1 Corinthians 1:10 - Meaning and Application

Here the apostle begins his subject.

He first urges them to unity and brotherly love, and he rebukes them for their divisions. He had heard from people who cared about the church that there were serious disagreements among them. These reports did not come from spite toward the church or its ministers. They came from a kind and wise concern, hoping Paul would step in and calm these troubles.

He writes to them in a very warm way: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” If they had any respect for that dear and noble name by which they were called, they should be united. They should “speak the same thing,” and avoid divisions or splits, which means any breaking apart of affection from one another. They should be closely joined together in the same mind, as far as they could. In the main truths of religion, they should agree. But when they do not fully agree in thought, they should still keep love for one another. If they are agreed in greater things, that should put out the fires of quarrels about smaller ones.

He also hints at the root of their trouble. Pride was at the bottom of it, and pride made them divisive. “Only by pride comes contention” (Proverbs 13:10). They were arguing about their ministers. Paul and Apollos were both faithful servants of Jesus Christ, and both helped their hearers grow in faith and joy. But people who loved arguments split into parties and put their ministers at the head of their factions. Some praised Paul, perhaps because they thought him the deepest and most spiritual teacher. Others praised Apollos, perhaps because he spoke with more skill and power. Some followed Cephas, that is, Peter, perhaps because of his age or because he was the apostle to the Jews. Others claimed none of them, but said they belonged to Christ only.

This shows how even good things can be twisted. The gospel and its ordinances, which are meant to fit together in perfect harmony, can be turned into tools for conflict and division. That is not a failure of the Christian faith. It is a sad sign of human corruption and sin. Pride can carry Christians very far against one another, even so far as to set Christ and his own apostles against each other, as if they were rivals.

Then Paul reasons with them about their quarrels. “Is Christ divided?” No, there is only one Christ, so Christians should have one heart. “Was Paul crucified for you?” Was Paul their sacrifice and atonement, meaning the one who paid for their sins? Did Paul ever claim to be their Savior, or anything more than Christ’s servant? “Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” Were they devoted to Paul’s service, or made his disciples by that holy act? Did he ever claim that right over them, which belongs only to God and their Redeemer?

No. Ministers, however useful they are, must never be put in Christ’s place. They must not take Christ’s authority for themselves, and they must not encourage anything in the people that looks like giving that authority to them. Christ is our Savior and sacrifice. He is our Lord and guide. And the churches would be much happier if there were no party names among them, since Christ is not divided.