Meaning of 1 Corinthians 6:20

The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, emphasizes that believers are no longer their own, having been purchased by Christ's sacrificial death. This redemption is not a mere transaction but a profound act of love that has fundamentally altered their status and ownership. Consequently, their bodies, which were once slaves to sin, are now instruments dedicated to God's glory. This calls for a radical reorientation of how they live, particularly in their sexual conduct, which was a significant issue in Corinth. The verse serves as a foundational principle for Christian ethics, asserting that every aspect of a believer's being, including their physical existence, belongs to God and should be used for His purposes.

Context and Background

The Corinthian church was a diverse community grappling with various ethical challenges, including rampant immorality, divisions, and the misuse of spiritual gifts. Paul's letters to them often address these issues directly, aiming to guide them toward a life that reflected their new identity in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 6, he is specifically addressing sexual immorality, arguing that it is a sin against one's own body and against God, because the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. The concept of being "bought at a price" directly alludes to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, an image familiar in the ancient world where slaves could be bought and freed.

Key Themes and Messages

• Redemption and Ownership: The central theme is that believers have been redeemed by Christ. This redemption signifies a transfer of ownership from sin and death to God. The "price" paid is the blood of Jesus.
• Sanctification of the Body: The verse asserts that the body is not merely a physical vessel but a temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is set apart for God and should not be defiled by sin.
• Call to Honor God: The logical conclusion of being bought at a price is to honor God with one's body. This means living a life of purity and holiness, using one's physical existence to glorify Him.
• Ethical Imperative: This verse provides a theological basis for Christian sexual ethics and, by extension, for all aspects of ethical living. It moves beyond mere rules to a motivation rooted in gratitude and love for the Redeemer.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of 1 Corinthians 6:20 lies in its redefinition of self-worth and purpose. Believers are not defined by their past sins or their worldly possessions, but by their identity as purchased, redeemed individuals. This understanding liberates them from the bondage of sin and empowers them to live for God's glory. Application involves actively choosing to present one's body as a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" (Romans 12:1). This means exercising self-control in all areas, particularly in sexual matters, and using one's physical abilities and presence to serve God and others. It fosters a mindset of stewardship over one's physical being.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is deeply embedded in the overarching narrative of redemption found throughout Scripture. From the promise of a redeemer in Genesis (Genesis 3:15) to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Bible consistently portrays humanity as lost and in need of salvation, which is ultimately provided by God. Paul's assertion of being "bought at a price" directly connects to the New Testament understanding of the atonement, where Christ's death is seen as the means by which humanity is reconciled to God. Furthermore, the concept of the body as a temple echoes the Old Testament idea of the Temple as God's dwelling place among His people, now realized in a spiritual sense through the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers.

Analogies

• A Purchased Slave: Imagine a slave who is deeply indebted and oppressed. A benefactor pays the exorbitant price to buy their freedom. That slave is no longer under the old master's control; their life now belongs to the one who paid the price, and they are obligated to serve their liberator out of gratitude and loyalty.
• A Consecrated Vessel: Think of a precious artifact or a valuable instrument that is dedicated to a specific, sacred purpose in a temple. It is set apart from common use and is meant only for worship or service within the sanctuary. Similarly, our bodies are consecrated to God.
• A Returned Belonging: If you lost a valuable heirloom, and someone found and returned it to you, you would feel immense gratitude. Your ownership is reaffirmed. In a similar vein, Christ has "bought back" humanity, reclaiming it for Himself.

Relation to Other Verses

• 1 Corinthians 6:19: This verse directly precedes 1 Corinthians 6:20 and provides the immediate context: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own." This establishes the premise for being bought at a price.
• Romans 12:1: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." This verse offers a parallel exhortation to consecrate one's body to God, framing it as an act of worship.
• 1 Corinthians 7:23: "You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men." This echoes the same principle, emphasizing freedom from bondage to humans, implying freedom from sin and its masters.
• 1 Peter 1:18-19: "knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." This passage reinforces the idea of redemption at a great cost, specifically Christ's blood.