1 Corinthians 12:23 Commentary and Bible Study

All kinds of suggestions are made as to what Paul means. The best and most obvious, are simply the trunk and the loins: that in virtually all cultures will be covered and clothed, and thus made honourable. The body is aware of some parts which need to be covered over and hidden from public view. The whole body takes special measure to ensure this happens. Knowing that one part needs this special protection, the rest of the body, the arms and the hands make stringent efforts to cover over these parts. The whole body feels the shame which these less honourable members feel if they are exposed. It is a marvellous illustration about yet another distinct behaviour of the body that makes all the other members rally together to protect a vulnerable member. The way the body has been constructed by God and the instincts he has given man and which every one of us are aware of are a lesson for the church. There are some parts which need no special treatment. They are designed for public view. We could think of the hands, and, in many cultures, the face. These don’t need any special protection, and the hands may well be the members which come to the assistance of other more discreet members, to help cover them. In the body, God has made one member a servant of another member, so that they render this protective service without a moment’s delay.