How does Ephesians 1:23 describe the relationship between Christ and the Church?

◄ Ephesians 1:23: Christ-Church relationship? ►

Verse in Focus

“which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:23)

Christ the Head, Church the Body

• Christ is pictured as the Head—sovereign, directing, supplying life and purpose to every member (Ephesians 1:22).

• The Church is His body—an organic, living extension of Christ on earth, inseparably joined to Him.

• Just as a physical body responds to its head, believers are to submit to Christ’s authority, reflect His character, and carry out His will.

The Fullness Explained

• “The fullness of Him” highlights that Christ chooses to express His completeness through His people.

• He “fills all in all,” meaning nothing in the Church is lacking when it remains connected to Him (cf. John 1:16).

• The Church does not add to Christ’s deity; rather, He fills the Church so that His presence, power, and grace flow through every member.

Supporting Scriptures

• Colossians 1:18 – “He is the head of the body, the church…”

• 1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.”

• John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches…” (illustrates the same life-giving union).

• Romans 12:4-5 – “One body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

• Colossians 2:9-10 – “In Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily, and in Him you have been made complete.”

Living Out the Union

• Identity: See yourself first and foremost as part of Christ’s body—loved, valued, purpose-filled.

• Unity: Guard the oneness of the body; division disrupts the display of His fullness (Ephesians 4:3-4).

• Service: Every gift and function matters; when each part works properly, the body grows (Ephesians 4:16).

• Dependence: Continually draw strength, wisdom, and direction from the Head through Scripture and the Spirit.