1 Corinthians 6:20- “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

Extended Explanation

Paul closes this section of his letter to the Corinthians with a powerful truth: “You were bought at a price.” This phrase refers to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. When Paul says that believers were bought, he is using the language of redemption—the idea that Jesus paid the price to set us free from sin.

The price was not silver or gold but the blood of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). His death was the payment that rescued us from the punishment we deserved and brought us into a new relationship with God.

Since we belong to God now, Paul says, “Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This means that our physical bodies are not just for our own pleasure or purposes—they are meant to bring glory to God.

Paul has been correcting the Corinthians for their wrong attitudes about the body and sexual sin. Some of them believed that what they did with their bodies did not matter as long as they believed in Jesus. But Paul makes it clear: because Jesus paid such a high price for us, we must live in a way that reflects that truth.

Historical Context

The Corinthians lived in a culture where sexual sin and self-indulgence were normal. Many of them thought that faith was just a spiritual thing, separate from the body. Some even argued that since Christ had freed them from the Law, they could do whatever they wanted.

Paul strongly opposes this idea. He reminds them that freedom in Christ is not freedom to sin. Instead, it is freedom to live for God. In the Roman world, the idea of being bought would have reminded people of slavery and redemption. Just as slaves could be purchased and set free, Jesus’ death paid the ultimate price to set believers free from sin.

Theological Implications

1. Salvation Came at a Great Cost – Jesus gave His life to redeem us, and we should never take that lightly.

2. Believers Belong to God – Because Christ bought us with His blood, our lives are no longer our own. We are now called to live for Him, not for ourselves.

3. How We Live Matters – Faith is not just about beliefs; it is about how we use our bodies. Everything we do should honor God.

4. Holiness Is a Response to Grace – We don’t live holy lives to earn salvation. Instead, we pursue holiness because we have already been bought by Jesus.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s statement is short but powerful.

• “You were bought at a price.” – This is a fact, not a suggestion. The price has already been paid by Jesus.
• “Therefore” – This word connects the truth of redemption with our responsibility to live rightly.
• “Honor God with your bodies.” – Paul is not just talking about the soul or mind—he specifically focuses on the body. This was important in Corinth, where many people treated the body as unimportant.

Paul’s wording also reflects ownership and devotion. If we belong to God, then we should live in a way that reflects His ownership.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Peter 1:18-19 – “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ.”
• Romans 12:1 – “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”
• Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
• Titus 2:14 – Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness.”
• Revelation 5:9 – Jesus “purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder of our identity and purpose. In a world that tells us to “live for yourself”, Paul tells us that we belong to God.

For modern believers, this means:

• We should avoid sin, especially sexual sin. Since our bodies belong to God, we must use them in a way that honors Him.
• We should care for our physical health. Being good stewards of our bodies—through proper rest, healthy habits, and self-control—is part of honoring God.
• We should use our bodies to serve others. Worship is not just singing songs; it is living in a way that reflects God’s goodness and love.
• We should remember our worth. Some people struggle with feelings of worthlessness, but this verse reminds us that we were bought with the highest price—Jesus’ own blood.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse highlights God’s deep love for His people.

1. God valued us enough to pay the highest price for our redemption.
2. God’s love changes our purpose. He didn’t just save us from sin—He saved us for Himself.
3. God’s love gives us new identity. We are no longer slaves to sin but children of God, bought by Jesus.

God does not call us to holiness to burden us—He calls us to holiness because He loves us and wants what is best for us.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is completely centered on what Jesus did for us.

• Jesus paid the price for our freedom. His death on the cross was the payment that set us free (Mark 10:45).
• Jesus gave us a new purpose. We are no longer slaves to sin—we are servants of Christ (Romans 6:22).
• Jesus’ sacrifice calls for a response. If He gave everything for us, we should live in a way that reflects our gratitude and devotion (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Everything we do should be shaped by the fact that we belong to Christ. Our lives, our choices, and our actions should be an act of worship to Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to you that you were bought at a price?
2. How should knowing that you belong to God change the way you live?
3. What are some ways you can honor God with your body?
4. How does this verse challenge the idea that “it’s my body, I can do what I want”?
5. How does remembering Jesus’ sacrifice motivate you to live differently?

Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 6:20 is simple but life-changing: Jesus paid the ultimate price for us. Because of that, our lives—including our bodies—should reflect His glory. Instead of living for ourselves, we are called to live for Him, knowing that we are deeply loved, fully redeemed, and set apart for a greater purpose.