There are several Biblical expressions which refer to God’s people. Of course one of the most common is church (Matthew 16:18). The focus of this article is on
the use of the term “body.”
That the term “body” is used in reference to the church is clear. Paul said, “And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:22,23). The term body might suggest the following:
(1) ONE HEAD. Jesus “is the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18). It is Jesus that gives the church its direction.
(2) MANY MEMBERS. “For as the body is one, and hath many members” (I Corinthians 12:12).
(3) COMPLETE COOPERATION. With the physical body, its many members work together for a common purpose or goal. Even the simple task of picking up this pen requires a cooperative action of the heart, lungs, nerves, bones and muscles. So in the church complete cooperation is necessary. Read I Corinthians 12:15-24.
(4) CONCERN FOR THE OTHER MEMBERS. “ . . . that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer,all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it” (I Corinthians 12:25-26).
Let us strive to be a united body of Christ, following the lead of our Saviour, having cooperation within the body and concern for one another.
– Steve Housley
Steve Housley has been the pulpit minister of the Eastern Meadows Church of Christ since November, 1987.
