What is the context?
Paul’s instruction is to flee sexual immorality. His description of sin against one’s own body follows the discussion of joining the body to a prostitute. It emphasizes the seriousness of that union rather than suggesting that other sins never harm bodies or relationships.
He calls the body a temple of the Holy Spirit, received from God. Earlier he used temple language for the community together; here the argument concerns what believers do with their bodies. Both uses place life under the claim of the God who dwells with His people.
They are not their own because they were bought at a price. The conclusion is positive as well as corrective: honor God through bodily life. Paul does not describe sexual wrongdoing as beyond forgiveness, and the earlier reminder that they were washed and made holy keeps the call to turn away from sin within the hope of renewal.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand these verses as calling believers to honor God through sexual conduct because their bodies belong to Him and receive His Spirit. Calvin’s comments on verses 18–19 recognize that other sins also dishonor the body, while preserving Paul’s particular warning about sexual sin.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Romans 8:9–11 connects the Spirit’s presence with belonging to Christ and with God giving life to mortal bodies. Redemption is not a plan to discard bodily life as worthless.
Romans 12:1–2 then calls believers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice in response to God’s mercy. Together these passages place the call to glorify God with the body within a life of worship, renewed thinking and future resurrection.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.