1 Corinthians 12:25

That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another.

That {G3363} there should be {G5600} no {G3363} schism {G4978} in {G1722} the body {G4983}; but {G235} that the members {G3196} should have {G3309} the same {G846} care {G3309} one for {G5228} another {G240}.

So that there will be no disagreements within the body, but rather all the parts will be equally concerned for all the others.

so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another.

that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

Commentary

1 Corinthians 12:25 is a foundational verse in Paul's teaching on the nature and function of the church, emphasizing unity and mutual care within the diverse "body of Christ."

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians 12 where the Apostle Paul addresses issues of disunity and misunderstanding regarding spiritual gifts within the Corinthian church. The Corinthians were struggling with pride, envy, and divisions, often valuing certain gifts over others. To counter this, Paul employs the powerful analogy of the human body, illustrating that just as a physical body has many different parts, each with a unique function, so too does the church, which is the Body of Christ. Verses 14-24 elaborate on how even the "weaker" or "less honorable" parts are indispensable, highlighting the interdependence of all members.

Key Themes

  • Unity in Diversity: The verse directly commands against "schism," or division, within the church. It underscores that despite the variety of spiritual gifts and roles, all believers are interconnected and essential to the whole.
  • Mutual Care and Interdependence: The positive command, "that the members should have the same care one for another," highlights the active responsibility each believer has to look out for, support, and value fellow members. This mutual concern is the antidote to division and fosters a healthy, functioning spiritual community.
  • Anti-Division: Paul strongly opposes any form of internal strife, competition, or separation that would tear apart the church. The health of the body depends on the harmonious functioning of all its parts.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "schism" here is schisma (σχίσμα), which literally means a "tear" or "rent," like a tear in cloth. In this context, it signifies a division, dissension, or faction within the church. It's a powerful word choice, implying that disunity is a tearing apart of what should be whole and unified. The word for "care" is merimna (μέριμνα), implying a thoughtful concern or anxious solicitude, here used in a positive sense of genuine, active concern for others' well-being, rather than a self-focused anxiety.

Practical Application

This verse remains profoundly relevant for the church today. It calls believers to:

  • Value Every Member: Recognize and appreciate the unique contributions of every individual in the church, regardless of their perceived prominence or the "visibility" of their gift.
  • Practice Selfless Concern: Actively pursue the well-being of others, demonstrating the agape love described in 1 Corinthians 13. This means listening, empathizing, supporting, and serving one another.
  • Guard Against Division: Be vigilant against attitudes of pride, envy, or judgment that lead to cliques, factions, or disunity within the Christian community. Instead, strive for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
  • Embrace Interdependence: Understand that no member is an island; we need each other to fully function as the Body of Christ and fulfill God's purposes on earth.

In essence, 1 Corinthians 12:25 is a timeless call to unity, empathy, and mutual responsibility, ensuring that the church functions as a healthy, harmonious organism reflecting God's design.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 13:11 (13 votes)

    ¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:10 (10 votes)

    ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:12 (10 votes)

    Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

  • John 17:21 (9 votes)

    That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

  • John 17:26 (9 votes)

    And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:16 (6 votes)

    ¶ But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:3 (5 votes)

    For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?