PAUL’S LOGIC - The argument is in three parts (vv. 12-14, 5-20, 21-26). This first paragraph sets forth the basic unity of the body (the body is one) and its diversity (but has many members). Paul then builds on the metaphor-the first part emphasizing diversity, the second unity. Of concern here, is not that the body is one even though it has many members, thus arguing for their need for unity despite their diversity. Rather, his concern is expressed in v. 14, that even though the body is one, it does not consist of one member but of many, thus arguing for their need for diversity, since they are in fact one body. The structure of the argument in vv. 12-14 bears this out:

A [For just as] the body is one,

B [yet] has many members,

B’ [and] all the members, though many,

A’ are one body,

So also is Christ.

Thus, (AB) strikes the note of diversity; the second (B’A’) the note of unity. [1]

JOHN CHRYSOSTOM [fl 386-407] - Note that Paul couples the foot with the hand, which is mounted a little above it, and the ear with the eye likewise. This is because we are prone to envy not those who are far above us but those who are only a little bit above. [2]

 

I learned this secret [that we can all benefit from one another’s gifts] years ago from a deep friend of mine who requires kidney dialysis three times a week . . . we regularly had long telephone conversations while he was on a dialysis run-he was an "attached" audience. One day I returned from leading a retreat and excitedly told him all about it . . . The poor dear listened to it all and then said with genuine warmth and gratitude, "I’m glad we are parts of the body together . . . I own them, too." There he was, fastened to a machine with large needles in his arm, and yet exhibiting no jealousy - only gratitude and humble partnership. [3]

 

Please see DPS for homilies on this passage; also see Marva Dawn’s homily listed in the footnote below [3].

______________________________________________________
[1] Gordon Fee, New Int’l Commentary on the NT: 1 Corinthians (Eerdmans, 1987), page 601.
[2] Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture VII (InterVarsity, 1999), page 125.
[3] Marva J. Dawn, A Royal “Waste” of Time (Eerdmans, 1999), page 174.