17. If the whole body were an eye, the body would not be able to hear. If the whole body were an ear, the body would not be able to smell anything.
18-19. If each part of the body were the same part, there would be no body. But truly God put the parts in the body as he wanted them. He made a place for each one of them.
20. And so there are many parts, but only one body.
21. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the foot, “I don’t need you!”
22. No! Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are really very important.
23. And the parts of the body that we think are not worth much are the parts that we give the most care to. And we give special care to the parts of the body that we want to hide.
24. The more beautiful parts of our body need no special care. But God put the body together and gave more honor to the parts that need it.
25. God did this so that our body would not be divided. God wanted the different parts to care the same for each other.
26. If one part of the body suffers, then all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part of our body is honored, then all the other parts share its honor.
27. All of you together are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of that body.
28. And in the church God has given a place first to apostles, second to prophets, and third to teachers. Then God has given a place to those who do miracles, those who have gifts of healing, those who can help others, those who are able to lead, and those who can speak in different languages.
29. Not all are apostles. Not all are prophets. Not all are teachers. Not all do miracles.