I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
The Christians in Corinth were separating into different factions. Paul reports that some of “Chloe’s people,” a church member and business woman in Corinth, told him about quarreling in Corinth that was causing some to separate, claiming to follow a particular individual and it was so profound that Chloe’s people brought news of the arguments to Paul who was in Ephesus. This factionalism at Corinth was not related to differences in foundational church doctrine. Paul does not condemn here though he does in other letters dealing with doctrinal issues critical to the church. The Corinthian problems seem more to be a power struggle in the church. Now, the first converts in Corinth might have said, “I follow Paul,” to claim a right to a greater position in the church because they were converted under the ministry of their church’s planter. Others may have prized the eloquence of speech saying, “I follow Apollos,” Some may have professed, “I follow Cephas [Peter],” because they had close personal connection to Peter. Those who said, “I follow Christ,” may have been puffed up and thought they were above the fray altogether. There are those today who say, “No creed but Christ,” to argue that they follow no particular church tradition. Paul explains why such divisions are foolish. Paul asks, “Is Christ divided?” The question answers itself. Christ Himself cannot be divided, so how can brothers and sisters in Christ divide His body? Since Christ has not divided His body based on personal associations, we certainly may not. Paul shows how wrong it is to improperly use the name of others for none of them was crucified for believers. It is not wrong to esteem our fathers and mothers in the faith. Paul himself tells us to give honor to those to whom honor is due. But, using this honor to justify dividing the body of Christ is a serious sin. By writing his disdain for the Corinthians’ practice, Paul says, “I am glad you cannot associate me with this nonsense.” This must have had quite an impact on the Corinthians. Paul writes that Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the gospel—not with eloquence in order not to empty the cross of its power. Paul is pointing out that the real source of power for Christians is the power of the cross. Paul is not saying that eloquent preaching is wrong. The New Testament is filled with eloquent preaching (for example, the book of Hebrews). We may commend the eloquence of preaching/teaching that has no tendency to lead Christians to be taken up with an outward glitter of words, or intoxicate them with empty delight, or tickle their ears with its tinkling sound, or cover over the cross of Christ with its empty show as with a veil. Only then will there be Christian unity among us because we will be in harmony in our affections and dispositions, and are in all respects of one mind. Sound doctrine is necessary for true Christian unity, but we must also love those with whom we agree and not seek to use personal associations to advance ourselves in the church.
Source: S C Ball October 20, 2023
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