Essay - Unity within the Body of Christ

The Corinthian church had a problem with divisions. Rather than pulling together they were at risk of being torn apart. Part of Paul’s response to this problem is to remind the church that they are the body of Christ. As such they are to be united in one body and to do what they can to build up each other in love. In approximately 500 words address the following matters:

1. Discuss how Paul’s teaching about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians relates to the idea that they are all one body.
2. Discuss how the proper exercise of the gifts has the effect of building up the body.
3. Discuss why Paul places his famous statement about love (1 Cor. 13.1-13) at the very heart of his discussion of the gifts.