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Book of Ephesians - Chapter 1 - Verse 23

1:23
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Meaning

When considering the meaning of the verse "Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all," it is important to understand the context in which it was written. This verse comes from the book of Ephesians, specifically in chapter 1, where the Apostle Paul is writing to the believers in Ephesus. In this particular verse, Paul is emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of the body of Christ. He is explaining that the church, which is made up of believers from all walks of life, is actually a physical representation of Christ on earth. Just as the head directs the body and fills it with life, so does Christ direct and fill the church with his presence and power. The idea is that all believers together make up the body of Christ, and through their unity and cooperation, they are able to fulfill the purposes of God in the world.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of Ephesians 1:23 focuses on the concept of the church as the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a body to emphasize the unity and interconnectedness of believers with Jesus as the head. This highlights the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers, illustrating how they are to function as a single entity, each member playing a unique role but working together towards the same goal. Furthermore, the phrase "the fulness of him that filleth all in all" emphasizes that Christ's presence fills and permeates every aspect of the church. This suggests a completeness and wholeness that believers experience when they are united with Christ. Through this interpretation, the verse encourages believers to recognize their vital role within the body of Christ and to allow His presence to saturate every area of their lives.

American Standard Version

which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
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