What is the Body of Christ according to 1 Corinthians 12?
The Body of Christ is the many members compiled into one whole, united in Christ. Each member—foot, hand, ear, or eye—belongs to the body and has a place of function. The whole functions together to use and energize the body, so no member is excluded for differing from another.
Les explains that the Body of Christ is a compilation of the many into one whole. He stresses the oneness believers share in Christ: wherever they go, if they enter a little fellowship of believers, they are never strangers. The text uses all the bodily members—foot, hand, ear, and eye—to show that a member does not stop being part of the body just because it is not another member. The foot is where it belongs, and it has a place of function; the ear and eye likewise belong. The whole thing functions together for the purpose of using and energizing the body. Les notes that this illustration is pushed to the edge of being ridiculous to get people's attention and make them think.