Many members -- one body He repeats this the oftener, because the stress of the whole question lies here -- that the unity of the body is of such a nature as cannot be maintained but by a diversity of members; and that, while the members differ from each other in offices and functions, it is in such a way as to have a mutual connection with each other for the preservation of the one body. Hence no body can retain its standing without a diversified symmetry of the members, that we may know to consult public as well as private advantage, by discharging, every one, the duty of his own station.

But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service:
yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church would not be the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

now--as the case really is: in contrast to the supposition (1-Corinthians 12:19; compare 1-Corinthians 12:18).
many members--mutually dependent.

But one body - And it is a necessary consequence of this unity, that the several members need one another.