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Verse Takeaways
1
Diversity is Essential
Commentators explain that Paul's question is rhetorical to make a clear point: a body cannot exist if it's made of only one part. Likewise, the church requires a variety of gifts, roles, and people to function. If everyone were the same, there would be no 'body' of Christ, just what John Calvin calls a 'useless heap.'
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Book Overview
1 Corinthians
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On 1 Corinthians 12:19
18th Century
Theologian
And if all were one member. If there were nothing but an eye, an ear, or a limb, there would be no body. The idea which this seems intende…
AT Robertson
On 1 Corinthians 12:19
One member (εν μελος). Paul applies the logic of verse 17 to any member of the body. The application to members of the church is o…
Charles Spurgeon
On 1 Corinthians 12:18–21
19th Century
Preacher
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? B…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 1 Corinthians 12:19
Paul now emphasizes the necessity of having diversity in a body for it to operate as one. Each part (such as the eye or the ear) must be willing to…
John Calvin
On 1 Corinthians 12:19
16th Century
Theologian
If all were one member: He means that God has not acted randomly, or without good reason, in assigning different gifts to the members of t…
John Gill
On 1 Corinthians 12:19
17th Century
Pastor
And if they were all one member
As all eye, or all ear, or all hand, or all foot: where were the body<…
Matthew Henry
On 1 Corinthians 12:12–26
17th Century
Minister
Christ and His church form one body, as Head and members. Christians become members of this body by baptism. The outward rite is of divine institut…