Romans 12:5

5 so collectively we form one body in Christ, while individually we are linked to one another as its members.

Romans 12:5 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 12:5

So we being many are one body in Christ
This is the application of the above simile. The chosen of God, the redeemed of Christ, and those that are justified by his righteousness, and sanctified by his Spirit; though they are but few in comparison of the men of the world, but considered in themselves are many, and yet make up but one body, the church, of which Christ is the head: and though this general assembly; or church universal, may be distinguished into several congregational churches, and distinct communities, yet each community, consisting of divers persons, is but one body "in Christ", united and knit together by joints and bands, under him their head, Lord, and King; in him, and not in Caesar, or any earthly monarch, to distinguish this body from bodies politic, or any civil community among men:

and everyone members one of another;
as in union with Christ their head, so to one another in love, walking in holy fellowship together, sympathizing with, and serving each other.

Romans 12:5 In-Context

3 For through the authority graciously given to me I warn every individual among you not to value himself unduly, but to cultivate sobriety of judgement in accordance with the amount of faith which God has allotted to each one.

4 For just as there are in the one human body many parts, and these parts have not all the same function;

5 so collectively we form one body in Christ, while individually we are linked to one another as its members.

6 But since we have special gifts which differ in accordance with the diversified work graciously entrusted to us, if it is prophecy, let the prophet speak in exact proportion to his faith;

7 if it is the gift of administration, let the administrator exercise a sound judgement in his duties.