1 Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

For {G1063}{G2532} by {G1722} one {G1520} Spirit {G4151} are {G907} we {G2249} all {G3956} baptized {G907} into {G1519} one {G1520} body {G4983}, whether {G1535} we be Jews {G2453} or {G1535} Gentiles {G1672}, whether {G1535} we be bond {G1401} or {G1535} free {G1658}; and {G2532} have been {G4222} all {G3956} made to drink {G4222} into {G1519} one {G1520} Spirit {G4151}.

For it was by one Spirit that we were all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free; and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Commentary

This powerful verse from 1 Corinthians 12 emphasizes the foundational unity of all believers in Christ, regardless of their background or social status.

Context

Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, which was struggling with divisions, partly related to the exercise of spiritual gifts. In chapter 12, he uses the metaphor of the human body to explain how different parts (believers with various gifts) function together in unity under one head, which is Christ. Verse 13 serves as the theological basis for this unity, explaining how individuals are brought into this collective 'body'. It follows verses that discuss the diverse manifestations of the Spirit and precedes the detailed explanation of the body metaphor.

Key Themes

  • Unity in the Spirit: The verse highlights that the source of the church's unity is the single work of the Holy Spirit.
  • Baptism into the Body: It describes a spiritual baptism performed by the Spirit, which incorporates believers into the one body of Christ, the church. This is distinct from water baptism, though related in symbolism.
  • Diversity Overcome: The verse explicitly states that this spiritual baptism transcends traditional divisions, whether ethnic (Jews or Gentiles) or social/economic (bond or free), establishing equality in Christ. This echoes themes found elsewhere in Paul's letters regarding unity across diverse groups.
  • Shared Spiritual Life: The phrase "made to drink into one Spirit" reinforces the idea of all believers sharing in the same life-giving Spirit, being nourished and sustained by Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "baptized" is baptizo (βαπτίζω), which means to immerse or identify with. Here, it signifies a spiritual immersion by the Spirit that unites believers with Christ and with each other in His body. The phrase "made to drink" comes from potizo (ποτίζω), meaning to give drink or nourish. This parallel phrase emphasizes the vital, shared sustenance and life that all believers receive from the Holy Spirit, reinforcing the theme of profound spiritual union and dependence.

Significance and Application

This verse is fundamental to understanding the nature of the church as a unified entity. It teaches that our primary identity as believers is found in our shared relationship with Christ and our incorporation into His body by the Holy Spirit, not in our worldly distinctions. For believers today, it is a powerful reminder to value and pursue unity within the church, actively working against divisions based on race, social class, nationality, or any other human category. It calls us to recognize that we are all dependent on the same Spirit for life, growth, and service, and that this shared spiritual reality is more significant than our differences.

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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 4:5 (13 votes)

    One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

  • Colossians 3:11 (11 votes)

    Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

  • Galatians 3:28 (9 votes)

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

  • John 7:37 (9 votes)

    ¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

  • John 7:39 (9 votes)

    (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

  • 1 Peter 3:21 (7 votes)

    ¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

  • Romans 6:3 (6 votes)

    Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?