1 corinthians 6:15 - Don’t you know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!

Generated Verse: 1 corinthians 6:15

What does "1 corinthians 6:15" mean?


This verse from 1 Corinthians 6:15 is part of a larger argument by the Apostle Paul against visiting prostitutes. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"Don’t you know that your bodies are members of Christ?" Paul emphasizes that Christians are united with Christ. Through faith, they become part of His body, the Church. Their physical bodies are not separate from their spiritual identity in Christ.

"Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them members of a prostitute?" This is a rhetorical question highlighting the absurdity of the idea. Paul is saying it would be a gross contradiction to take something holy (a body that is part of Christ) and join it to something immoral and unholy (a prostitute).

"May it never be!" This is a strong exclamation expressing Paul's utter rejection of the idea. It's a vehement "Absolutely not!" or "God forbid!" He sees the very thought as appalling and incompatible with Christian faith.

In essence, the verse is saying:

Because Christians are united with Christ, they should not engage in sexual immorality. It's a betrayal of their relationship with Christ and a defilement of their bodies, which are now connected to Him. To unite with a prostitute is to attempt to drag Christ into that sin, which is unthinkable.

Key points to consider:

The body as a temple: Elsewhere, Paul refers to the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This further underscores the idea that Christians should treat their bodies with respect and avoid defiling them.

Union and identification: The verse emphasizes the concept of union. When a person engages in sexual activity, they are united with that person in a physical and spiritual way. Paul argues that Christians should only experience this kind of union within the context of marriage.

Context is important: To fully understand this verse, it's important to read it within the broader context of 1 Corinthians 6 and Paul's overall teachings on sexual morality. He is concerned with the holiness and integrity of the Christian community.

In summary, 1 Corinthians 6:15 is a powerful statement about the importance of sexual purity for Christians, rooted in the understanding that their bodies are connected to Christ. It calls for a radical commitment to holiness and a rejection of any behavior that would dishonor Christ.

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