Author: preacherpollard

Truly Forgiving A Brother Who Repents (2:5-11)

Neal Pollard

Through the years, I have handled some public responses from Christians who were repenting of some very public, sometimes very damaging, sins. They had the courage and humility to try and make right and move on from these transgressions in order to be restored to fellowship and the light. Almost always, their spiritual family has rallied around them and assured them of their love and forgiveness. What should happen is that no one holds them hostage to these sins by reminding them of those things or judging that they have not changed when their deeds and fruits say otherwise.

It appears that Paul is writing the church about the man who had his father’s wife (1 Cor. 5:1ff). Paul writes in that first letter that they should “judge” him by delivering “such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 5:3,5). We can assume that not only did they do just that, but that their action worked to bring about the man’s repentance. In 2Corinthians 2:5-11, Paul tells them what should come next. 

FORGIVE AND COMFORT HIM (7)

They had taken the hard steps outlined by Paul (1 Cor. 5), and it brought him back. When he came face to face with his sin, it must have been a harsh reality check. Paul suggests he was wrestling with “excessive sorrow.” Perhaps he had a hard time forgiving himself, so it was vital for the church to let him know they no longer held this against him. As our sin dawns on us, it can be “overwhelming.” We don’t feel worthy or worthwhile, and a forgiving church is God’s antidote for that. 

REAFFIRM YOUR LOVE FOR HIM (8)

One rebounding from sin also does not feel worthy of love. When one has publicly done what is unlovable, the last thing he or she expects is to be shown love. Paul begs them to tangibly, audibly, and visibly reassure this man of their love for him. As “the majority” reminds itself of our own sin and weakness, we will freely embrace and restore one of our number who has repented of sin and weakness. 

BE OBEDIENT IN EVERYTHING (9-10)

Forgiving is a spiritual test. Do you remember what Jesus taught? Jesus gives a parable of a man forgiven of an insurmountable debt who mercilessly refuses to forgive a fellow slave of an infinitely smaller debt. That slave was delivered to the torturers, and Jesus concludes, “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart” (Mat. 18:35). Forgiving the penitent is a command (9) that must be obeyed (10). Remembering this will help us with brethren who personally come to us or publicly repent. 

DON’T BE OUTWITTED BY SATAN (11)

Sometimes the devil’s ploys are more overt and obvious. A man living in sexual sin with his father’s wife is a “no brainer.” At first, the Corinthians knew about it and kept fellowship with him despite the sin (1 Cor. 5:2). When rebuked for this, they stepped up and handled it. Now, this more subtle trick was being employed by Satan. Our adversary is willing to use anything he can to harm our fellowship and unity, and to hurt the cause of Christ. Paul urges them not to allow this by withholding fellowship to one who repented. 

God wants us to be a people willing to deal forthrightly and biblically with “sin in the camp.” But, when one repents, He wants us to be equally willing to reflect God’s full and unreserved loving forgiveness. Encourage them, reassure them, and embrace them. The goal is salvation–theirs and ours. 

Motivations For Teaching Difficult Things (1:12-2:4)

Neal Pollard

It becomes clear from reading this letter that Paul feels the need to defend himself and his actions among the Corinthians. He feared that he had been misunderstood in his previous work among them (cf. 1:12-14). In fact, it seems as though this is the purpose of the letter (look also at 5:11-12). If you remember from the first letter, he had some pretty challenging and unpopular things to say about how they were behaving. It’s not far-fetched to think that some of them not only would not appreciate what he said, but would attack him as the messenger for saying it. 

Sometimes, however lovingly and kindly we share the truth, it will offend the hearer who, instead of repenting, tries to undermine the one who said it.  As we read this section, think of Paul as a man, just like his audience, who has feelings, struggles, difficulties, and temptations, too. He also needed them to know that it was because he cared so much about them that he would not “shrink from declaring to [them] anything that was profitable” (cf. Acts 20:20). What drove Paul to minister to the Corinthians?

THE GRACE OF GOD (12)

He would not boast in himself, whether his abilities or knowledge or influence. Those are empty and unsatisfying. His motives were pure and he was helped by a grace he wanted them to appreciate, too. When we understand our need of God’s grace, it will move us to give Him our all in response. 

THE JUDGMENT DAY OF GOD (13-14)

Paul wanted them to be able to legitimately boast together and of one another at “the day of the Lord” (cf. 5:10). The word “boast” in modern English has negative connotations–bragging, arrogance, and sinful pride. Paul wanted to have confidence in them as they faced this Day, as confident as he hoped they were of him in view of it. We should share the whole counsel of God to make sure people are ready for the most important day of all. 

THE PROMISES OF GOD (20)

He shared the positive and negative, the promises and the warnings, because he knew God meant what He said. He would not equivocate or talk out of both sides of his mouth. He was going to give them “the whole purpose of God” (cf. Acts 20:27). He knew God was the supreme promise-keeper (2 Tim. 4:8; 2 Cor. 5:11-14).

THE GLORY OF GOD (20)

Paul taught them for the glory of God. The Word is God’s. The promises are God’s. The salvation is from God. How silly for the fragile pottery to brag (4:7); the glory belongs to the Potter. Anything worthwhile we accomplish is always because of God. 

THE WORKING OF GOD (21-22)

Paul was moved by the knowledge that God is the one who establishes men (21), sets us apart (21), and gives us His Spirit (22). Knowing this, we should share Him with people so that God can accomplish His work in their lives. 

THE WITNESS OF GOD (23-24)

Wise teachers and preachers will remember that God is watching their work. He can see where no one else can–our hearts and motives. Knowing He knows me inside and out, I will check myself and do His work to bring the joy and strength of our hearers (23-24). 

THE PEOPLE OF GOD (2:1-4)

We should be moved by genuine love and concern for people. Those who share the word should share life with those who receive the word from them. Building relationships, being together in all the ups and downs of life, is what it is all about. It’s hard to imagine staying motivated to share the gospel with people we isolate ourselves from. 

Perhaps there are some preachers and teachers who just love beating up on their listeners (or readers). Motivation is individual to each one (Phil. 1:15-17). I have to believe that every faithful proclaimer wants not only to please God but also help as many people as possible go to heaven. There are so many great reasons why Christians should want to share God’s Word with others. Paul gives us a handful of them here. 

The Causes Of Comfort (1:1-11)

Neal Pollard

Paul decides to follow up on his first letter to the saints at Corinth (cf. 2 Cor. 7:8). He greets them with similar language in both epistles (“the church of God,” “saints,” “grace and peace”), but his purpose in this letter will be very different. This time around, Paul is defending his apostleship, his actions, and his work, while following up to matters and concerns he addressed in the first letter. But the beautiful beginning of this letter stands out as one of the most encouraging greetings in not only the Bible but all of human history. The unmistakeable theme is “comfort.” What are the sources of comfort available to the Christian today?

• GOD THE FATHER (3-4)–“The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort”
• THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN THROUGH AFFLICTION AND UNDERSTAND (4)–When we go through hard times, it makes us suited and equipped to help others who go through the same thing
• CHRIST (5)–Who has endured suffering like Jesus (Heb. 12:1)? Whose comfort is more abundant than His? 
• THOSE WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED SUFFERING (6-10)–Paul saw the many things he went through as a servant of Christ (see 11:23ff) as accomplishing not only the preaching of the gospel but also the means of encouragement and even comfort for other Christians trying to successfully live the Christian life. Out of despair, affliction, threat of death, weakness, and peril came deliverance and hope. Paul and his co-workers, from these experiences, could help these brethren make it. 
• PRAYER (11)–Our own prayers and those others pray for us

We are living in a world that not only gives no comfort, but also steals comfort. Everyone wants courage, cheer, encouragement, and cheering up, and it is available. But we are called to go to the right sources, the very ones Paul identifies at the start of this letter. May we obtain that comfort ourselves, then share it with others. 

Unity In Service (16:1-24)

Neal Pollard

Paul draws his first letter to a close by utilizing the formula he has leaned on throughout, changing subjects with “περί” (7:1,21; 8:1; 12:1). In English, it is often, as here, translated, “Now concerning….” Paul addresses the matter of financial giving (1-4), then moves into ways the church can unite to serve. We will help the church be one when we are engaged in trying to find ways to assist the cause of Christ. When we are idle or insistent on being served, division is usually left in our wake! 

Consider ways Paul says we can be united in service.

Monetarily (1-4). The instructions Paul gives Corinth were those he, as an apostle, was giving to other congregations (1). This shows that these are instructions for all God’s people to follow. His instructions are specific, telling when (first day of the week, 1), how (premeditatedly and as prospered, 2), and why (to systematically meet needs, 2-4). They had brethren beyond their “walls” who were in need, and through their finances they could fellowship them (3). It is beautiful to see the church join hands in common cause, using her resources to bless lives. 

Mission Work (5-9). But, there were needs beyond the financial. As always, Paul was focused on sharing the gospel. To that end, he anticipated stopping by Corinth on his way through Europe on his missionary journey. He hoped to be received and sent by Corinth, but also to spend time strengthening them (6-7). They needed Paul’s message, and they needed to help him spread it to others. One of the most beautiful ways to unite in service is through supporting the spread of the gospel, especially in far off places where access is more limited. 

Ministry (10-12, 15-19). Back in chapters 12-14, as we recall, Paul talked about the spiritual gifts with which every individual is endowed. While those gifts also involved the miraculous, there is a timeless principle here. Several individuals are noted for their individual ministry, which, when combined, meant a body functioning the way God wants it to (12:12,18,25, etc.).

Timothy is involved in preaching and missions along with Paul (10-11). As he will remind Timothy, he reminds Corinth that he should not be despised (11; 1 Tim. 4:12). Since this letter was written before the first epistle to Timothy, one could surmise that he would be despised for his youthfulness. Paul had not long before picked him up in Lystra (Acts 16:1ff). They were to value his efforts. For his part, Apollos was much engaged elsewhere, but would lend his service later (12).

The household of Stephanas, among the first converts in Achaia (cf. Acts 18:12; Achaia along with Macedonia would represent much of first-century Greece), were “devoted” to the ministry of the saints (15). Paul urges Corinth to unite in submission to all men like Stephanas “who helps in the work and labors” (16). Stephanas, with Fortunatus and Achaicus, were ideal examples of what Paul called for in chapters 12-14. They “supplied what was lacking on” Corinth’s part (17). They were of that rare, valuable breed who “refresh the spirits of others” (18). In a letter about unity, is there a more attractive illustration (cf. Psalm 133:1). 

Aquila and Priscilla exemplify the ministry of hospitality, housing the church in Ephesus (19; Acts 18:24-28). Apparently, they were former members of the church in Corinth (Acts 18:1ff), so their greeting would have been impactful. No wonder they greeted Corinth “heartily.”

Each of these individuals who are named exemplify the power and effectiveness of brethren who discover their gifts and put them to use. How Corinth would benefit from imitating these active, fruitful saints! Shouldn’t we look for Christians here that set the tone in serving the Lord? 

Maturing (13-14,22-24). Sprinkled in with his closing (20-21), Paul makes it relevant to Corinth. What could they do to forge unity as a church? Notice the ingredients: vigilance (13), conviction (13), maturity (13–“act like men”), strength (13), and love (14,22; cf. 13:1-13). How do I know if I am spiritually mature or immature, a source of unity or division? Deep down inside, I need to reflect and self-evaluate. What does God supply? Grace (23)!  Do you know what God expects in the face of what He supplies? Love (22)! Lacking that, we are accursed. 

One note on the Aramaic word in verse 22. Ben Witherington, III, writes, “The Aramaic clause maran atha (v. 22b) obviously comes to us from the Aramaic-speaking Christian community, probably in Jerusalem. If we read it as maran atha, which is possible, it would mean ‘our Lord has come.’ Read as marana tha, which seems more likely, it is a prayer: ‘Come, Lord.’ This latter interpretation is supported by what is probably a Greek translation of the clause in Rev. 22:20: ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’ Didache 10.6 also supports the view that this was an early eschatological prayer for the Lord to return” (Conflict And Community In Corinth, 323). 

Let us end our study by considering the most powerful incentive to be united as a church. Jesus is coming. When He does, He will judge the church and the world (1 Pet. 4:17). We want to meet Him as those who have devoted ourselves to serving Him in such a way that the church is strong, vibrant, active, growing, and, most of all, united on the truth of His Word! 

Unity And The Resurrection (Part 1)(15:1-28)

Neal Pollard

Paul once again signals a change in subject, moving on to another area of concern for the Corinthians. This one is a doctrinal question and he uses a slightly different phrase: “Now I make known to you” rather than “Now concerning.” The subject is the heart of the gospel, Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1-4), which transpired “according to the Scriptures” (3-4). In some deep, challenging concepts, Paul explains both the resurrection of Christ and our eventual bodily resurrection. Some form of the word “raised” is found 22 times in this chapter. What does Paul discuss?

THE TESTIMONY CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION (1-11)

Starting with the resurrection of Christ, Paul lays out the witnesses to His resurrected body. He lists Cephas, the twelve, 500 brethren at once, James, all the apostles, then to Paul (5-8). Notice the solid nature of these witnesses. It was diverse, meaning He appeared to individuals, small groups, and very large groups. It was sequential, meaning several different occasions over time. It was representative rather than exhaustive, as the gospels reveal even more resurrection appearances (Luke 24; Matt. 28; Mark 16; John 20-21). It was verifiable, as many of these witnesses were still alive when Paul wrote this letter. Bonafide, corroborating witnesses confirmed the truth of the resurrection. Corinth (and we) should be united in the belief that Jesus is raised from the dead (11). One footnote within the list of witnesses is the insight of Paul’s ongoing struggle with his sinful past which he rejoices to know was overcome by the wonderful grace of God (8-10).

THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE RESURRECTION (12-19)

Some among the Corinthians taught that there is no resurrection (12). Certainly it is a teaching that requires faith, but denying the resurrection has some catastrophic consequences. These adversely affect both believers and unbelievers. Without the resurrection, unbelievers have no reasonable explanation about our origin, purpose, or destiny. But, if there is no resurrection, the believer is most devastated (19). What follows, if these naysayers are correct? If no resurrection, Christ is not raised (13). If Christ is not raised, our preaching is vain (14), our faith is vain (14), testifiers to His resurrection are false witnesses (15), our faith is worthless (17), we’re still in our sins (17), saints who have already died have perished (18), and we are of all men most to be pitied (19). Life and death are pretty miserable and pointless without the resurrection of Christ and our own bodily resurrection. Death wins. 

THE CEREMONY AT THE RESURRECTION (20-28)

Paul begins this paragraph with a note of triumph, asserting, “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep” (20). Then, Paul takes us momentarily to the second coming, the general resurrection, and the end (23-24). What will happen then? We will all be made alive (22). Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father (24). He will have abolished all rule, authority, and power (24). His reign will end at the subjugation of all enemies, last of which is death (25-28). As the song says, “What a day, glorious day, that will be!” Nothing we have ever seen will prepare us for what will happen “at His coming.” And Paul is not done describing that incredible moment, which we will see in the second half of the chapter. 

Keep in mind that Paul is teaching and clarifying about the resurrection for a central purpose, to unite Christians around the heart of the gospel. It is the foundation of our hope. It helps us endure the most difficult trials of life. Peter says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3). Amen! 

Unity And Spiritual Gifts (Part 4)(14:20-40)

Neal Pollard

Paul concludes the lengthiest discussion of this letter with some final appeals to the Corinthians to use their gifts to be united rather than divided. The underlying principle in these final words is “order.” The disorderly way they were handling these gifts inevitably caused strife and difficulty for them. Paul suggests several principles that would help them conquer the chaos.

MATURITY (20)

Paul lays the groundwork for their success in properly exercising spiritual gifts by saying, “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature” (20). Immaturity is the enemy of church growth and of the fulfillment of all of the Lord’s will.  Selfish thinking, whether self-promotion or self-interest, shifts the focus to the individual member and away from the body. Without mature thinking, there will not be mature acting. 

PRIORITY (21-25)

When one is focused on self-importance, he or she will not be able to properly see others. Of course, this happens at the expense of fellow-Christians, but it also adversely impacts non-Christians who may be at the assemblies. Paul reminds them that their gifts were exercised to persuade unbelievers (22). God wants the unbeliever to be convicted (24) and moved to obedience (25). He accomplishes this through His people’s stewardship of their gifts. Though we live after the age of miraculous spiritual gifts, we still should be mindful of how we exercise our gifts in the potential presence of non-Christians. Don’t let them be invisible to you, but be sensitive to them and act accordingly. Their souls are so important, we must use our gifts to bring them to Christ. We want them to declare “that God is certainly among you” (25). 

HUMILITY (26-39)

Paul reiterates something he has just said repeatedly (3-5, 12,17): “Let all things be done for edification” (26). This necessitates putting the needs of others above one’s own interests. Isn’t that hard to do? Paul says to submit your own opportunities and abilities to the needs of the body. You might notice that Paul says “keep silent” three times, to three groups–the tongue-speaker with no interpreter (28), a prophet while another prophet is giving revelation (30), and women (34). The reasons are different for each group, but the principle is the same. God has rules and desires order. That’s infinitely more important than what we might desire. God wants one’s gifts to be exercised for the learning and exhortation of all (31,35) and for peace to triumph over confusion (33). That requires me to get myself out of His way so that He can accomplish His will. 

PROPRIETY (40)

Paul sums up, saying, “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” That’s two elements. Am I doing what is right? Am I doing it in the right way? This is knowledge and application. Some don’t know any better. Others know better, but they don’t do better. Both deficiencies must be addressed. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts. They are not to show people how spiritual or special we are. They are to edify the church, evangelize the lost, and exalt God. If we keep this in mind, we will achieve the unity that God so jealously desires.

Unity And Spiritual Gifts (Part 3)(14:1-19)

Neal Pollard

It is pretty easy to break down the focus of Paul’s message in these 19 verses. In a nutshell, Paul is telling Corinth that prophecy and tongues are for the edification of the church. What was to move this was “love” (1). Not surprisingly, given that tongue-speaking might seem more exotic or impressive, the Corinthians seemed to put higher regard on that gift than the others. Paul makes the point that prophecy is superior to tongue-speaking for multiple reasons. By itself, tongue-speaking does not communicate to men (1-2), but prophecy did (3). Tongue-speaking edified only the speaker, but prophecy edified the whole church (4). Tongue-speaking required an interpreter, but prophecy didn’t (5-14). His summary of this contrast is: “In the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue” (19). 

We may wonder where the application is for us in our age of post-miraculous gifts. What can we take away from this section of Scripture since we have neither prophets nor tongue-speakers today. Notice how Paul’s words are relevant to us in the church today. 

BEWARE OF PRIDE

How were some regarding their gifts? In verse 20, he is going to suggest that they were being childish about these gifts. Chapter 12 shows that they were considering some gifts as “less honorable” and “more presentable” (23). Is it possible for us to do that today? Do we vaunt song leaders, preachers, teachers, and other more visible talents and have less regard for other ministries and works? We should not. Every single effort done for the glory of God and the advancement of His cause is equally vital and honorable.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE DESIRABLE

Paul is not saying they shouldn’t desire these spiritual gifts. In fact, the opposite is true (1, 12). Their mishandling or improperly viewing them did not nullify their need to engage in them. The Lord doesn’t want us on the sideline, burying our talent. He takes a dim view of that approach, doesn’t He (cf. Mat. 25:14-30). Do what you do best, but don’t fall prey to comparing your gift to someone else’s. That’s a false standard of measurement. “God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired” (12:18).

IT’S ALL ABOUT EDIFICATION

Why exercise spiritual gifts in the first place? Paul tells us. It is for edification and exhortation and consolation (3). The aim is to edify the whole church (4). The aim is “that the church may receive edifying” (5). He implores, “Seek to abound for the edification of the church” (12). It is failure if what you do results in that “the other person is not edified” (17). We do not have to guess what is at the heart of Paul’s concern here. He reveals it repeatedly. 

Isn’t it easy for us to lose sight of the purpose of our mission and identity even as we do “church work”? Sometimes, works and ministries are begun to achieve edification but somewhere along the way we forget that. Isn’t it ironic that Martha was part of the commendable choice to have Jesus in her home, but she lost sight of what was most important very quickly. It wasn’t about the serving, but about listening to His word (Luke 10:38-42). 

The Active Ingredient In Unity (13:1-13)

Neal Pollard

In biology and especially pharmacology, the term “active ingredient” is used to describe the substance of the product. Inactive ingredients may help to deliver the drug, pesticide, drink, household product, but it is the active ingredient that makes the product effective. According to Paul, if the product is unity then love is the active ingredient. It makes unity happen. He tells the Ephesians to be found “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:2-3). In the midst of discussing spiritual gifts, he speaks of what makes such work to produce unity. In a word, it’s “love.”

LOVE’S DEFICIENCY (1-3)?

Paul pulls from the list of spiritual gifts to give examples of what happens when you exercise those gifts without love. It is surprising to see that they do the “exerciser” no good, if they do what they do in a loveless fashion. The Corinthians reveled in their ability to speak in tongues, to prophesy, and to help others through their miraculous means (see 12:28-30), but even such impressive gifts were empty and meaningless without love. Today, my talents and abilities, my time and money, all my resources, given and used to do so much good, does me no good if I do it without love. 

LOVE’S DEFINITION (4-8a)?

Maybe the Corinthians claimed to be exercising these gifts in love, but Paul defines this “more excellent way” (12:31). Love is not what we say or claim; love is measured by what we do. Love is an action, with at least 15 characteristics. Are you impatient? Unkind? Jealous? Arrogant? Unbecoming? Self-seeking? Etc. If you are characterized in these ways, you do not have love. Love demonstrates itself through specific behaviors. 

LOVE’S DURABILITY (8-13)

Ironically, these gifts that made them arrogant or jealous were temporary. They would be done away with (8), They would cease (8). They were partial (9). They were equated with “childish things” (11). They were dim (12). By implication, they would not abide (13). These miraculous spiritual gifts served their purpose of bringing us perfect knowledge. We have that in the revelation of God’s Word. It causes faith in and obedience to Christ. But outlasting those temporary gifts were faith, hope, and love. We still have those today though the exercise of miraculous spiritual gifts are past-tense. Yet, of those three qualities, love is superior to them. When faith becomes sight and hope is realized, we will still have love. Paul urges them (and us) to aspire to the things that last, that last longer even than what we bring to the table in God’s kingdom with our minds, our hands, and our other resources. 

Unity And Spiritual Gifts (Part 2)(12:13-31)

Neal Pollard

Sometimes, when you are reading a paragraph or section of Scripture, the theme of it is so clear it virtually screams out to you. 18 times, Paul mentions the spiritual “body” and 12 times he uses the word “one.” Paul’s decided emphasis, in this discussion of spiritual gifts, is Christ’s “one body.” In a book for unity and against division, this makes sense. But nowhere in the letter does he drive this home more pointedly. Individual spiritual gifts are not about the individual; it is always about the one body! Notice:

• This one body has many members (12)
• We are each baptized into one body (13)
• The one body is many members (14)
• God has placed each one in the one body (15-19)
• There are many members, but one body (20)

This is in addition to other ways Paul directs his readers back to the unity that should exist among all the members in this one body. If we miss everything else that Paul says here, we must not miss this! 

What does Paul tell us about the exercise of spiritual gifts in the body to help further his overall theme of unity?

UNITY IN THE SPIRITUAL BODY IS LIKE UNITY IN THE PHYSICAL BODY

Paul starts the paragraph with a simile likening a literal, physical body to the church. All the individual body parts come together to make the body work (12). Each individual body part has its unique function to serve, no one less vital than another (14-17). The body is set up by divine design (18). A body would look strange with only one body part (imagine an entire body that was just one big nose?!)(19). How strange if one body part told another body part it was unneeded or unnecessary (21)! Body parts that are less emphasized or visible are still essential (23-24). The body is very empathetic toward itself (watch how other body parts get involved when we hit our thumb with a hammer–eyes, hand, and even mouth get involved in consoling it!)(25-26). 

GOD HAS A CREATION PROCESS FOR PLACING MEMBERS IN THE BODY (13)

Just as God used the laws of creation at the beginning of time to establish or determine a physical body (Gen. 1:24-28), He has a law of “new creation.” One is formed as a body part in the body of Christ through baptism (13). This is just one of many compelling reasons why baptism is necessary. It puts one into Christ’s body (cf. Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 10:2). It is a universal law, for anyone and everyone who will. 

PAUL’S APPLICATION OF THE ILLUSTRATION TO THE CHURCH (27-31)

How does Paul drive home the point for his discussion on spiritual gifts? “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it” (27). What does that mean for whatever function or ability you possess? In the miraculous age, God had not only different offices but needed all of them to exist (note the seven categories in verse 28). No matter that we do not still have apostles or miraculous healers. What’s the point? Everyone is not the same and does not have the same gifts and responsibilities (29-30). Instead of envying what others can do or have been asked to do, we rejoice and suffer with each other as needed (26). 

Lest we think that we are missing out since we cannot miraculously speak a language we’ve never studied or prophesied or worked a miracle, Paul tells us that there is “a still more excellent way” (31). Spoiler alert: it is a way accessible to us today! What a joy when it is present and what a tragedy when it is not! More about that when we turn to the next chapter.