Romans 12:5

5 so we, 1who are many, are 2one body in Christ, and individually * members one of another.

Romans 12:5 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 12:5

So we being many are one body in Christ
This is the application of the above simile. The chosen of God, the redeemed of Christ, and those that are justified by his righteousness, and sanctified by his Spirit; though they are but few in comparison of the men of the world, but considered in themselves are many, and yet make up but one body, the church, of which Christ is the head: and though this general assembly; or church universal, may be distinguished into several congregational churches, and distinct communities, yet each community, consisting of divers persons, is but one body "in Christ", united and knit together by joints and bands, under him their head, Lord, and King; in him, and not in Caesar, or any earthly monarch, to distinguish this body from bodies politic, or any civil community among men:

and everyone members one of another;
as in union with Christ their head, so to one another in love, walking in holy fellowship together, sympathizing with, and serving each other.

Romans 12:5 In-Context

3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;
7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;

Cross References 2

  • 1. 1 Corinthians 10:17, 33
  • 2. 1 Corinthians 12:20, 27; Ephesians 4:12, 25
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