39 - What is the Body of Christ?

The doctrine of the church as the Body of Christ is a major theme in Paul's epistles. In Colossians 1:24, the Apostle Paul reminded believers that he suffered afflictions in the ministry "for the sake of His body, which is the church."

Paul introduced this doctrine in verse 18, where he declared that Christ "is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence."

What exactly is the Body of Christ? When did it begin? Who are its members? What is its relationship to Israel? What is Christ's purpose for His body in this world?

This week we'll answer those questions from the pages of Scripture as we continue our series, Christ Above All: Studies in Colossians.