1 Corinthians 12:12 - Exposition

As the body is one, and hath many members. To this favourite image St. Paul reverts several times ( Romans 12:4 , Romans 12:5 ; Ephesians 4:11-16 ; Colossians 2:19 ). It is probable that he was familiar with the image from the fable of Menenius Agrippa, who had used it as a plea for civil unity (Liv., 2:32). So also is Christ. Christ and the Church form one body, of which Christ is the Head; one Vine, of which Christians are the branches ( John 15:1-27 .); one building, of which Christians are the living stones.