Act Like Men: Biblical Manhood in the Church
1 Corinthians 16:13
In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul exhorts believers to "act like men." The Greek word translated as "men" is elsewhere used for brother, husband, or man. This is significant because it refers specifically to males. While this command applies to all believers, Paul and the Holy Spirit intentionally used manhood as the illustration.
To be a man means certain things. The phrase "act like men" means "to play the man"—to be courageous and strong. It is military language, evoking images of soldiers standing firm in battle, as Paul describes in 2 Timothy 2:1-7. He fleshes out the attributes of biblical manhood in this verse.
A man is alert to danger. When Paul says, "Be watchful," he calls men to stay vigilant, especially against falsehood and spiritual threats. Christian men must guard the faith and protect their families and churches from anything that would lead them astray.
A man is firm in his beliefs. Paul’s command to "stand firm in the faith" speaks to the need for steadfastness and determination in biblical truth. The Corinthians were immature in their faith, and Paul urges them to grow up spiritually, as he states in 1 Corinthians 13:11.
A man is mature in his behavior. Maturity is a defining mark of manhood. It is more than just age—it is wisdom, responsibility, and self-discipline. The church needs men who will set an example of strong and faithful leadership.
A man is strong in the face of adversity. Strength is not about physical power but a resolute spirit in times of trial. Christian men must stand firm in their convictions, resisting external pressures and internal struggles.
A man is loving. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 16:14, "Let all that you do be done in love." True biblical masculinity is not about dominance but about strength controlled by love. In 2 Corinthians 5:14, Paul says, "The love of Christ controls us." This means we are not to be strong half the time and loving the other half—we are called to embody both at the same time. As Romans 5:5 says, "The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Paul commands all believers to exhibit these traits, but he uses manhood as the model.
Biblical Manhood in the Church
God designed men for leadership and responsibility in His creation, beginning with Adam in the Garden. This divine design applies to the church as well.
Men are to lead the congregation. Paul instructs the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 to submit to those who labor among them. The New Testament teaches that church leadership is male. Every liberal, heretical church began its decline when it abandoned this principle. The authoritative positions of pastors and elders are gender-specific. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Paul lays out the qualifications for leadership, and every passage clarifies that these roles are for men. Jesus chose men as Apostles, and the early church appointed men as leaders. This is a call for Christian men to take their faith seriously so that they may serve in leadership roles.
Men are to build the congregation. Ephesians 4:11-16 teaches that God has given leaders to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ. Men should actively work to strengthen the church, making themselves available to meet the needs that arise. Most spiritual gifts are not discovered through a diagnostic test but through service. When men step up and serve, their gifts become clear.
Men are to keep and protect the congregation. Christian men are called to safeguard the church both doctrinally and practically. Like Nehemiah’s builders, who worked with a tool in one hand and a sword in the other, Christian men must build up the church while defending it from false teaching and division. A biblical church should be a safe place, protected by godly men willing to stand firm for truth.
Community Bible Church will only be as strong as its men. Men, take your faith seriously. Take your church seriously. Act like men.