than those of others. We must not be conceited of ourselves, and despise others, if we are in the higher rank and have greater gifts. Every member of the body is to preserve its own rank, and do its own office; and all are to minister to one another, and promote the good of the body in general, without envying, or despising, or neglecting, or ill-using, any one particular member. How blessed a constitution were the Christian church, if all the members did their duty! II. He closes this chapter with an advice (as the generality read it) and a hint. 1. An advice to covet the best gifts, charismata ta kreittona - dona potiora, praestantiora, either the most valuable in themselves or the most serviceable to others; and these are, in truth, most valuable in themselves, though men may be apt to esteem those most that will raise their fame and esteem highest. Those are truly best by which God will be most honoured and his church edified. Such gifts should be most earnestly coveted. Note, We should desire that most which is best, and most worth. Grace is therefore to be preferred before gifts; and, of gifts, those are to be preferred which are of greatest use. But some read this passage, not as an advice, but a charge: zēloute, You are envious at each other's gifts. In Co1 13:4, the same word is thus translated. You quarrel and contend about them. This they certainly did. And this behaviour the apostle here reprehends, and labours to rectify. Only of pride cometh contention. These contests in the church of Corinth sprang from this original. It was a quarrel about precedency (as most quarrels among Christians are, with whatever pretences they are gilded over); and it is no wonder that a quarrel about precedence should extinguish charity. When all would stand in the first rank, no wonder if they jostle, or throw down, or thrust back, their brethren. Gifts may be valued for their use, but they are mischievous when made the fuel of pride and contention. This therefore the apostle endeavours to prevent. 2. By giving them the hint of a more excellent way, namely, of charity, of mutual love and good-will. This was the only right way to quiet and cement them, and make their gifts turn to the advantage and edification of the church. This would render them kind to each other, and concerned for each other, and therefore calm their spirits, and put an end to their little piques and contests, their disputes about precedency. Those would appear to be in the foremost rank, according to the apostle, who had most of true Christian love. Note, True charity is greatly to be preferred to the most glorious gifts. To have the heart glow with mutual love is vastly better than to glare with the most pompous titles, offices, or powers.
1 Corinthians 12:27
The Greater Gifts
26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.27Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Man on the Go
By Warren Wiersbe18K34:42Christian LifeGEN 12:2MAT 28:19ACT 20:1ROM 15:21CO 12:271TH 5:11HEB 10:24In this sermon, the speaker discusses the criticisms that the Apostle Paul faced in his ministry. Paul was criticized for constantly moving around, changing his plans, and preaching for too long. However, the speaker argues that these criticisms were unfounded and stemmed from a lack of spiritual appetite. Paul's ministry involved ministering to the churches at large, as well as to individual believers. The speaker emphasizes the importance of identifying with a local church and serving God within that community.
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.
(John - Part 49): He That Believeth on me... Greater Works Than These Shall He Do
By A.W. Tozer4.6K50:51ExpositionalDAN 6:22JHN 14:9ACT 10:151CO 12:41CO 12:271CO 12:29EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of gratitude towards God for the deliverance from sin, lies, and addiction. He urges the congregation to recognize the miraculous work of God in transforming their lives and to be thankful for it. The preacher also highlights the danger of ingratitude and the need to appreciate the work of God already happening among them. He shares a story of a missionary in the Dutch East Indies who had successfully converted a group of vile and blasphemous people, emphasizing the power of God's work in changing lives.
(Reformation Within Protestantism): Return to a Biblical Church
By A.W. Tozer4.5K45:05ReformationMAT 7:21MAT 18:20JHN 10:9ACT 2:471CO 12:27EPH 5:25HEB 10:25In this sermon, the speaker addresses the common attitude of taking the church for granted. He emphasizes that many people view the church as a social institution without questioning its significance. The speaker urges listeners to reconsider their perspective on the church and to recognize its sacred importance. He uses the analogy of two young couples, one focused on a serious and purposeful life while the other seeks only pleasure, to illustrate the different attitudes towards the church. The speaker concludes by inviting those who are unsure of their faith to come forward and seek a personal connection with Christ.
Why Church? God's Purpose
By Francis Chan3.7K47:21ChurchEXO 25:22MAT 5:141CO 3:161CO 12:27EPH 4:16HEB 10:241PE 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible beyond individual salvation. He uses the illustration of playing blackjack to highlight how often we focus only on our own relationship with God, rather than working collectively as a body of believers. The preacher also mentions the work of Children's Hunger Fund and their mercy networks, where supplies are sent to churches in need. He shares his admiration for a student who preached about the issue of isolation and the importance of community in helping those in need.
The Major Ian Thomas Story-03 Biography
By Major Ian Thomas3.4K48:15BiographyMAT 6:33JHN 14:12ACT 1:12ACT 5:14ACT 5:201CO 12:271TI 1:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's instructions and going where we are sent. He shares a story about a young crew member who hesitates to go out in a dangerous rescue mission, but is encouraged by an experienced sailor to prioritize saving lives over personal safety. The speaker relates this story to the marching orders given to believers by the Holy Spirit, urging them to use their abilities and resources to spread the gospel. He highlights the significance of preaching the message of eternal life through Jesus Christ and inviting others to come alive in their relationship with God.
You Have the Authority for the Job
By Theodore Epp2.4K38:07JOS 1:8PSA 37:5ROM 12:41CO 1:261CO 12:121CO 12:27EPH 4:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the course that God has laid out for each individual. He mentions that when asked about future plans, he simply wants to finish the course that God has set for him. The speaker refers to the concept of the body of Christ, explaining that just as the human body has many parts but functions as one, so too should the church. He highlights the idea that God has distributed gifts among believers in harmony with this principle. The speaker concludes by expressing his desire to be able to say, like Paul, that he has fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished the course that God has ordained for him.
Synagogue & Temple
By Stephen Kaung1.6K31:35SynagogueEZR 1:1EZR 3:2EZR 3:8MAT 6:331CO 12:271PE 2:5REV 21:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of our existence as believers. He highlights that many Christians are living in a state of confusion and lack a clear understanding of God's purpose for their lives. The speaker urges believers to return to simplicity and purity, away from the complexities of the world. He encourages them to rebuild their spiritual lives and dedicate themselves fully to God, just as the remnant in the book of Ezra did. The sermon emphasizes the need for self-examination and a recommitment to God's purpose for our lives.
The Church: The History of the Church on Earth - Part 2
By Stephen Kaung1.5K31:04Church HistoryMAT 16:18JHN 17:21ACT 2:42ROM 12:51CO 12:27EPH 2:191PE 2:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of unity and love among believers. He emphasizes the recovery of truth within the Church and the popularity of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The preacher mentions a movement that started in Dublin and spread to Britain and Europe over a span of twenty years. He also talks about a split that occurred in 1848 due to differing views on discipline. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the church to walk according to God's will.
The Cry of God's Heart
By Denny Kenaston1.2K1:20:14God's HeartISA 6:8MAT 22:37MAT 28:19JHN 20:21ACT 1:8ROM 12:11CO 12:27In this sermon, the speaker addresses the cry of God's heart for a lost and dying world. He emphasizes that every other cry we will explore throughout the weekend flows out of God's heart. The speaker urges the audience to go beyond simply knowing the commission to preach the gospel, but to have God's heart written upon their own hearts. He highlights the command in Mark 16 and Matthew 28 for believers to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this mission.
08 New Wine in New Wineskins the Congregation, the Club and the Church
By Santosh Poonen1.2K1:00:23JER 3:14ACT 2:42ROM 5:51CO 12:27EPH 5:25HEB 12:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of moving beyond congregations and clubs to truly build the church as a body of Christ. It highlights the need for personal sacrifices, devotion to God, and genuine fellowship among believers. The speaker shares insights on the new covenant, the significance of dying to self, and the transformation that occurs when individuals are willing to pay the price to build the church.
Corinthians: Concerning the Spiritual
By Stephen Kaung1.1K1:13:18ACT 2:33ACT 2:361CO 12:11CO 12:271CO 14:11CO 15:58In this sermon, Peter and the eleven disciples are explaining the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to a crowd in the temple area. Peter emphasizes that what the people see and hear is the Holy Spirit being poured out. He then declares that Jesus, whom they had crucified, is both Lord and Christ. The sermon transitions to a discussion of spiritual principles and the need for understanding in the spiritual realm. The speaker references First Corinthians chapter 12, emphasizing the importance of understanding spirituality and the potential for confusion without such understanding.
Time to Travail
By Ralph Sexton90520:22PSA 30:5PSA 150:6ISA 13:8MAT 6:33JHN 14:3ACT 1:111CO 12:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency for believers to recognize the gravity of their mission. He compares the experience of a woman in labor, facing fear and pain, to the journey of believers in bringing new life into the world. The preacher highlights the need for the church to prioritize the power of God and the salvation of souls over trivial conversations and distractions. He reminds the congregation that God has the power to send revival, save loved ones, and heal the sick. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the victory of Jesus over death, hell, and the grave, and the authority believers have through his name.
sermonindex.net Simulcast 2012: The Body of Christ and Persecution
By Sandeep Poonen88908:50ROM 12:41CO 12:27GAL 3:28EPH 5:23HEB 10:24This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of the church as the body and bride of Christ, highlighting the need to shift focus from personal experiences to the collective identity in Christ. It addresses the global perspective of the church, urging believers to see beyond national boundaries and embrace unity. Additionally, it stresses the significance of active participation in the local church, moving away from individualistic pursuits of holiness towards genuine fellowship and community.
Conscience - Part 4
By Dai Patterson87400:00ROM 14:11CO 8:61CO 12:121CO 12:27In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of unity and understanding within the church. He emphasizes the need to receive and embrace those who may be weaker in faith without passing judgment on their opinions. The speaker highlights the spectrum of believers, ranging from the strong to the weak, and encourages everyone to find their place along this spectrum. He emphasizes the importance of being fully convinced in one's own mind and not imposing one's beliefs on others. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be open to changing one's mind and being willing to see God at work in different groups within the church.
Audio: A Pearl of Great Price by T. Austin Sparks
By T. Austin-Sparks74422:50ROM 12:51CO 12:27EPH 1:4COL 1:18COL 1:24HEB 13:31PE 2:9This sermon delves into the parable in Matthew 13:45-46 where the kingdom of heaven is likened to a merchant seeking a valuable pearl, symbolizing Christ seeking the Church. The Church, though not fully formed at the time, is described as a precious entity chosen by the Lord, embodying selectiveness, distinctiveness, and preciousness. The sermon emphasizes the Church's fullness, finality, and its intrinsic connection to Christ's suffering, calling believers to have a deep reverence and agony for the Church as a heavenly entity.
Balanced Christianity 5. Holiness and Fellowship
By Zac Poonen7231:12:52GEN 6:14MAL 1:11MAT 18:20JHN 15:51CO 12:27EPH 4:16HEB 10:241PE 2:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a balanced Christian life, focusing on the need for fellowship within a local church. It highlights the significance of falling into the ground and dying to self to bear much fruit, the necessity of being part of a body of believers to reflect the image of Christ, and the safety found in being cemented into the church as opposed to being a loose brick. The speaker encourages listeners to seek fellowship, manifest grace and truth, and engage in evangelism and discipleship within the context of a local church.
Jesus Christ Is Lord - Lord of the Church (2)
By J. Glyn Owen70339:44LordMAT 22:37JHN 14:15JHN 15:1ROM 12:151CO 12:27EPH 5:23COL 3:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as the head of the church. He uses the analogy of a vine and its branches to illustrate how the life and health of the church come from Christ. The speaker urges the congregation to align their thoughts, perspectives, and actions with Christ's, seeing the world through his eyes and listening to the joys and sorrows of others as he does. The sermon concludes with a call to worship and surrender to Christ as the congregation prepares to partake in communion.
Eternity and Time 03 the Church Age
By David Clifford69052:45MAT 6:33MAT 22:37ROM 8:91CO 12:27EPH 1:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different roles and identities of David in the Bible. David starts as a captain, solving the problem of his people's debts and transforming discontentment into contentment and peace. Later, he becomes a bridegroom, symbolizing the union between Christ and the church through his death and resurrection. The speaker also highlights the role of the church in bringing many sons to glory and glorifying Christ on earth. The sermon concludes with a brief analysis of the Acts of the Apostles, emphasizing the birth of the church, its expansion through persecution, and Peter's role in leading Gentiles into the church.
Building the Body of Christ - 5 Doing a Greater Work Than Jesus Did
By Zac Poonen64455:31LUK 9:23JHN 14:121CO 11:11CO 12:27EPH 4:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of following Jesus in His life rather than just His ministry, highlighting the need to imitate His character, such as never grumbling or complaining, and to focus on building unity in the body of Christ. It discusses how every Christian is called to take up their cross daily, die to themselves, and be filled with the Holy Spirit to contribute to the unity and growth of the church.
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.
Healings and Miracles
By G.W. North0Spiritual GiftsUnity in the Body of ChristMAT 17:20MRK 16:17JHN 14:13ROM 5:51CO 12:41CO 12:27EPH 4:12PHP 4:7JAS 5:141PE 4:10G.W. North emphasizes that every born-again believer has experienced the gifts of healing and miracles, which are manifestations of God's grace in their lives. He highlights the comfort and peace that come from the Holy Spirit, as well as the miraculous answers to prayer and provision that believers encounter. North explains that while these gifts may be given to a few, they are intended for the mutual benefit of the entire Body of Christ and ultimately for God's glory. He encourages believers to recognize that these gifts are not for personal pride but for the collective good of all. The sermon calls for unity and appreciation of the diverse gifts within the church, all empowered by the same Spirit.
Hiding (The Call to Find Our Place: United to Christ)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Hiding in ChristIdentity in ChristPSA 91:1JHN 14:3ROM 8:11CO 12:27GAL 2:20EPH 5:30PHP 3:20COL 3:3HEB 4:101JN 3:2Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of finding our true place in Christ, highlighting that true salvation involves hiding in Him and being united with His body. He warns against the dangers of self-admiration and discouragement, urging believers to recognize their identity as members of Christ's body, where they find their true purpose and rest. Waldvogel illustrates that this hiding is not merely a passive state but an active choice to cease from our own works and allow Christ to control our lives. He calls the church to embrace this divine hiding place, where we are safe and fulfilled in God's presence, and to understand that our true calling is to be united with Him. Ultimately, he reminds us that our satisfaction comes from being transformed into His likeness.
Our Infinite Worth in Christ
By A.W. Tozer0Identity in GodSignificance in ChristPSA 139:14ISA 43:1MAT 10:30LUK 12:7JHN 10:3ROM 8:171CO 12:27EPH 2:10HEB 1:141PE 2:9A.W. Tozer emphasizes that every individual gains infinite worth and significance upon encountering Christ. He illustrates that no one is insignificant in God's eyes; each person is known by name and has a unique role in God's grand design. The transformation from ordinary to extraordinary occurs when the Lord touches a life, making it meaningful and noticed by the heavenly hosts. Tozer also highlights that there are no small churches or unknown Christians, as each believer is a vital part of God's plan.
The Church: The Body of Christ
By A.W. Tozer0The Nature of the ChurchUnity in Christ1CO 12:27EPH 5:25A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the universal Church is the body of Christ and the bride of the Lamb, serving as the habitation of God through the Spirit. He describes the local church as a community of redeemed individuals, a minority group on earth, and a representation of the Invisible God. Tozer warns against viewing churches merely as projects or works, asserting that a true church is a supernatural entity that descends from the original church in Jerusalem. He highlights that the spiritual essence of a church is unique to a group of renewed believers, while its social aspects are secondary and can be imitated by any organization. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the church's divine nature and purpose.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now ye are the body of Christ - The apostle, having finished his apologue, comes to his application. As the members in the human body, so the different members of the mystical body of Christ. All are intended by him to have the same relation to each other; to be mutually subservient to each other; to mourn for and rejoice with each other. He has also made each necessary to the beauty, proportion, strength, and perfection of the whole. Not one is useless; not one unnecessary. Paul, Apollos, Kephas, etc., with all their variety of gifts and graces, are for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, Eph 4:12. Hence no teacher should be exalted above or opposed to an other. As the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee, so luminous Apollos cannot say to laborious Paul, I can build up and preserve the Church without thee. The foot planted on the ground to support the whole fabric, and the hands that swing at liberty, and the eye that is continually taking in near and distant prospects, are all equally serviceable to the whole, and mutually helpful to and dependent on each other. So also are the different ministers and members of the Church of Christ. From a general acquaintance with various ministers of Christ, and a knowledge of their different talents and endowments manifested either by their preaching or writings, and with the aid of a little fancy, we could here make out a sort of correspondency between their services and the uses of the different members of the human body. We could call one eye, because of his acute observation of men and things, and penetration into cases of conscience and Divine mysteries. Another hand, from his laborious exertions in the Church. Another foot, from his industrious travels to spread abroad the knowledge of Christ crucified: and so of others. But this does not appear to be any part of the apostle's plan.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now ye are the body of Christ,.... Not his natural body, which his Father prepared for him, in which he bore our sins on the tree, and which was offered up once for all; nor his sacramental body, or the bread in the supper, which is a representation of his body; but his body mystical, the church; not that the Corinthians were the whole of the body, only a part of it, as every single congregational church is of the church universal. This is an accommodation of the simile the apostle had to so much advantage enlarged upon: and members in particular; or in part: meaning either that they as single members were part of the general body: or that only a part of them were so, there being some among them, as in all particular and visible churches, who had not the true grace of God; and so are neither members of Christ, nor of the general assembly and church of the firstborn: or the sense is, that they were not only members of Christ, and of his body, but were particularly members one of another, in strict union and close communion, and of mutual use and service to each other.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
I. Here the apostle sums up the argument, and applies this similitude to the church of Christ, concerning which observe, 1. The relation wherein Christians stand to Christ and one another. The church, or whole collective body of Christians, in all ages, is his body. Every Christian is a member of his body, and every other Christian stands related to him as a fellow-member (Co1 12:27): Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular, or particular members. Each is a member of the body, not the whole body; each stands related to the body as a part of it, and all have a common relation to one another, dependence upon one another, and should have a mutual care and concern. Thus are the members of the natural body, thus should the members of the mystical body be, disposed. Note, Mutual indifference, and much more contempt, and hatred, and envy, and strife, are very unnatural in Christians. It is like the members of the same body being destitute of all concern for one another, or quarrelling with each other. This is the apostle's scope in this argument. He endeavours in it to suppress the proud, vaunting, and contentious spirit, that had prevailed among the Corinthians, by reason of their spiritual gifts. 2. The variety of offices instituted by Christ, and gifts or favours dispensed by him (Co1 12:28): God hath set some in the church; first, apostles, the chief ministers entrusted with all the powers necessary to found a church, and make an entire revelation of God's will. Secondarily, prophets, or persons enabled by inspiration, as the evangelists did. Thirdly, teachers, those who labour in word and doctrine, whether with pastoral charge or without it. After that, miracles, or miracle-workers. The gifts of healing, or those who had power to heal diseases; helps, or such as had compassion on the sick and weak, and ministered to them; governments, or such as had the disposal of the charitable contributions of the church, and dealt them out to the poor; diversities of tongues, or such as could speak divers languages. Concerning all these observe, (1.) The plenteous variety of these gifts and offices. What a multitude are they! A good God was free in his communications to the primitive church; he was no niggard of his benefits and favours. No, he provided richly for them. They had no want, but a store - all that was necessary, and even more; what was convenient for them too. (2.) Observe the order of these offices and gifts. They are here placed in their proper ranks. Those of most value have the first place. Apostles, prophets, and teachers, were all intended to instruct the people, to inform them well in the things of God, and promote their spiritual edification: without them, neither evangelical knowledge nor holiness could have been promoted. But the rest, however fitted to answer the great intentions of Christianity, had no such immediate regard to religion, strictly so called. Note, God does, and we should, value things according to their real worth: and the use of things is the best criterion of their real worth. Those are most valuable that best answer the highest purposes. Such were apostolical powers, compared with theirs who had only the gift of healing and miracles. What holds the last and lowest rank in this enumeration is diversity of tongues. It is by itself the most useless and insignificant of all these gifts. Healing diseases, relieving the poor, helping the sick, have their use: but how vain a thing is it to speak languages, if a man does it merely to amuse or boast himself! This may indeed raise the admiration, but cannot promote the edification, of the hearers, nor do them any good. And yet it is manifest from ch. 14 that the Corinthians valued themselves exceedingly on this gift. Note, How proper a method it is to beat down pride to let persons know the true value of what they pride themselves in! It is but too common a thing for men to value themselves most on what is least worth: and it is of great use to bring them to a sober mind by letting them know how much they are mistaken. (3.) The various distribution of these gifts, not all to one, nor to every one alike. All members and officers had not the same rank in the church, nor the same endowments (Co1 12:29, Co1 12:30): Are all apostles? Are all prophets? This were to make the church a monster: all one as if the body were all ear or all eye. Some are fit for one office and employment, and some for another; and the Spirit distributes to every one as he will. We must be content with our own rank and share, if they be lower and less than those of others. We must not be conceited of ourselves, and despise others, if we are in the higher rank and have greater gifts. Every member of the body is to preserve its own rank, and do its own office; and all are to minister to one another, and promote the good of the body in general, without envying, or despising, or neglecting, or ill-using, any one particular member. How blessed a constitution were the Christian church, if all the members did their duty! II. He closes this chapter with an advice (as the generality read it) and a hint. 1. An advice to covet the best gifts, charismata ta kreittona - dona potiora, praestantiora, either the most valuable in themselves or the most serviceable to others; and these are, in truth, most valuable in themselves, though men may be apt to esteem those most that will raise their fame and esteem highest. Those are truly best by which God will be most honoured and his church edified. Such gifts should be most earnestly coveted. Note, We should desire that most which is best, and most worth. Grace is therefore to be preferred before gifts; and, of gifts, those are to be preferred which are of greatest use. But some read this passage, not as an advice, but a charge: zēloute, You are envious at each other's gifts. In Co1 13:4, the same word is thus translated. You quarrel and contend about them. This they certainly did. And this behaviour the apostle here reprehends, and labours to rectify. Only of pride cometh contention. These contests in the church of Corinth sprang from this original. It was a quarrel about precedency (as most quarrels among Christians are, with whatever pretences they are gilded over); and it is no wonder that a quarrel about precedence should extinguish charity. When all would stand in the first rank, no wonder if they jostle, or throw down, or thrust back, their brethren. Gifts may be valued for their use, but they are mischievous when made the fuel of pride and contention. This therefore the apostle endeavours to prevent. 2. By giving them the hint of a more excellent way, namely, of charity, of mutual love and good-will. This was the only right way to quiet and cement them, and make their gifts turn to the advantage and edification of the church. This would render them kind to each other, and concerned for each other, and therefore calm their spirits, and put an end to their little piques and contests, their disputes about precedency. Those would appear to be in the foremost rank, according to the apostle, who had most of true Christian love. Note, True charity is greatly to be preferred to the most glorious gifts. To have the heart glow with mutual love is vastly better than to glare with the most pompous titles, offices, or powers.