BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

In many ancient (and modern) religious systems, worshipers focus largely on their personal relationship with the deity. Temple rituals, sacrifices, and other acts of homage secure the individual’s good standing with the gods. Everyone does their own thing to make that happen.

When Jesus followers gather for worship, Paul says, it’s never about doing your own thing. To love God is to love others, so gatherings should not be filled with individuals asserting themselves over others. The ecclesia—a Greek word for “gathering,” translated as “church”—is not a competition, it’s a fellowship.

Whether it’s about the clothing they wear, the Lord’s Supper they share, or the spiritual gifts they bear, Paul says the same. Respect one another. You Corinthians are a body in Christ.

Take turns leading when praying aloud and prophesying. Avoid dressing or sporting hairstyles that disrupt peaceful relationships. Avoid behavior that creates disorder. Men and women mutually depend on each other. You all belong to the same body.

In Paul’s day, the Lord’s Supper was a full meal. However, dinner guests customarily sat according to social rank, with the “honorable” receiving the best food, and the “lessers” getting scraps. Though it was the Lord’s Supper, the rich would eat their fill and let the poor go hungry. In this way, rich Corinthians opposed Jesus. Paul encourages generous, mutual sharing. You all belong to the same body.

Live the same way in terms of spiritual gifts, Paul says. Some claim that their spiritual gifts are more important than others. But God’s gifts do not give anyone a higher status. Everyone benefits when each person uses their gifts. You all belong to the same body.

Whatever divisions they face, the Gospel bridges them, uniting men and women, rich and poor, slave and free, into one fellowship—Jesus’ one body.

Reflection Questions

• Meditate on Paul’s use of the body metaphor to describe the church. How does this metaphor encourage unity within the church? What does it reveal about the value of diversity?
• Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 carefully. How are the Corinthians abusing the Lord’s Supper? How might following Jesus’ original instructions for this meal counter the divisions within the Corinthian church?