1 Corinthians 3:16-23 - ”The Temple of the Spirit” - Nick Steinichen / April 2, 2023

The Bible gives us multiple images of the Church. According to Paul’s letter to the Galatians, the Church is a household of faith (Galatians 6:10). According to Peter, the Church is like a flock of sheep who need a shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-2). Later in 1 Corinthians, Paul will use the imagery of the human body to describe the Church, highlighting the interconnectedness and unity of the Body of Christ. However, in this text, Paul likens the Church to the Jerusalem Temple. The temple was the physical representation of God’s presence with His people.  Paul is communicating that God now dwells with His people, the Church, through His Spirit. There is no need for a physical temple. We ourselves are God’s temple! And Christ is the supreme builder of this temple.