Commentary on 1 Corinthians 6:13

Verse: "Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body."

Introduction

This verse from Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians addresses the common misconceptions regarding the body, food, and sexual morality among the Corinthian believers. Paul contrasts the temporal nature of physical indulgences with the spiritual purpose of the body.

Contextual Background

The Corinthian church faced numerous challenges due to the surrounding Greco-Roman culture, which promoted various forms of immorality and excess. Paul writes to correct misunderstandings and to reorient the believers toward living a life that honors God.

Understanding the Phrase: "Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats."

Paul quotes a common aphorism that reflects a hedonistic attitude prevalent in Corinth. This phrase suggests a philosophy that prioritizes physical satisfaction and indulgence. However, Paul subverts this idea by stating, "but God shall destroy both it and them."

According to Matthew Henry, Paul aims to show that while food serves a purpose, it ultimately does not define the value or purpose of the body, for both will face divine judgment.

The Body's True Purpose

Paul asserts that the body is not intended for immorality (“fornication”), but rather for the Lord. This foundational statement challenges the Corinthian view that their physical bodies were merely vessels for indulgence.

Albert Barnes emphasizes that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), implying that believers should glorify God through their bodies, recognizing them as instruments for His service, not tools for sin.

Spiritual and Physical Duality

In exploring the duality of the physical and spiritual realms, Adam Clarke points out that while the body is temporary and will perish, the actions performed within it carry eternal consequences. This understanding calls believers to a higher standard of living that reflects their identity in Christ.

The Contrast with Fornication

The term “fornication” here signifies not just sexual immorality but the broader implications of misusing the body. The Christian doctrine of the body entails that it is meant to be a living sacrifice, dedicated to God's glory (Romans 12:1).

• Moral Integrity: Engaging in sexual immorality contradicts the design and sanctity of the body.
• Embodiment of Holiness: Each believer's body serves as a representation of Christ's presence on earth.
• Divine Ownership: The text affirms God's sovereignty over the believer's body, highlighting the necessity of discipline and reverence.

Theological Implications

The doctrine concerning the body in relation to Christ is profound. Paul articulates that the believer's life is not to be lived for oneself, but to fulfill God's purpose. This transforms not only personal moral considerations but also broader ethical implications within the community of faith.

• Holistic Salvation: Redemption encompasses the spirit, soul, and body, necessitating a harmonious relationship between physical existence and spiritual life.
• Communal Responsibility: The reverence for one's body extends to how believers treat one another, fostering a culture of respect and love within the church.

Conclusion

In 1 Corinthians 6:13, Paul challenges the Corinthian believers to rethink their understanding of the body and its purpose. The dichotomy between earthly cravings and divine calling highlights essential truths about the Christian life. As Matthew Henry rightly concludes, our bodies should be offered as instruments of righteousness, which serves as a powerful reminder to believers today.

For students, theologians, and pastors, this passage serves as both a warning against complacency in moral standards and an encouragement to embrace a life that reflects the lordship of Christ in every aspect, including our physicality.