The Body of Christ: How to Mine the Metaphor for All Its Wealth
Today, we’re going to look at the metaphor of the “Body of Christ” that is used many times in the New Testament. We’ll talk about:
- The different ways this metaphor gets used.
- What it means most frequently.
- Examples of how / when it’s used – and by whom.
- What we can learn by considering “The body of Christ” in various contexts as we study. And more!
Eliminating Meaningless Lingo One Christian at a Time
In Christianity, there can be a lot of “lingo.” Some of it is social, but a lot of it has Biblical roots. Digging deeper into these origins can help us make sure that 1) we don’t misuse them and 2) we really are able to connect in a deeper way with what it is that’s being communicated.
At the end, I’ll walk you through some simple questions you can ask yourself when you come across “the body of Christ” metaphor both in the scriptures and in conversation or other reading. You’ll be able to make sure you’re honoring and digesting its full Biblical meaning whenever you encounter it.
So, let’s jump in!
The Big Ideas and Helpful Highlights
Four Different Uses for The Body of Christ
There are four main ways this metaphor gets used in the Bible. They’re all in the New Testament (which makes sense if you give it a second), and all but one (noted below) are attributed to Paul.
- The physical body of Christ, as in the human person, Jesus
- The bread at the Lord’s supper
- The temple of God (one reference in John 2:21)
- The community of Christian believers
Being aware of these different uses is important when you encounter this phrase. That said, “the body of Christ” is most frequently used as a metaphor for the community of Christian believers. For that reason, most of the discussion in today’s teaching centers around that concept.
A Common Contemporary Concept
Paul did not come up with this metaphor on his own. In fact, there are many instances of philosophical writers of his day using the metaphor of the body to represent a group or gathered collection of people. Seneca, Philo, Aurelias, and other contemporaries of both Paul and Jesus used this metaphor.
The Body of Christ: Examples from Scripture
- Colossians 1:18–19 (CEB)
- 18He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the one who is firstborn from among the dead so that he might occupy the first place in everything.
- Colossians 2:18–19 (NRSV)
- 18Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking, 19and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God.
- Ephesians 4:15–16 (CEB)
- 15Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ, 16who is the head. The whole body grows from him, as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part.
As you’ll see, these verses make use not only of the phrase “the body of Christ,” but also of the visual and conceptual ideas behind the metaphor.
Considering the Physical Body for New Insight
If we stop and consider what the head on our actual bodies represents and does, we can easily access some big ideas within these scriptures.
The head is essential. A person can lose a finger, or an arm, or leg, and while they will experiences differences in how their physical body functions and looks, they continue to live and exist. The head, however, is different. Without the head, the arms, legs, and trunk do not carry on. The head is essential.
Jesus, always portrayed as the head when it is specified in the metaphor, is essential to the continued viability of the church. Without a connection to, direction from, and engagement with the head, the body dies.
While this might seem obvious (and in some ways, is obvious!), spending time with this metaphor can expand our perspectives. We can find new lines of inquiry rising in our minds. My FREE download, “5 Practices for Engaging Bible Study” can help explore and expand on those curiosities. Don’t miss it.
How Considering “the Body of Christ” Helps You Read the Bible Better
Exploring the metaphor behind “the body of Christ” is a great example of how a slower pace, thoughtful consideration, and permission to explore can come together for big insight, big spark, and a lot of fun!
You don’t need to study anatomy to take new ideas from this concept – although it might help come up with even new layers! Spend some time meditating on what the Spirit might want to share with you from this idea, and enjoy. This is a book for us!
How to Learn Even More as You Read
If you like digging into the details, you will love my FREE Guide, “11 Steps to Meaningful Word Study.” This step-by-step download will guide you through word study, provide free resources, and help you avoid common word study mistakes. Download yours for free today!
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