Where does Paul first introduce the concept of the Body of Christ in his writings?
Paul first introduces the concept of the Body of Christ later in Ephesians chapter 4, which the transcript calls the first time in his writings. This Body is the invisible makeup of all believers baptized into Christ, in which every individual has a particular role and place of service.
Les explains that later in chapter 4, Paul introduces this concept for the first time in his writings. He describes the Body of Christ as invisible from the human element—the makeup of all believers who have been baptized into that Body. Les says it will be laid out more graphically at the beginning of verse 12. In this Body, every individual has a particular role; every believer has been saved for a particular place of service. He illustrates that a housebound lady can be a prayer warrior, accomplishing more for God unseen than many evangelists going from pulpit to pulpit. Les emphasizes believers are not to beg for a particular gift; it must be discerned and given as the Holy Spirit wills, not as we determine.
For 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.
More Questions
What is the Body of Christ and who makes it up?
The Body of Christ is invisible from the human element and is made up of all the believers who have been baptized into that Body of Christ.
Why is 'body of Christ' called a Pauline term?
In Paul's writings, especially 1 Corinthians 12, the phrase 'body of Christ' is a Pauline term that Paul uses.
What does Scripture teach about the body of Christ?
Contrary to those who ridicule the body of Christ as an invisible entity, Scripture, especially Paul's writings, teaches that believers are members of the body of Christ, with Christ as head in heaven and believers as the body still on earth.