Two Bodies
By Jonathan Mitchell

In 2 Cor. 5, Paul speaks of there being two bodies for humanity:

1. You see, we have seen, perceived and know that if, or whenever, our House - from the Tabernacle which was pitched on the Land - would at some point be dismantled (or: that whenever our house, which is this tent upon the earth, should be loosed down), we constantly have (continuously hold; presently possess) a dwelling structure or place (a building for an abode; or: a household; = a family or a possession) forth from out of the midst of God: an eonian act of building a roofed house (or: a covered building for dwelling - a home - having qualities and character which pertain to the Age [of the Messiah]; a structure of edification of, for, and pertaining to, the ages) - not made by hands [cf Heb. 9:1-8, 11; Dan. 2:34, 45; Eph. 2:11; Col. 2:11] - resident within these atmospheres (or: in union with the heavens).[cf 6:16, below; 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 9:24; Rev. 21:10]

2. It follows that also, in union with (or: centered in; in the sphere of) this, we are continuously groaning, utterly longing and constantly yearning to fully enter within and to completely clothe upon ourselves our dwelling-house (habitation) - the one [made] out of heaven (or: the one from, or of, atmosphere; the [inhabited or settled place] from the midst of [the] sky) [cf Rom. 8:22-23]

3. since, in fact, also being folks at some point entering within and clothing ourselves (or: being dressed, also), we will not continue (or: proceed) being found naked. [cf Ps. 84:1-4]

4. For we also, being (continually existing) within the tent, are continuously groaning, being the ones constantly weighed down (burdened). Upon which [situation] we are not wanting to go out from (to unclothe, strip or undress ourselves) but rather to fully enter within and to add clothing upon ourselves, to the end that the mortal (or: this mortal thing) may be drunk down and swallowed under (or: by) The Life. [cf Isa. 25:6-9; 1 Cor. 15:53-54; Rom. 13:14]

These verses contain metaphorical language, with each metaphor calling for extensive, individual attention, but this short essay will choose only a few aspects for investigation. A more in-depth look can be found in, "Paul to Corinth, comments on 1 & 2 Corinthians" p 327-337, which can be freely downloaded in PDF HERE.

First of all, the symbol of a "Tabernacle" (vs. 1) can be interpreted both individually, which is commonly done, or corporately. You see, the tabernacle of the OT was the precursor to the temple, built in the days of Solomon, and in both letters to Corinth, Paul instructs us that those literal structures were shadows of the spiritual, or "heavenly," temple which is literally the corporate, called-out communities in Christ. These covenant assemblies comprise "the body of Christ." In 1 Cor. 6:18-19, a person's physical body is termed, "a temple of the Holy Spirit," and in 2 Cor. 6:16, Paul informs them that, "we, ourselves, continuously exist being a temple of a living God." So, Paul clearly uses this metaphor for both the corporate and the individual. In this study, let us keep both of these concepts in mind.

A personal focus can easily be seen in vss. 2-4, above. But what are we to make of the last clause of vs. 3? Traditional teachings about the possibility of, "being found naked," gave rise to the idea of existing as "a disembodied spirit." This, of course, was mere speculation, even considering what Paul goes on to say in vs. 4. There he broaches the subject of, "adding clothing upon ourselves," and this idea being, "to the end that the mortal may be drunk down and swallowed under, or by, The Life." But how does this happen?

We may gain insight into Paul's meaning by considering another place where he used the metaphor of "drinking something down." In 1 Cor. 15:54,

"Now whenever (or: at any point when; [other MSS add: this corruptible would put on incorruption and] this mortal would (or: may) plunge, sink in and clothe itself with (or: put on) the Immortality, then will continue taking place (or: proceed being birthed; successively come into existence) the Word (message; Blueprint; patterned Information) which has been written,'The Death was drunk down and swallowed into Victory (or: overcoming)!'" [Isa. 25:8]

In both this verse, and vs. 4, above, what is being "swallowed down" is "this mortal," and the Isa. 25 quote associates this with "the Death" - which, in turn, calls to mind "the Death" in Rom. 5:12, 15 and 21.

In conversation about the topic of this essay, John Gavazzoni has insightfully pointed us to Phil. 3:

20. You see, OUR citizenship (result of living in a free City [cf Gal. 4:26]; or: commonwealth-effects; political realm) continues inherently existing (or: continues humbly ruling; continuously subsists; repeatedly has its under-beginning) resident within the midst of [the] atmospheres (or: heavens; [cf Col. 3:1; Heb. 12:22]), from out of where (or: from which place) we also continuously receive and take away, as in our hands, from out of a Deliverer (a Savior; a Rescuer; One who keeps us safe; One restoring us to the health and wholeness): [the] Lord (or: a Master), Jesus Christ, [cf Rom. 8:23ff; Gal. 5:5; 1 Cor. 1:7; 2 Cor. 5:1ff; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 9:28]

21. Who will continue changing the position and the posture of (or: will progressively be refashioning and remodeling; will continuously be changing the outward fashion, mode of circumstance, condition, form-appearance, character, role, phase, configuration, or manner, of) our body from the low condition and status (or: the body of, and from, our humiliation; or: the body which is us, pertaining to this lowliness) [to be] joint-formed, formed together with, and conformed by, to, in, and with, the body of His glory [cf Ps. 17:15; Mat. 17:2; 1 Cor. 15:43-49; 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:4; 1 Jn. 3:2]
(or: from, and which is, His assumed appearance; [other MSS: into the {situation} for it to be brought into existence conformed to, and having the same form together with, His body, from that which calls forth praise and imagination for His character and good repute]), down from (or: in accord with; in the sphere of; to the level of; following the pattern of; in stepping with; commensurate with; as directed by) the inwardly-centered operation (functioning energy; inner-working) of the [conditions, situation or sphere for] Him to be continuously able (or: to progress with power) also to humbly align The Whole to and in Himself [cf Eph. 1:19; Heb. 7:25]
(or: to subject and subordinate all things for Himself; to arrange everything under so as to have full control and to support [it] by and with Himself). [cf Isa. 63:1; Mat. 28:18]

Those two verses beg to be unpacked, and vs. 21 will be examined, below. But for now, take note of the present, continuous action, in vs. 20b, which seems to lead into the continuous action of vs. 21a. There is a lot to consider in the parenthetical expansion of 21a. These two verses speak to our present situations and conditions of being ongoingly transformed. We think that it will be helpful to read the verse references which are inserted into the text of my NT, above, some of which are presented in this current study.

Now, before proceeding on these previous thoughts, let us return to vs. 3, and the idea of "being found naked." Where did we first hear about someone "being naked"? It was in Gen. 3:10, where Adam said to Yahweh,

"I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself."

What was Yahweh's solution for their naked condition?

"And Yahweh God made (or: was doing) for the man (or: Adam) and for his wife tunics of skin, and He clothed (or: was clothing) them" (Gen. 3:21, based on the Heb. text).

The LXX of this verse uses the verb which means

"to make, do, form, construct, produce, or create." This same verb is found in Gen. 2:4, where it speaks of the day in which God "created (or: made; produced; etc.) the heaven (or: sky; atmosphere) and the earth (or: land)."

So, how should we read 3:21?

Is there a connection between Gen. 3:10, 21, and 2 Cor. 5:2-4, above? Garments and clothing play important roles in the stories of both the OT and the NT. Normally, the garments carry a symbolic significance. In most cases, they perform the function of being a covering (as in Gen. 3:21, as well as in Ezk. 16:8, where Yahweh spread His skirt over Jerusalem to cover her nakedness), but in other cases they indicate either status (Joseph's multi-colored coat -

We find it interesting that with the beginning of the proclamation about the presence of the kingdom (or: realm; reign; sovereign activities) of God came with a man clothed in a skin. We presume that when Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, they were still clothed in skins. Following the ministry of John, the remainder of NT references which are listed, above, seem to represent a higher realm of existence. Could this realm be that of the kingdom of God?

God did not clothe Adam and Eve with white robes. Why? Was their clothing indicative that they were to be living in the lower, earth realm? Was John's clothing indicative that humanity was now leaving the lower, animal realm (the realm which was symbolically pictured by Israel wandering in the wilderness, until the crossing of the Jordan River)?

Take note: the Jordan was the place where John was immersing folks. That first crossing of the Jordan was when the next generation left the wilderness and entered into the land of the Promise. We suggest that both John and Jesus were living parables which portrayed the end of one covenant and the beginning of the new arrangement and realm of living.

Now in our opening text of 2 Cor. 5, Paul asserted that he did not want to be naked. Are we to assume that the

"souls under the altar" (Rev. 6:11)

were in the category of being considered "naked"? Or, were the white robes given to them simply a symbol that these folks existed in the kingdom realm, despite their current location during the rolling out of God's plans while Jerusalem was being judged during the war in AD 66-70?

So what did Paul mean? Rather than being found "naked," his desire was,

"to fully enter within and to add clothing upon ourselves, to the end that the mortal (or: this mortal thing) may be drunk down and swallowed under (or: by) The Life."

This takes our thoughts back to vs. 1, where he instructs us that,

"we constantly have (continuously hold; presently possess) a dwelling structure or place (a building for an abode) forth from out of the midst of God: an eonian act of building a roofed house (or: a covered building for dwelling - a home - having qualities and character which pertain to the Age [of the Messiah]; a structure of edification of, for, and pertaining to, the ages) - not made by hands [cf Heb. 9:1-8, 11; Dan. 2:34, 45; Eph. 2:11; Col. 2:11] - resident within these atmospheres (or: in union with the heavens)."

Is he speaking about a "heavenly," resurrected body (e.g., 1 Cor. 15:44), or, a "heavenly," resurrected, realm of existence? Perhaps the answer is "either," or "both."

Let us observe what Paul said of Jesus, during His incarnation, in Phil. 2:

7. but to the contrary, He empties Himself (or: removed the contents of Himself; made Himself empty; or: impoverished Himself; divested Himself) upon receiving (or: in taking; then accepting) a slave's form (external shape; outward mold) in coming to be (or: by birthing Himself) in union with an effect of humanity's likeness (or: centered in a result of a likeness from people; within the sphere of an effect of being made like [one] belonging to people; in the midst of a result of people's likeness). [cf Ps. 22:6; Isa. 42:1; 53:3, 11; Mat. 20:28; Jn. 1:14; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 10:5b]

8. And so, being found in an outward fashion, guise, mode of circumstance, condition, form-appearance (or: character, role, phase, configuration, manner) as a human (a person; a man), He lowers Himself (or: humbled Himself; made Himself low; degrades Himself; levels Himself off), coming to be (or: birthing Himself) a submissive, obedient One (one who gives the ear and listens) as far as (or: to the point of; until) death - but death of a cross (from a torture stake)! [cf Jn. 13:1-17; Heb. 10:9; 12:2]

Added to this is Paul's observations in Gal. 4:

3. Thus also WE ourselves [= Jew and Gentile, referring to all the Galatians], when WE were progressing from infants to minors, we continued being folks having been enslaved under (or: by) the System's elementary principles (rows, ranks and series of the "elementary systems of training" - Lightfoot; or: those rudimentary things pertaining to the world of culture, economy, government and religion from the aggregate of humanity; [cf Law, 3:24, above; vss. 4-5, 9-10, below; Col. 2:8, 20; Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 6:2; 11:32; note: "Judaism was a system of bondage like Heathenism. Heathenism had been a disciplinary training, like Judaism" - Lightfoot]).

4. Yet when the effect of the filling of the time came (or: that which was filled up by time reached full term), forth from out of a mission (or: from out of the midst of [Himself]), God sent-off His Son, being Himself come to be born from out of a woman, being Himself come to be born under [the rules, authority and influence of] Law (or: a law; custom),

5. to the end that He could (or: would) buy out (release by purchase; redeem; reclaim [from slavery]) those under a law (or: [the] Law) - so that WE [= Jew and Gentile] could and would receive and take away, into possession, the placing in the condition of a son (or: the deposit of the Son; the setting in place which is the Son; the constituting as a son; the placing in the Son; or: = adulthood). [cf Rom. 8:3-4]

These two passages instruct us about Jesus' own physical state of being during His incarnation, even when He took Peter, Jacob and John up into the mountain, in Mat. 17:

1. Then after six days, Jesus proceeds to take along (or: at His side) Peter, Jacob (James) and John, his brother, and progressively leads them up into a high mountain, privately, and to be in accord with what was His own.

2. And then, all of a sudden, He was transformed (transfigured; changed in external form and appearance) and His face radiated light, like a lamp, and shone like the sun. His outer garments also turned white - bright as the light! [cf 2 Cor. 3:18]

Take note of what vs. 2 says about His garments. Recall 2 Cor. 5:1, above:

"we constantly have (continuously hold; presently possess) a dwelling structure or place (a building for an abode) forth from out of the midst of God: an eonian act of building a roofed house... resident within these atmospheres (or: in union with the heavens)."

Were Jesus' outer, transfigured garments a manifestation of His dwelling structure (or, body) which He "constantly possessed" and which was resident within the atmospheres, or, in union with the heavens? Was this why the men were described as being clothed in similar garments, in Lu. 24:4 and Acts 1:10?

Having considered all of this on which we have focused, above, let us look again at 2 Cor. 5:1, and see what else can be unpacked from this verse.

One thing to observe is that this verse is a continuation of 2 Cor. 4:18, and the chapter division is an artificial break in Paul's thinking. He is still speaking of

"fixing our gaze on or carefully noting... those things NOT being constantly seen or repeatedly observed."

One of those things that is "not being seen" is

"a dwelling from out of the midst of God: a covered building for dwelling having qualities and character which pertain to the Age [of the Messiah]."

So we must first ask: What does he mean by the term "House" which he then calls "the Tabernacle, or, tent"? This qualifier, "Tabernacle," or "tent," signifies that which is not permanent - and to put it in the words of 4:18, above, it refers to something that was

"for a season (temporary; set toward a certain situation; transient)."

Tony Everett Denton (Pertinent Parousia Passages, Second-Coming Scripture Studies, 2016 p 148) has pointed us to Phil. 3:19b where Paul warned about,

"people continually thinking about (habitually being intent on; constantly minding) the things existing upon the EARTH (or: upon the Land; or: = folks whose minds are earthbound). [cf Rom. 8:6-8; Hos. 4:7; 7:13]

Such folks were still living as being a part of the earthly Tabernacle - most likely the Judaizers - who were constantly

"walking about (i.e., are living their lives) as enemies of the cross of the Christ" (Phil. 3:18).

Paul goes on to contrast this with

"a dwelling structure or place (a building for an abode) forth from out of the midst of God... resident within the atmospheres (in union with the heavens)."

The terms "House" and "Tabernacle" were traditionally applied to corporate structures [cf Rev. 21:3] that were also referred to as "the Temple." We are reminded of Jesus' words in Jn. 14:2-3a,

"Within My Father's HOUSE (or: household) are many abodes (staying places; dwelling places; homes; rooms). Now if not, I would at once tell you folks, because I am progressively passing (or: traveling) along to prepare and make ready a place in you (or: for you; with and among you folks). Even if I should journey on and prepare (make suitable, fit and appropriate) a place (or: a spot; a position; a role) in you folks (or: with, among and for you)..."

So, again, when Paul says, "OUR House," is he speaking of the temple (whether speaking of the literal temple that was destroyed in AD 70, or of their corporate community), or of our individual bodies? We should note here the qualifying clause "not made by hands," which may be a contrast which has reference to the physical Tabernacle, or Temple. Those were "made by hands." Our physical bodies were not "made by hands." Where else do we find this phrase "not made by hands"?

The "the set-apart (or: holy) place pertaining to that system (suited to that ordered arrangement)," that is, of the old covenant (cf Heb. 9:1), was the type of this new, "heavenly" Temple (as we read of in Heb. 9:1-8).

But notice Heb. 9:11,

"So Christ ([the] Anointed One; [Messiah]), after suddenly coming to be present at [our] side [as] a Chief (or: Ruling; Ranking) Priest of the good things happening (or: of virtuous people being birthed; [with other MSS: pertaining to impending excellent things]), by means of the greater and more perfect (more matured, complete and destined) Tabernacle NOT MADE BY HANDS - that is, not of this creation - and not by means of blood from he-goats and calves, but by means of and through His own blood." [cf Heb. 6:19-20; 8:2]

Now observe that the author uses the same expression as our verse here: "not made by hands." But in this Heb. 9 text, it goes on to explain that this term was "not of this creation." In vss. 1-10, the author had been speaking of the physical tabernacle and the cultic rituals of the old covenant, i.e., of the old creation that was formed at Mt. Sinai. Furthermore, we read in Heb. 10:19b, 20, 22 that we are admonished to draw near,

"within and in union with the blood of Jesus, a Way (Path; Road) which was done anew (or: which He innovates and makes new in species, character or mode, within and in the midst) for us and in us,"

with our

"hearts having been sprinkled from a misery-gushed consciousness of what is evil or unserviceable (or: a joint-knowledge full of annoying labor; a conscience in a bad condition)."

So now WE are the Temple (cf 2 Cor. 6:16) of the Atmospheres (the new creation, of 2 Cor. 5:17) into which Jesus entered, sprinkling OUR hearts (the new holy of holies) with His blood/Life. Let us now look at Heb. 9: 24, with the above in mind:

"For Christ did not enter into set-apart places made by hands (= by humans) - representations (things formed after a pattern) of the true and real things - but rather into the atmosphere and heaven itself, now to be manifested (exhibited to view; caused to appear in clear light; made apparent) by the presence of God over us (or: in God's face and countenance [being] on our behalf)."

The body of Christ is the new heavens, the new atmosphere that presents the new arrangement (covenant) to the world.

Now observe:

"we constantly HAVE (continuously hold; presently possess) a dwelling structure or place (a building for an abode; or: a household; = a family or a possession) forth from out of the midst of God." [cf Rev. 21:2, 10b]

Consider that this term, oikia, can also be rendered "a household." By extension this can refer to "a family or a possession (that is associated with one's household)." He is not speaking about something that we will have when we die, or that we will have in the future, or that is somewhere off in space! It is something that we "presently possess." If they destroy the temple in Jerusalem, it would not affect either Paul or his listeners (nor us, nor anyone). We continuously hold this "House" each time we hold a person within the community.

The word oikodome can refer either to an action, or to the result of that action: an eonian act of building a roofed house, or, "a covered building for dwelling having qualities and character which pertain to the Age [of the Messiah]; a structure of edification for, and pertaining to, the ages." Next, he locates this "act of building," and "the structure of edification," and it is: "resident within the atmospheres (or: in union with the heavens)." In other words, it is not in literal Jerusalem, nor in Judea, or any other location on the physical earth. But in Gal. 4:26 we read that it is in "the Jerusalem above." We find a description of it in Heb. 12:22,

"you folks HAVE approached so that you are NOW at Mount Zion - even in a city of a continuously living God; in 'Jerusalem upon heaven.'"

It is in the

"atmosphere (or: heaven) of the kingdom of the atmospheres (or: kingdom of the heavens)."

Paul put it this way in 1 Tim. 3:15,

"[I am writing this] to the end that you may see and thus know how it is necessary and binding to be twisted and turned back up again within God's household (or: to be treated, conducted, or caused to behave, in God's HOUSE), which is (or: exists being) a called-out community of [the] Living God (or: whose source is a living God; which has the qualities and character of [the] living God; or: which is a living god), a pillar and foundational seat of The Truth (or: a base from and an effect of a settling of reality)."

In Eph. 2:11 we find Paul using the phrase "made by hand" in a reference to circumcision - which related to the Tabernacle and the House of the old covenant:

"On which account (or: Wherefore; So then), you folks must continuously call to mind (or: keep in mind; remember) that once you, the nations (multitudes; ethnic groups; Gentiles; non-Israelites) in flesh (= in your physical beings and cultural heritages) - the ones habitually termed (spoken of as; called; said to be) "uncircumcision" by the one (or: that) habitually being termed "circumcision," in flesh (= body, culture and religion), [i.e.], made BY HAND."

Now observe how he uses the metaphor of the "body" in Col. 2:11, 12a, and how it refers to the work of Christ that has already happened with us:

"within Whom you folks were also circumcised (or: in union with Whom you are cut around and off) by (or: in; to; with) a circumcision NOT done BY HANDS (not handmade): in the sinking out and away from (or: the stripping off and undressing of; the going out and away from) the BODY of the flesh (= the corporate body of the Jewish religion and national heritage; or: = the natural body pertaining to the natural realm; or: = the estranged human nature and alienated self) - in the circumcision of the Christ (in Christ's circumcision; in the circumcision which was done to Christ; or: in the circumcision which is the Anointing), being buried together in Him (jointly entombed with Him)."

The phrase "without hands" may also be an allusion to the new kingdom spoken of in Dan. 2:44-45 which was

"cut out of the mountain without hands."

This spiritual kingdom is associated with the New Jerusalem of Rev. 21-22, which is composed of His people, His eonian House, which is a

"dwelling structure or place (a building for an abode; or: a household; = a family or a possession) forth from out of the midst of God" (cf Rev. 21:10b, where we read that this City, His Bride, is "progressively {or: habitually; or: presently} descending out of the atmosphere {or: heaven}, from God").

And just what was it that Abraham was wanting? Was it another physical body? No, for we read in Heb. 11:10,

"For he continued taking with the hand from out of (or: reaching in and receiving, then taking away from within) the city [i.e., the New Jerusalem] continuously having the foundations - whose Craftsman (or: Technician; Artisan) and skilled Worker for the people (or: Producer of a People; Architect of a public corporate entity) [is] God."

A verse that has been associated with 5:1, here, is found in Phil. 3. We will examine this verse from the comments on it found in my commentary, "Peter, Paul & Jacob", Harper Brown Pub. 2012 p 60-63:

21. Who will be actively transfiguring (progressively refashioning and remodeling; continuously changing the form of) our body from the low condition and status (or: the body of our humiliation; or: the body which is us, pertaining to this lowliness) into the [situation] for it to be birthed conformed to the body of His glory (or: be brought into existence having the same form together with His body, from that which calls forth praise; [with other MSS: joint-formed by and with the body of His good reputation]), down from (or: in accord with; in the sphere of; along the lines of; to the level of; following the pattern of; stepping along with; commensurate with; following the bidding of; as directed by) the inward operation (energy; in-working) of the [conditions or situation for] Him to be continuously able (or: with power) also to humbly align The Whole to and in Himself (or: to subject and subordinate all things for Himself; to arrange everything under so as to have full control and to support [it] by and with Himself).

Christ, by His Spirit (Who/Which also dwells within His called-out folks) and by His Word, will be progressively refashioning, remodeling and transfiguring our body from the humiliation, to be conformed to the body of His glory. This is what happens as we walk the Path within Him who is the Way. We have much to anticipate as we live our lives here. Now the first question that we need to ask is: What body is it to which he is referring? Is it our individual physical body, or is it the corporate body of Christ? Reading the personal pronoun as in the genitive of apposition, it reads

"the body which is us."

His body is a corporate body (1 Cor. 12:12) and this is the body of His glory (Christ in you the expectation of glory - Col. 1:27). Recall John 17:22,

"And I, Myself, have given to them (or: in them), and they now possess, the glory (the notion; the opinion; the imagination; the reputation; the manifestation which calls forth praise) which You have given to Me, and which I now possess, to the end that they may continuously exist being one correspondingly as (just as; according as; on the same level as; in the same sphere as) We [are] one."

That glory was not an outward glory, but an inward one, just as His working is an inward one. It was the glory that the Father had given to Him, which He then possessed, but could not be seen outwardly.

The words "down from" is the Greek "kata," which as you see has a broad semantic range. If we use the meaning of "in the sphere of," this corresponds to His inward working - where the transfiguration and remodeling takes place. The meaning "along the lines of" says the same thing. It is not an outward, physical transformation, but an inward one - of which he is here speaking.

In vs. 10, above, Paul made reference to having the power of His resurrection. Let us look in 1 Cor. 15 where he also speaks of bodies, resurrection and Christ:

42. Thus also (or: In this way too) [is] the resurrection of the dead people. It is habitually (repeatedly; presently; one after another) being sown within corruption (or: in union with decay and ruin; in perishability); it is being habitually (or: presently; repeatedly; one after another) awakened and raised up within incorruption (non-decayability; imperishableness).

43. It is constantly being sown within dishonor (in union with lack of value; in the midst of worthlessness), it is being habitually (or: repeatedly; constantly; one after another; progressively) awakened and raised up within, and in union with, power and ability.

44. It is habitually (continually; repeatedly; presently) being sown a body having the qualities and characteristics of a soul (a soulish body; or: = a body animated by soul); it is habitually (repeatedly; constantly; presently; one after another) being awakened and raised up a spiritual body (a body having the qualities and characteristics of the Breath-effect). Since there is a soulish body (or: = body animated by soul), there also is (or: exists) a spiritual one (or: = one animated by spirit). [comment: note the germinal connection between the two - they are a progression of the same body]

45. Thus also (or: In this way also), it has been written, "The first human (or: man), Adam, came for existence (or: was birthed) into [being] a living soul" [Gen. 2:7]; the Last Adam into [being] a continuously life-making (life-engendering; life-creating; life-giving) Spirit (or: Breath-effect).

Now note the connection of resurrection with power, in vs. 43. Next, in vs. 44, we see that it is

"being awakened and raised up A SPIRITUAL BODY."

Then he tells us that there is a natural body that pertains to the soul - the one which is sown - and there is a spiritual one - the one that is resurrected, and consider my note that this is a progression of the same body. It is like the seed that fell into the ground that I referred to, above (vs. 11 comments). Note also the present tense of the verbs: habitually, repeatedly, constantly, presently, one-after-another. This, again, is an ongoing process that was happening in Paul's day, as it has ever since the resurrection of Jesus.

Next note vs. 45 which Paul is relating both to resurrection and to the two bodies. We have the first human, Adam (the soulish person) and we have the Last Adam Who is a continuously life-making, life-creating, life-giving Spirit. The resurrected person is a spirit. This is the spiritual body (the "afterwards" person of vs. 46). The first Adam was corporate humanity, in this context; the Last Adam is the corporate spiritual body of Christ, with Jesus as its Head.

So let us look further in 1 Cor. 15,

47. The first human (person; man) [was/is] forth from out of the earth (land; ground; soil; dirt), made of moist soil and mud (or: having the quality and characteristics of moist dirt that can be poured; soilish), the Second Human (Person; Man) [is made] of heaven (or: sky; atmosphere).

48. As [is] the person made of and having the character and quality of moist soil or mud (pourable dirt; soil), of such sort also [are] the people [who are] made of and have the character and quality of moist soil or mud (soilish folks); and likewise, as [is] the Heavenly Person (or: the one made of and having the quality and character of the supra-heaven), of such sort also [are] the supra-heavenly people - those made of and having the quality and character of the supra-heaven (or: finished and perfected atmosphere).

49. And correspondingly as we bear and wear the image of the dusty person, [p46 adds: doubtless] we can and should [B reads: will] also bear and wear the image of the supra-heavenly One (or: the One having the quality and character of the finished and perfected atmosphere).

Vs. 48-49 describe humans transfigured to be conformed to His body of glory, and vs. 47 tells us that they are

"[made] of heaven/atmosphere,"

this latter being parallel to the

"made of moist soil and mud"

of the first clause. The "made of heaven" is a figure for the spiritual. Having the quality and character of the supra-heaven and wearing His image is equivalent to being conformed to the body of His glory.

And then there is 1 Cor. 15:51,

51. See (Look and consider)! I am progressively telling you a secret ([the] mystery)! We, indeed, shall not all be laid to sleep [in death], yet we all will be changed (or: On the one hand, not all of us will be made to [die], but on the other hand, we all will be altered; or: We all shall not be put to repose, and so we all shall be transformed; or: All of us shall not sleep, but we all will be rearranged to be another or made to be otherwise),

And then, still more, in 1 Cor. 15:

53. For it continues being necessary (it is habitually binding) for this perishable and corruptible to instantly plunge (or: sink) in and clothe itself with (or: slip on; put on) incorruption and imperishability, and for this mortal (one that is subject to death) to instantly plunge and sink in and clothe itself with (or: put on; slip on as a garment) immortality (deathlessness; undyingness).

This sounds very much like 2 Cor. 5:1-2, but looking at a couple more verses in 1 Cor. 15, we see another interesting aspect of what we now possess, the first verse having been cited, above:

54. Now whenever this mortal instantly plunges and sinks in and then clothes itself with (or: slips on; puts on) the Immortality, then will come into existence (will be birthed; will take place) the word (the thought; the idea; the message; the saying) which has been written,"The Death was drunk down and swallowed into Victory (or: overcoming)!" [Isa. 25:8]

And finally,

57. But grace and joyous favor [is] in God (or: by God) - the One presently and progressively giving the Victory (or: the overcoming) to us, in us and for us through our Lord (Owner; Master), Jesus, [the] Christ!

So we now have and possess the Victory - God has given it to us - and it is the Victory that drank down and swallowed the Death (vs. 54b). Jesus drank the cup that the Father had given to him (Jn. 18:11; Mat. 20:22). This is the final way (Mat. 20:23a) of being conformed to His death (Phil. 3:10), which ended in victory (the "out-resurrection" of vs. 11, above). Now this was a corporate event that coincided with His resurrection - and this was all the result of

"the inward operation (energy; in-working) of the [conditions or situation for] Him to continuously be able (or: have power) also to humbly align (or: to subject; to subordinate; to arrange under so as to have full control of and support) The Whole (or: all things; everything) in Himself (to Himself; for Himself; by and with Himself)." He is able to align the whole of humanity - as well as the whole universe - "in Himself, to Himself, for Himself, by Himself, and with Himself!"

He refashions the whole body of humanity, as well as the universe (the new creation in Christ), to be birthed conformed to the body of His glory.

We could continue going in many directions from our starting point in 2 Cor. 5:1-4, but this present essay has gone far enough, for now. There are multiple aspects of the metaphor, "Two Bodies." Paul used this metaphor in Rom. 7:24,

"I [am] a wretched (callous-weighted [from hard work], miserable, distressed, enduring-severe-effort-and-hardship) human (person)! What will be progressively dragging and rescuing me from out of the body from this Death (or: from out of this: the body of the Death; out of this body which pertains to, and which is, the Death)? Grace!"

Then, in Rom. 8:10, he instructs us:

"But since Christ (or: Yet if, as is the case, an Anointing) [is] within you folks, on the one hand the body is dead (exists Lifeless; is a corpse) BECAUSE OF sin (through failure, deviation and missing the target); yet on the other hand, the Spirit (or: spirit), Attitude and Breath-effect [is] Life BECAUSE OF an eschatological Act of justice that brought a rightwising Deliverance into equitable, covenantal relationships within the Way pointed-out (or: LIFE, on account of the covenantal Faithfulness of a liberating Turn into the Right Direction of the pointed-out Way, or Path)."

In regard to the Advent, that is, birth of Jesus, the body of Jesus which was formed and grew within Mary was the means of God incarnating within Him. When God blew His Spirit into the earthen body of Adam, God incarnated within Adam. The resurrected Jesus,

"suddenly blows on, and says to, them (or: He breathes within [them], as to inflate them [note: same verb as used in Gen. 2:7, LXX], then is saying to them), "Receive a set-apart spirit! (or: Get [the] Holy Spirit!; Take the Sacred Breath-effect!; or: Receive a sacred attitude)" (Jn. 20:22),

thus transforming them into being a part of the Second Humanity, the Last Adam. They were now the body of Christ, phase two of the Incarnation. They were, and had, Two Bodies (1 Cor. 15:44).

As a parting thought, to what "body" was Judah alluding, in Jude 1:9?

"Yet Michael (The One Who is like God), the ruling Agent (the first, chief, or original Messenger) - when progressively making a distinction to (or: while gaining discernment by; in reaching a thorough separation, and then making a decision for, as well as thoroughly deciding with; or: in the process of fully evaluating a dispute with; [cf Zech. 2:1-2]) the adversary (or: the slanderer; the one, or person, who thrusts things through folks or situations, and thus causes pain and divisions; traditionally: the "devil") - continued reasoning (deliberating; speaking thoroughly; discoursing [as in using the Socratic dialectic method]; thoroughly laying out meaning-bearing and pattern-forming Information) concerning, and around, the body of Moses (or: this Body from, and pertaining to, Moses). He did not at any point assume, presume, or venture, to bring upon [him; the situation; the body] a blasphemous, villainous, or dignity-impugning, judging (or: to bring in addition a deciding characterized by an abusive distinction or a slanderous decision; or: bring an added evaluating which hindered the light), but rather, and to the contrary, He said, "The LORD [=Yahweh] might at some point hold you in added honor (or: set a value upon you; put respect upon you; award you)."

[note: this word is from epi, upon, and timao, to hold in respect, to honor, to value, to award. It is also used in negative connotations, and thus can mean, to assess a penalty upon, to chide, to respectfully reprove or admonish. As this passage is contrasting Michael's actions to the negative actions of those who "came in unobserved," I chose the positive translation of epitimao. In his Word Pictures in the New Testament, A.T. Robertson notes that both Clement of Alexandria and Origen said that Judah here quoted the Assumption of Moses. (This latter is an early first century Jewish work of apocalyptic literature. Recall that Paul cites Hellenistic literature in Acts 17:28) cf "John, Judah, Paul & ?"

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