Romans 12:5

5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ, and {individually} members of one another,

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 by the grace given to me I say to everyone who is among you not to think more highly of yourself than what one ought to think, but to think {sensibly}, as God has apportioned a measure of faith to each one.

4 For just as in one body we have many members, but all the members do not have the same function,

5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ, and {individually} members of one another,

6 but having different gifts according to the grace given to us: if [it is] prophecy, according to the proportion of [his] faith;

7 if [it is] service, by service; if [it is] one who teaches, by teaching;

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "with respect to one"