1 Corinthians 6:15
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!
Do you not know
This phrase is a rhetorical question that Paul uses frequently to remind the Corinthians of truths they should already understand. The Greek word "οἴδατε" (oidate) implies a knowledge that is both intellectual and experiential. Paul is emphasizing the importance of being aware of spiritual truths, suggesting that ignorance is not an excuse for immoral behavior. In a conservative Christian perspective, this calls believers to a deeper understanding of their faith and the implications of their actions.

that your bodies
The Greek word for "bodies" is "σώματα" (sōmata), which refers to the physical body. In the context of Corinth, a city known for its immorality and temple prostitution, Paul is emphasizing the sanctity of the physical body. The body is not merely a vessel for the soul but is integral to one's spiritual identity. This underscores the belief that the physical and spiritual are interconnected, and that honoring God involves respecting one's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

are members of Christ
The term "members" comes from the Greek "μέλη" (melē), meaning parts or limbs. This metaphor illustrates the intimate and organic connection between believers and Christ, akin to parts of a body. Historically, this reflects the early Christian understanding of the Church as the Body of Christ, where each believer plays a vital role. From a conservative viewpoint, this stresses the importance of unity and purity within the Church, as each member's actions affect the whole body.

Shall I then take
The phrase "Shall I then take" uses the Greek "ἄρας" (aras), which implies an active decision or choice. Paul is highlighting the deliberate nature of sin, particularly sexual sin, which involves a conscious decision to misuse what belongs to Christ. This serves as a warning against complacency and the need for vigilance in maintaining moral integrity.

the members of Christ
Reiterating the earlier phrase, Paul emphasizes the gravity of the situation. The repetition serves to remind the Corinthians of their identity and responsibility as part of Christ's body. In a conservative Christian context, this reinforces the call to live in a manner worthy of one's calling, reflecting Christ in all aspects of life.

and unite them with a prostitute?
The word "unite" is translated from the Greek "κολλήσω" (kollēsō), meaning to join closely or glue together. This term conveys the seriousness of sexual immorality, which creates a profound and inappropriate bond. Historically, temple prostitution was common in Corinth, making this warning particularly relevant. The conservative perspective views this as a call to sexual purity, recognizing the sacredness of the marital union as ordained by God.

Never!
The Greek "μὴ γένοιτο" (mē genoito) is a strong expression of repudiation, often translated as "May it never be!" or "God forbid!" This emphatic rejection underscores the incompatibility of sin with the believer's identity in Christ. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for holiness and the rejection of anything that defiles the body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit. From a conservative standpoint, this is a call to uphold the highest moral standards, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in the believer's life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance and correction.

2. The Church in Corinth
A diverse and often troubled congregation in a major Greek city known for its immorality and idolatry.

3. Christ
Central to the passage, representing the spiritual union believers have with Him.

4. Prostitutes
Symbolic of sexual immorality, which was prevalent in Corinth and a significant issue Paul addresses.

5. Corinth
A cosmopolitan city known for its wealth, commerce, and moral laxity, providing the backdrop for the issues Paul addresses.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Identity in Christ
Recognize that as believers, our bodies are not our own but are members of Christ. This identity should guide our actions and decisions.

The Call to Purity
Sexual immorality is incompatible with our union with Christ. We are called to live in a way that honors Him, reflecting His holiness in our bodies.

The Seriousness of Sin
Paul uses strong language to emphasize the gravity of uniting with a prostitute, highlighting the spiritual implications of our physical actions.

The Importance of Community Accountability
As members of Christ's body, we are interconnected. Our actions affect not only ourselves but the entire body of believers.

Living as a Witness
Our conduct should reflect our relationship with Christ, serving as a testimony to the world of His transformative power.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that our bodies are members of Christ influence our daily decisions and lifestyle choices?

2. In what ways can the church community support individuals in maintaining purity and holiness?

3. How does the concept of being "members of Christ" challenge the cultural norms of today, particularly regarding sexual ethics?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our actions align with our identity in Christ?

5. How can we use our understanding of 1 Corinthians 6:15 to engage in conversations about morality and faith with non-believers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 12:27
This verse further elaborates on the concept of believers being the body of Christ, emphasizing unity and diversity within the church.

Ephesians 5:30
Reinforces the idea that believers are members of Christ's body, highlighting the intimate connection between Christ and the church.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which aligns with the call to purity in 1 Corinthians 6:15.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
Discusses God's will for sanctification and abstaining from sexual immorality, echoing the moral exhortation in 1 Corinthians 6:15.

Genesis 2:24
Provides the foundational understanding of sexual union, which Paul contrasts with the improper union mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:15.
The Sanctity of the BodyJ.R. Thomson 1 Corinthians 6:12-16
Abuse of Christian LibertyH. Bremner 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Liberty in the Use of the LawfulR. S. McAll, LL. D.1 Corinthians 6:12-20
The Christian Rule in Things IndifferentJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:12-20
The Human Body and its Relation to ChristC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
The Lawful and the ExpedientW. E. Hurndall, M. A.1 Corinthians 6:12-20
The Limits of Christian RightsF. W. Robertson, M. A.1 Corinthians 6:12-20
The Practical Distinction Between Things Lawful and ExpedientR. S. McAll, LL. D.1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Christ and the BodyJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:13-16
Christianity in Relation to the BodyD. Thomas, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:13-16
FornicationM. Dods, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:13-16
FornicationJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:13-16
Fornication IsJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:13-16
Fornication is an Awful CrimeJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:13-16
The Permanent Element in Our Bodily OrganismProf. Godet.1 Corinthians 6:13-16
The Resurrection of the BodyJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:13-16
The Thought of the Love of Jesus for Us the Remedy for Sins of the BodyE. B. Pusey, D. D.1 Corinthians 6:13-16
Duties to the BodyE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 6:13-19
People
Corinthians, Paul, Sodomites
Places
Corinth
Topics
Bodies, Body, Christ, Forbid, Harlot, Indeed, Loose, Members, Prostitute, Taking, Unite
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 6:15

     6214   participation, in Christ

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

     5441   philosophy
     8340   self-respect

1 Corinthians 6:13-15

     8273   holiness, ethical aspects

1 Corinthians 6:13-16

     5136   body

1 Corinthians 6:13-20

     6188   immorality, sexual

1 Corinthians 6:15-16

     6189   immorality, examples
     6237   sexual sin, nature of
     6239   prostitution

1 Corinthians 6:15-17

     5729   one flesh
     6756   union with Christ, significance

1 Corinthians 6:15-20

     8326   purity, moral and spiritual

Library
First Sunday in Lent
Text: Second Corinthians 6, 1-10. 1 And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain 2 (for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, and in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation): 3 giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed; 4 but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

March the Tenth Exaltation by Separation
2 CORINTHIANS vi. 11-18. When we turn away from the world, and leave it, we ourselves are not left to desolation and orphanhood. When we "come out from among them" the Lord receives us! He is waiting for us. The new companionship is ours the moment the old companionship is ended. "I will not leave you comfortless." What we have lost is compensated by infinite and eternal gain. We have lost "the whole world" and gained "the unsearchable riches of Christ." And therefore separation is exaltation. We
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

"Bought with a Price"
You will notice that in this chapter the apostle Paul has been dealing with sins of the flesh, with fornication and adultery. Now, it is at all times exceedingly difficult for the preacher either to speak or to write upon this subject; it demands the strictest care to keep the language guarded, so that while we are denouncing a detestable evil we do not ourselves promote it by a single expression that should be otherwise than chaste and pure. Observe how well the apostle Paul succeeds, for though
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

"Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live after the Flesh; for if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die,"
Rom. viii. s 12, 13.--"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh; for if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die," &c. Was that not enough to contain men in obedience to God--the very essential bond of dependence upon God as the original and fountain of his being! And yet man hath cast away this cord from him, and withdrew from that allegiance he did owe to his Maker, by transgressing his holy commandments. But God, not willing that all should perish, hath confirmed
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

First Epistle of St John, Ch. Ii. Part of the 1St and 2D Verses.
If any Man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the Propitiation for our Sins. IN this Passage; the Apostle declares that it is for the sake of Jesus Christ, and on account of his sufferings, that the Sins committed by his Disciples will be forgiven by Almighty God. Now from this, and the like Declarations in the New Testament, many professed Christians have taken occasion to frame to themselves such Notions concerning the Merits of Christ, and the Sacrifice
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God

On Communion in the Lord's Supper.
1. If the reader has received the Ordinance of Baptism, and; as above recommended, dedicated himself to God.--2. He is urged to ratify that engagement at the Table of the Lord.-- 3. From a view of the ends for which that Ordinance was instituted.--4. Whence its usefulness is strongly inferred.--5. And from the Authority of Christ's Appointment; which is solemnly pressed on the conscience.--6. Objections from apprehensions of Unfitness.--7. Weakness of grace, &c. briefly answered.--8. At least, serious
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Made One
"He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit."--1 Cor. vi. 17. Mechthild of Hellfde, 1277. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 The mouth of the Lord hath spoken, Hath spoken a mighty word; My sinful heart it hath broken, Yet sweeter I never heard; "Thou, thou art, O soul, My deep desire And My love's eternal bliss: Thou art the rest where leaneth My breast, And My mouth's most holy kiss. Thou art the treasure I sought and found, Rejoicing over thee; I dwell in thee, and with thee am I crowned, And thou
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

It is Finished
V. M. C. I Cor. vi. 11 He found me the lost and the wandering, The sinful, the sad, and the lone; He said, "I have bought thee, beloved, For ever thou art Mine own. "O soul, I will show thee the wonder, The worth of My priceless Blood; Thou art whiter than snow on the mountains, Thou art fair in the eyes of God. "O vessel of living water, From the depths of the love divine, The glorious life within thee Flows from My heart to thine. "O soul altogether lovely, O pearl for which Christ was given,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The End of the Journey
C. P. C. I Cor. vi. 17 One with Christ--within the golden City Welcomed long ago, When for me He passed within the glory From the depths below. Still the gladness of that blessed welcome, Mystery of that kiss, Meeting of the Son and of the Father, Floods my soul with bliss. That sweet welcome mine--and mine for ever That eternal Home, Whereunto when all these wanderings over, I shall surely come-- There my heart is resting, and is joyful, With a joy untold-- Earth's dark ways lit up with that
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ...
13. It follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost." This Trinity, one God, one nature, one substance, one power; highest equality, no division, no diversity, perpetual dearness of love. [1795] Would ye know the Holy Ghost, that He is God? Be baptized, and ye will be His temple. The Apostle says, "Know ye not that your bodies are the temple within you of the Holy Ghost, Whom ye have of God?" [1796] A temple is for God: thus also Solomon, king and prophet, was bidden to build a temple for God. If
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

Lo, There is Your Good Compared to that Good...
4. Lo, there is your good compared to that good, which the Apostle calls his own, if faith be present: yea, rather, because faith is present. Short is this teaching, yet not on this account to be despised, because it is short; but on this account to be retained the more easily and the more dearly, in that in shortness it is not cheap. For it is not every kind of good soever, which the Apostle would here set forth, which he hath unambiguously placed above the faith of married women. But how great
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Thou Art Beautiful, O My Love, Sweet and Comely as Jerusalem, Terrible as an Army Set in Array.
The Bridegroom finding His bride entirely free from self, dissolved and prepared for the consummation of the marriage, and to be received into a state of permanent and lasting union with Himself, admires her beauty; He tells her that she is beautiful because He finds in her a certain charm and sweetness which approaches the divine. Thou art comely, He continues, as Jerusalem; for since thou hast lost everything of thine own to devote it wholly to Me, thou art adorned and embellished with all that
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

That Clerics be not Compelled to Give Testimony in Public Concerning the Cognizance of their Own Judgment.
That clerics be not compelled to give testimony in public concerning the cognizance of their own judgment. It should be petitioned also that they deign to decree, that if perchance any shall have been willing to plead their cause in any church according to the Apostolic law imposed upon the Churches, and it happens that the decision of the clergy does not satisfy one of the parties, it be not lawful to summon that clergyman who had been cognitor or present, [459] into judgment as a witness, and that
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Concerning Justification.
Concerning Justification. As many as resist not this light, but receive the same, it becomes in them an holy, pure, and spiritual birth, bringing forth holiness, righteousness, purity, and all those other blessed fruits which are acceptable to God: by which holy birth, to wit, Jesus Christ formed within us, and working his works in us, as we are sanctified, so are we justified in the sight of God, according to the apostle's words; But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Concerning Worship.
Concerning Worship. [780] All true and acceptable worship to God is offered in the inward and immediate moving and drawing of his own Spirit which is neither limited to places times, nor persons. For though we are to worship him always, and continually to fear before him; [781] yet as to the outward signification thereof, in prayers, praises, or preachings, we ought not to do it in our own will, where and when we will; but where and when we are moved thereunto by the stirring and secret inspiration
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Tempest and Trust
And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. 14. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. 15. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. 16. And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: 17. Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Death to Sin through Christ
"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."-Romans 6:11. THE connection of this passage will help us to understand its meaning. Near the close of the previous chapter Paul had said, "The law entered that the offence might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord." He speaks here of
Charles G. Finney—Sermons on Gospel Themes

Twenty-Eighth Day that all God's People May Know the Holy Spirit
WHAT TO PRAY.--That all God's People may know the Holy Spirit "The Spirit of truth, whom the world knoweth not; but ye know Him; for He abideth with you, and shall be in you."--JOHN xiv. 17. "Know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost?"--1 COR. vi. 19. The Holy Spirit is the power of God for the salvation of men. He only works as He dwells in the Church. He is given to enable believers to live wholly as God would have them live, in the full experience and witness of Him who saves
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

"But Ye are not in the Flesh, but in the Spirit, if So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now, if any Man
Rom. viii. 9.--"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Application is the very life of the word, at least it is a necessary condition for the living operation of it. The application of the word to the hearts of hearers by preaching, and the application of your hearts again to the word by meditation, these two meeting together, and striking one upon another, will yield fire.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Indwelling Spirit Fully and Forever Satisfying.
The Holy Spirit takes up His abode in the one who is born of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul says to the believers in Corinth in 1 Cor. iii. 16, R. V., "Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" This passage refers, not so much to the individual believer, as to the whole body of believers, the Church. The Church as a body is indwelt by the Spirit of God. But in 1 Cor. vi. 19, R. V., we read, "Know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost which is
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

We are not Binding Heavy Burdens and Laying them Upon Your Shoulders...
37. We are not binding heavy burdens and laying them upon your shoulders, while we with a finger will not touch them. Seek out, and acknowledge the labor of our occupations, and in some of us the infirmities of our bodies also, and in the Churches which we serve, that custom now grown up, that they do not suffer us to have time ourselves for those works to which we exhort you. For though we might say, "Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

For, Whereas that Natural Use, when it Pass Beyond the Compact of Marriage...
12. For, whereas that natural use, when it pass beyond the compact of marriage, that is, beyond the necessity of begetting, is pardonable in the case of a wife, damnable in the case of an harlot; that which is against nature is execrable when done in the case of an harlot, but more execrable in the case of a wife. Of so great power is the ordinance of the Creator, and the order of Creation, that, in matters allowed us to use, even when the due measure is exceeded, it is far more tolerable, than,
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

Whence, Also, what the Apostle Paul Said of the Unmarried Woman...
8. Whence, also, what the Apostle Paul said of the unmarried woman, "that she may be holy both in body and spirit;" [2237] we are not so to understand, as though a faithful woman being married and chaste, and according to the Scriptures subject unto her husband, be not holy in body, but only in spirit. For it cannot come to pass, that when the spirit is sanctified, the body also be not holy, of which the sanctified spirit maketh use: but, that we seem not to any to argue rather than to prove this
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

The Blessed Hope and Its Power
PHILIPPIANS iii. 17-21 The problem of the body--Cautions and tears--"That blessed hope"--The duty of warning--The moral power of the hope--The hope full of immortality--My mother's life--"He is able"--The promise of his coming The Apostle draws to the close of his appeal for a true and watchful fidelity to the Gospel. He has done with his warning against Judaistic legalism. He has expounded, in the form of a personal confession and testimony, the true Christian position, the acceptance of the
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

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