1 Corinthians 12:12-31

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• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition and sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • "Unity and Community," Comparative World Scriptures from United Communities of Spirit.
  • Comparative texts about Baptism: Water & Spirit from DSS, Josephus, Babylonian Talmud. At (Rutgers University Dept of Religion) Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus companion to the historical study of Christian texts.
  • "Two as One," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • Chapter XXXVII of The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Clement of Rome (ca. 96).
  • Chapter XI The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians, Polycarp of Smyrna (c 115).
  • III.XXIV.1, IV.XXVI.5, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180) 
  • I.6, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • I.19, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • Chapter X, Considering Repentance,  Tertullian (c. 203)
  • Chapter IX, On the Resurrection of the Flesh,  Tertullian (c. 211)
  • V.8, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 212)
  • Chapter VI, On Modesty, Tertullian (c. 217)
  • X.20, X.23, Commentary on the Gospel of John, Philocalia [anthology of Origen prepared by St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen], Origen. (c.230)
  • XI.15, XIII.24, XIV.1, XIV.17, XIV.23, Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Origen. (c.247)
  • Epistle XI -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 250)
  • Epistle LI -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 252)
  • Epistle LIX -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 253)
  • From the Geneva Notes. (c. 1599)
    • "The applying of the similitude. So must we also think, he says, of the mystical body of Christ: for all we who believe, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, are by one person by the same baptism, joined together with our head, that by that means, there may be framed one body compact of many members. And we have drunk one self same spirit, that is to say, a spiritual feeling, perseverance and motion common to us all out of one cup."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "There must be a distinction of members in the body. So Christ's members have different powers and different places. We should do the duties of our own place, and not murmur, or quarrel with others."
  • From Wesley's Notes. John Wesley (1703-1791).
    • "Perhaps the foot may represent private Christians; the hand, officers in the church; the eye, teachers; the ear, hearers."
  • On Schism (1 Cor 12:25). Sermon by John Wesley.
  • The More Excellent Way (1 Cor 12:31). Sermon by John Wesley (1703-1791).
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "Unity, not unvarying uniformity, is the law of God in the world of grace, as in that of nature. As the many members of the body compose an organic whole and none can be dispensed with as needless, so those variously gifted by the Spirit, compose a spiritual organic whole, the body of Christ, into which all are baptized by the one Spirit."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "No member could claim that it was not of the body because it is not the eye, the ear, or some other organ. Each is a part, each necessary, each set where God pleased, and all taken together make up the body."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Karoline Lewis, at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2010.
    • "Being a member of the body of Christ means an absolute, out-and-out conjoining of one with the other, a sister or brother in Christ."
  • "First Thoughts on Passages on Year C Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Epiphany 3, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Paul challenges us to see ourselves as the embodiment of Christ in the world, not primarily as individuals but as local communities, yet belonging also to a larger whole."
  • Lectionary Commentary, 1 Corinthians 12:14-27, Michael Lomax, The African American Lectionary, 2009.
    • "Regardless of the labels, categories and hierarchies outside of the church, within the church, we are all one body. It is this “oneness” that provides a space for difference."
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "Teaching as a Christian Vocation," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Schools in a Pluralist Culture" Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2009. Focus Article, "Spiritual Nourishment for Teachers," Sheila Rogers Gloer. (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)
  • "Beginning at the End," Confessing Jesus as Lord: Selected Epistles (Epiphany to Palm Sunday), David Fredrickson, Word & World Texts in Context, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1998.
  • "Showing the Body: Reflections on 1 Corinthians 12 - 13 for Epiphany," Dennis Ormseth, Word & World Texts in Context, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1986.
  • "You Are the Body of Christ," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
    • "Consider the place in the church today of a ministry of 'miracles' and 'healing'."
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Wesley White. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
    • "I am that which I am joined to and have both communal and individual identities. Like it or not, being part of the body of Christ puts me in connection with some very questionable characters, including Jesus."
  • Expository Essay, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Dr. William R. Long.
    • "In a striking departure from the ancient political theory, Paul includes vv. 23-25 where the less honorable members ought to be treated with greater respect in the Body of Christ."
  • "Called Together," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel.
    • "How have you been called by God to serve others? What leadership roles have you taken in the community? How have you served? How has the Spirit made itself known in your service?"
  • "The Argument of 1 Corinthians 12 - 14," by Greg Herrick at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "The contribution of this section to Paul's argument is to affirm, against the arrogance and self-centeredness of many of the Corinthians, that all members of the body are needed and that despite whether the "weaker" members are convinced of their place, or whether the "stronger" members are not convinced of the weaker person's place in the body, God is the One who has placed all the members in the body and who works with them so that there might be no divisions."
• Articles & Background:
  • "Untamed Hospitality," Elizabeth Newman, (other resources at) "Hospitality," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007.
    • "While our culture reduces 'hospitality' to friendliness and private entertaining, Christian hospitality remains a public and economic reality by which God re-creates us through the places and people we are given."
  • "We Believe in the Church," Georgia Harkness, Chapter 9 in Beliefs That Count, 1961. At Religion Online.
    • "Though composed of both human and divine elements, its nature is not abridged by the frailties of those forgiven sinners who compose its membership. It is His body, the instrument of His active power, and the bond of fellowship between all those who accept His lordship."
  • "The Dilbertization of Work Al Hsu, (other resources at) "Vocation," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004.
    • "Some of us are deeply unsatisfied with our work, but we hang on - we need the paycheck. How should we think about work when we are unhappy with our jobs?"
  • "Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry," Faith and Order Paper No. 111. World Council of Churches, 1982. Theological and practical commentary.
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  • Berding, Kenneth, "Confusing Word and Concept in 'Spiritual Gifts': Have We Forgotten James Barr's Exhortations?" Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 2000.
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  • Butting, Klara, "Pauline Variations on Genesis 2.24: Speaking of the Body of Christ in the Context of the Discussion of Lifestyles," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2001.
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  • Dillistone, F.W., "How Is the Church Christ's Body?" Theology Today, 1945.
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  • Fredrickson, David, "Confessing Jesus as Lord: Selected Epistles (Epiphany to Palm Sunday)," Word & World, 1998.
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  • Hamerton-Kelly, Robert G., "A Girardian Interpretation of Paul: Rivalry, Mimesis and Victimage in the Corinthian Correspondence," Semeia, 1985.
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  • Hill, Andrew E., "The Temple of Asclepius: An Alternative Source for Paul's Body Theology?" Journal of Biblical Theology, 1980.
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  • Hultgren, Arland J., "The Church as the Body of Christ: Engaging an Image in the New Testament," Word & World, 2002.
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  • Murre-van den Berg, Heleen, "Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 12, Mission Relationships and Partnership: New Models of Partnership?" International Review of Mission, 2002.
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  • Ormseth, Dennis, "Showing the Body: Reflections on 1 Corinthians 12-13 for Epiphany," Word & World, 1986.
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  • Patrick, James, "Insights from Cicero on Paul's Reasoning in 1 Corinthians 12-14: Love Sandwich or Five Course Meal?" Tyndale Bulletin, 2004.
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  • Shults, F. LeRon, "The 'Body of Christ' in Evangelical Theology," Word & World, 2002.
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  • Sprague, Rosamond Kent, "Parmenides, Plato, and 1 Corinthians 12," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1967.
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  • Talbert, Charles H., "Paul's Understanding of the Holy Spirit: The Evidence of 1 Corinthians 12-14," Perspectives in Religious Studies, 1984.
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  • Troupe, Carol, "One Body, Many Parts: A Reading of 1 Corinthians 12:12-27," Black Theology, 2008.
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  • Upkong, Justin S., "Pluralism and the Problem of the Discernment of Spirits," Ecumenical Review, 1989.
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  • van Unnik, Willem C., "The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 12:31," Novum Testamentum, 1993.
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  • Walvoord, John F., "The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts," Bibliotheca Sacra, 1986.
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• Sermons:
  • "Division, Diversity, and Oneness in the Parish: A Conflict Drama," Pastor Edward F. Marquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • "Swimming to the Deep End of the Pool," the Rev. Dr. William L. Self, Day 1, 2004.
• Reviews:
• With Children:
  • "Fingers and Thumbs," and "Stand Up and Sit Down," Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • "The Holy Spirit Brings Many Gifts to Us," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "Spiritual Gifts," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
• Drama:
• Liturgy:
  • Call to Worship, I Corinthians 12:12-26; Matthew 22:34-40, Mental Health & Disabilities Program, Mennonite Central Committee, Canada.
  • "Extending Long-Term Hospitality," service outline from the Mental Health & Disabilities Program, Mennonite Central Committee, Canada.
  • Litany, the Mental Health & Disabilities Program, Mennonite Central Committee, Canada.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Commercial Site: "Body of Christ," Visual Liturgy/Film, The Work of the People.
  • Clip Art, 1 Corinthians 12:12, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
• Hymns and Music:
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
• Movies Listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
  • Unity/Community
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of 1 Corinthi