Paul’s Plea To The Corinthians
I Corinthians 1:10-17
by Micky Galloway
The Corinthian church has been called “the problem church.” It had many problems and questions regarding: fornication, law suits, marriage, eating idolatrous meat, charismatic gifts, veil, Lord's Supper, resurrection, etc. Paul loved the church here (he had established it), and he endeavored to help them solve their problems and answer their questions. A good church might have problems, but it can remain a good church only if it solves them quickly. The lessons of our text are plain, yet they are disregarded by many in the religious world. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians, “Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing and (that) there be no divisions among you; but (that) ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (I Corinthians 1:10).
The importance of unity. God's word teaches that religious division is sinful. Unity is clearly taught (John 10:16; 17:20ff; Ephesians 4:1-6). The spirit of strife and division is clearly condemned. Those who cause division are to be marked and avoided (Romans 16:17). Division among God's people is carnal (sensual) (I Corinthians 3:3). Factions, divisions and parties are works of the flesh (Galatians 5:20). The denominational reply is, “We are all united in spite of our differences.” Impossible! Ephesians 4:4-6 says, “(There is) one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.” We are to give “diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Certainly such unity is possible. If it is impossible Christ prayed for an impossibility. John 17:20-21 says, “Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, (art) in me, and I in thee.” Furthermore, if such unity is not possible as some claim, then the inspired apostle Paul also pleaded for an impossibility (I Corinthians 1:10).
How can unity in the religious world be achieved? It is not achieved on the basis of conflicting creeds nor unreliable feelings. The only possible basis for unity is the word of God. II Timothy 3:16-17 says, “Every scripture inspired of God (is) also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.” It is the rule by which we must walk (cf. Philippians 3:16). Consider these simple illustrations: God's word says singing is an acceptable act of worship (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). This needs nothing to make it complete, but can we all walk by this rule or must we practice singing AND playing? God's word says we are to observe the Lord’s Supper and “lay by in store” upon the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:2), not on the seventh day, but can we all walk by this rule? The objection is, “We can't see it alike.” The trouble is not in seeing, but simply that we are unwilling to walk by God's rule.
Consider the all sufficiency of the name “Christian.” The Corinthians were divided according to their religious leaders and wearing their names. Some were Paulites, Apollosites, Cephasites and some were Christians. The same practice of wearing denominational names is prevalent today. These denominational names cause division and not unity, and the wearing of them is contrary to the inspired teaching of our text. The name “Christian” is the only name that disciples of Christ ought to wear. The early disciples wore this name and this name only (Cf. Acts 11:26; 26:28; I Peter 4:16; cf. Acts 4:12). Does it make any difference? The name we wear suggests ownership, discipleship and allegiance, and the wearing of human names robs Christ of the glory He deserves and demands. The name “Christian” is all-sufficient.
Consider the necessity of baptism. I Corinthians 1:12-13 teaches that baptism is necessary before one can belong to Christ. “Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos: and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized into the name of Paul?” To be “of” Paul, Apollos, Cephas or Christ means “to belong to” them. Paul says that two things are necessary before one belongs to him. (1) Paul must have been crucified for him, “Was Paul crucified for you?” (2) You must have been baptized into his name, “Were ye baptized into the name of Paul?” If these two conditions were fulfilled, then they could say truthfully that they belonged to Paul. What was true of belonging to Paul is also true of belonging to Christ. One does not belong to Christ unless Christ has been crucified for him, and unless he has been baptized into the name of Christ. The Scriptures are clear that baptism is the act of faith that changes our relationship to Christ (Cf. Galatians 3:26ff; Romans 6:3-4, 16f).
To be baptized into Christ; to wear the name “Christian” which honors Christ; and to promote the unity of Christ's people is a responsibility imposed upon us by Christ. Let us make sure we honor Christ in His way.