What does Paul say he has done with the church in relation to Christ?
Paul writes that he is jealous over the church with a godly jealousy because he has espoused her to one husband, Christ. He did this so he might present the church as a chaste, pure virgin to Christ, a picture of the bride of Christ.
Les teaches that Paul is writing to Gentile believers, members of the Body of Christ, and says he is jealous over them with a godly jealousy. Paul has espoused the church to one husband, Christ, so that he may present her as a chaste, pure virgin to Christ. Les calls this a beautiful picture, explaining it is why the bride is depicted in Revelation as clothed in linen, bright and white and clean, because of the concept of a virgin bride and her purity. Les also notes this espousal reflects the ancient cultural habit where parents would literally pair the children, quite contrary to the way we do things today.
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
More Questions
Why did Paul say he had espoused the church to one husband?
Paul’s purpose in espousing the church to one husband was to present her as a chaste or pure virgin to Christ.