As you begin reading this text, verses 12 to 19 make it clear that Paul has one thing on his mind, which has resonated throughout his letter. Paul knows the strife and divisions among the Corinthian brethren from the start. By highlighting the diversities of the Spirit’s manifestations, he establishes a simple point: there is one body, the body of Christ, and one Spirit.

While I'm eager to discuss the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in this text, it is important first to discuss the body of Christ and its nature. When Paul refers to the body of Christ, he is not referring to Jesus as an individual. Instead, he speaks of a mystical body created by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is not separate from this body but serves as its head—the head of the church. Paul makes this clear in his epistle to the Colossian church.

Christ is not Jesus' surname!  ...