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The concept of His body in Christianity

In Christianity, "His body" refers to various physical forms and significant events, most notably emphasizing the physical embodiment of Jesus Christ. It symbolizes His sacrifice during the Lord's Supper, where the bread represents His body given for humanity’s salvation. The phrase also highlights Christ’s physical remains, taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb, and the marks of His wounds after resurrection. Additionally, it denotes a connection among believers, who are described as members of His body, forming a vital unity in faith and spirituality.1
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Synonyms: His form, His frame, His figure, Physique, Frame, Build, Form, Structure, Anatomy

In Dutch: Zijn lichaam; In Finnish: Hänen ruumiinsa; In Spanish: Su cuerpo; In Malay: Badannya; In German: Sein Körper; In Swedish: Hans kropp; In French: Son corps

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'His body'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The physical form of the individual expanded significantly, to a point where movement became extremely restricted, which led to a tragic end.[1] (2) This refers to the physical self, and the suffering that the body endures, and how one must remain steadfast in their faith, demonstrating patience during periods of physical hardship and discomfort.[2] (3) His body is mentioned, and they found not his body, but they found his blood turned into stone.[3] (4) Thomas said he came to depart from his body.[4] (5) His body refers to the physical form of Celerinus, which was laid in chains but whose spirit remained free and at liberty.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) His body is given for the disciples, and this act is to be done in remembrance of Him, as stated in the text.[6] (2) The physical form of Saul, which was desecrated by the Philistines, highlighting the consequences of his actions and the tragedy of his death.[7] (3) This phrase is used in reference to the bread during the Lord's Supper, symbolizing the physical form of Jesus and representing his sacrifice for humanity's salvation.[8]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) This is a reference to the physical form of a person, and the text mentions that it was embalmed.[9] (2) The sacrificed body, which is given for believers, and is represented by the bread in the Lord's Supper, representing the body sacrificed.[10] (3) This describes the physical remains of Jacob, which were embalmed and buried with his fathers in the cave of Machpelah.[11]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) Refers to the physical form of Jesus, emphasized in the context of sacrifice.[12]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) He was pursued and slain, and the conspirators brought back his body to Jerusalem.[13]

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) This is what a man must restrain to become like Christ, indicating self-control.[14] (2) His body falls upon the paving, which is the result of the violent act.[15] (3) This phrase represents a physical aspect of a divine figure, which individuals receive and become connected to, fostering a sense of unity.[16] (4) The young man's physical form, for which the dainty meats were not suitable.[17] (5) Refers to Christ's physical embodiment, which He proclaimed He would rebuild.[18]

From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures

(1) The physical remains of Jesus, which Joseph took from the cross, after Pilate commanded that it should be given to him for burial.[19] (2) This refers to the physical form of Herod, which was consumed by worms and melted away due to his illness.[20]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This refers to the physical form of Christ, which bore the scars of His wounds after the resurrection and ascended into heaven.[21] (2) This is a term used to describe the disciples of a specific figure, who are considered to be members of the body, according to the text.[22]

From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis

(1) His body bore the marks of the stigmata and the pain of the Passion of Christ.[23]

From: The city of God

(1) His body is what He also said of His own body, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," and the very nature of His death, that is, the height of the cross, is understood by the single word, "Thou art gone up."[24]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

The concept of His body in local and regional sources

History Books

His body signifies the transport of Germanus's remains back to his hometown following his death, emphasizing the importance of honoring him in his own community and the traditions surrounding death and burial practices.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England

(1) Germanus's body was conveyed to his own city after his death.[25]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) His body is a mere cage of the soul, and he was willing to give up twenty thousand such bodies to help one man, showing his selfless dedication and disregard for his physical well-being.[26]