Summary

Paul does not specify which body members seem to be weaker. We might think of the internal organs, which are invisible to us and yet fulfil vital functions. Likewise, the weaker church members (Paul may have in mind the poorer members (see 1 Corinthians 11:22) and/or those whose gifts are less visible) are in fact indispensable to the well-being of the church.

There are many examples in Scripture of people who seemed weak in the eyes of the world and yet was used by God in powerful ways. Anna became a widow at a young age, yet she served God through constant prayer and was used by him as a prophetess (Luke 2:36–38). Later, when writing about his own physical ailment, Paul told the Corinthians how God had said to him, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).