That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
Read it in contextOne body with many members
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 12:12 (1 Corinthians 12:12 to 1 Corinthians 12:26).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The body image corrects both feelings of inferiority and claims of independence, showing why every member's welfare matters to all.
12:12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
12:13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
12:14For the body is not one member, but many.
12:15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
12:16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
12:17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
12:18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
12:19And if they were all one member, where were the body?
12:20But now are they many members, yet but one body.
12:21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
12:22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
12:23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
12:24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
12:25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
12:26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 11:1–14:40): Paul instructs the Corinthian congregation about worship, the Lord's supper, spiritual gifts, love, and orderly participation in the assembly. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? One body with many members. Read 1 Corinthians 12:12 through 1 Corinthians 12:26 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The body image corrects both feelings of inferiority and claims of independence, showing why every member's welfare matters to all. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul addresses current reports and questions from Corinth and discusses planned travel. The letter does not provide a calendar date; 1 Corinthians 16:8 names Ephesus in his plans. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The church addressed is in Corinth. Ephesus is named in Paul's intended stay, while the discussion also recalls Israel's wilderness and other settings. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in One body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:12 to 1 Corinthians 12:26).
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 12:12. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul centers the message on Christ crucified and risen and describes the church's life in relation to Him. The resurrection discussion is essential to the letter's account of Christian hope. See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Let worship, spiritual gifts, liberty, and conduct serve love and the edification of others. Read corrections in light of the specific problems being addressed and retain the warnings against falling. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 12
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul establishes the source and purpose of spiritual manifestations, preventing differences in gifts from becoming grounds for divided allegiance.
Connection to the wholeThe body image corrects both feelings of inferiority and claims of independence, showing why every member's welfare matters to all.
Connection to the wholeThe closing questions emphasize different functions and introduce the discussion of love that governs the gifts in chapter 13.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.