Question 25
NECO
•
2018
•
CHRISTIAN_RELIGIOUS_STUDIES
•
objective
Paul uses three distinct metaphors for the Church in his letters: the body, the temple, and the bride. Identify the specific epistle and verse where each metaphor appears, explain the theological nuance each metaphor conveys, and discuss how the three together shape Paul's overall ecclesiology.
Answer Options
A.
Body - Romans 12:4‑5 (the Church is described as a single body, emphasizing spiritual gifts rather than distinct members).
B.
Temple - 1 Thessalonians 4:16‑17 (the Church is portrayed as a temple awaiting Christ's return, which misplaces the metaphor).
Correct Answer
C.
Body - 1 Corinthians 12:12‑27 (the Church is the one body of Christ, each member distinct yet indispensable). Temple - Ephesians 2:19‑22 (the Church is being built together as a holy temple on Christ, the living cornerstone). Bride - Ephesians 5:25‑27 and 2 Corinthians 11:2 (the Church is the bride of Christ, called to be presented without blemish). The body metaphor stresses functional unity and diversity, the temple metaphor stresses holiness and Christ as foundation, and the bride metaphor stresses covenant love and future consummation. Combined, they give Paul a holistic view of the Church as a united, holy, and beloved community awaiting its ultimate union with Christ.
D.
Bride - Galatians 5:22‑23 (the Church is called the bride, focusing on the fruit of the Spirit, which is inaccurate).
Correct Answer
C
Correct Option:
Body - 1 Corinthians 12:12‑27 (the Church is the one body of Christ, each member distinct yet indispensable). Temple - Ephesians 2:19‑22 (the Church is being built together as a holy temple on Christ, the living cornerstone). Bride - Ephesians 5:25‑27 and 2 Corinthians 11:2 (the Church is the bride of Christ, called to be presented without blemish). The body metaphor stresses functional unity and diversity, the temple metaphor stresses holiness and Christ as foundation, and the bride metaphor stresses covenant love and future consummation. Combined, they give Paul a holistic view of the Church as a united, holy, and beloved community awaiting its ultimate union with Christ.
About This Question
This is
Neco
2018
Christian Religious Studies
Question 25.
It is one of the
objective
questions from the
2018
Neco
Christian Religious Studies
examination.
Difficulty level:
Hard
.