The Bride of Christ

A cursory inspection of Scripture suggests that Paul never used the phrase the “Bride of Christ” — the classic motif of the church. However, Paul does say “We are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones” (Eph 5:30), i.e., “ye are the body of Christ (sōma Christos), and members in particular” (cf. 1Co_12:27). 

 It is plausible that we are not the “Bride of Christ,” in as much as such is never explicitly stated or supported in Scripture. However, our identity as the “Body of Christ” by comparison is robust, explicit, and redundant — we are the “Body of Christ” (cf. Rom_7:4; 1Co_10:16; Eph_4:12). 

Does not mutually exclusivity preclude our identity as both bride and bridegroom? 

Before addressing the “quintessential” “Bride of Christ” prooftext, it is essential to comprehend that which Paul had built and watched over so faithfully — Paul “in his time plays many parts,” a nursing mother, a vigilant father, and a jealous husband:

“We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children” (cf. 1Th 2:7). 

“Have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel” (cf. 1Co 4:15). 

“I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (cf. 2Co 11:2 ).

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11:2, espoused the “Body of Christ” to “himself” that he “may present [us] as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 

 Koine Greek scholar A. T. Robertson expounds the so-called 2 Cor 11:2 “prooftext”: I espoused (hērmosamēn). First aorist middle indicative of harmozō, old verb to join, to fit together (from harmos, joint). Common for betrothed, though only here in N.T. The middle voice indicates Paul’s interest in the matter. Paul treats the Corinthians as his bride.

Paul sees for himself the ruin of that which he had built and watched over so faithfully. He had spent himself for the assembly, accomplishing that which was behind of the sufferings of Christ; and he had to see that which he had so much loved (which he had cared for even as a mother cherishes her nursling which he had planted as God's plant on the earth) grow feeble as to its condition and testimony in the world, depart from the source of strength, and become corrupt. What a painful experience! But it is that of the servant of God in all ages and in all dispensations.” John Nelson Darby (1800 – 1882)

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