WHICH EPISTLE CONTAINS THE FAMOUS ANALOGY OF THE CHURCH AS THE “BODY OF CHRIST” AND THE MEMBERS AS INDIVIDUAL PARTS

• A. 1 Corinthians ✓
• B. Romans
• C. Galatians
• D. Colossians

The answer to the question is: A. 1 Corinthians

The famous analogy of the Church as the “body of Christ” and the members as individual parts is found in the New Testament book of 1 Corinthians. The apostle Paul uses this analogy to illustrate the interconnectedness and interdependence of believers within the Christian community, emphasizing the importance of each member’s unique role and function within the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the Christian community in Corinth, addressing various issues and providing guidance on matters such as spiritual gifts, love, and the resurrection. In chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians, Paul employs the analogy of the human body to convey the idea that just as a body is made up of many parts with different functions, so too is the Church composed of diverse individuals with distinct roles and gifts. He emphasizes that each member is essential for the proper functioning and well-being of the entire body, highlighting the unity and mutual support that should characterize the Christian community.

This analogy has become a central metaphor in Christian theology and ecclesiology, shaping understandings of communal identity, diversity, and cooperation within the Church.