“Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? “ 1Corinthians 1:12.13
They had minimum four groups - Possible subgroups also under each of them!
The Apollos – party:
Clique in the name of the eloquent, powerful preacher who came after Paul. (cf. Act 18:24—19:1)
But Apollos did not stay in Corinth for a long time, Yet influenced them so much that a party was formed in his name!
The Peter-party:
Considered as chief among the apostles, who …got the key to the kingdom of heaven.
It seems the Jewish Christians respected him so much….formed a group in his name!
The Paul-party:
The founder of Corinth church.Perhaps emerged in reaction to other two groups.
The Christ-party:
Many think, they are the best / original / godly group! Yes, they considered themselves as the super –spiritual elite. They might have challenged others…opposing…claiming to be true. In fact this group is the most difficult to evaluate. Their emphasis and language are often of spiritual men. They think they are most spiritual but the truth is otherwise! They —‘Christ’s party’- are worse than others!
Remember:
None of these great men are responsible for such division in the church. Paul had nothing against Apollos (3:4, 5) so with Peter. They did that which was their part in Christ’s service. It was the people who misused their name, even the name of Christ.
Still Christians make such mistake by making certain people their heroes!
The folly of division. 1:13.
“ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
With three touching questions Paul explains the foolishness / stupidity of making sects in the local church. In effect he is also pointing out the evil consequences of schism.
“Is Christ divided?” They were dividing the body of Christ. Is it possible? They thought they can cut Christ in to parts and hold on to it! How serious division is! It’s breaking apart the body of Christ. It can also mean…you are dividing the body of Christ, the church.
“Was Paul crucified for you?” Who died for you? Christ or Paul… They were denying the cross of Christ.
That means they could not …appreciate the value of the atoning death of Christ. Cross of Christ was nothing for them. They were in effect become enemies of the cross & Christ.. That is undermining the fundamental part of the gospel. When one is obsessed with party spirit / division, Become confused and lose the ability to discern…begin to live lie. .
“Were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
They were denying the Lordship of Christ – His due place. They thought Paul’s authority is more important than of Christ. Actually, answer to all these three questions is ‘No’…
So, dividing a local church, saints for any reasons is foolishness. We cannot divide the body of Christ.
Through these questions and two other Greek words Paul categorically states that …
Division in the church is disastrous and it is too costly for Christ and His people.
It is deforming the local church,
Rejecting the work of Christ and.
Denying His authority.
Division is utter is foolishness, in fact it is sin and rebellion against Christ. we should never allow such attitude to persist. Deal it as soon as it surfaces in any local congregation of Christians.
(Prepared by Evangelist Nelson Thomas Mumbai. Any question write: gracepeaceu@gmail.com Visit: gracepeace.net)
