1 Corinthians 1:10-13

A Plea to End Divisions

Christ's name was used nine times by Paul in the first nine verses of 1 Corinthians 1:1-31. He was shown to be good and important to the Christian. In the tenth verse, his name is used for its authority (Matthew 28:18). The speech of all Christians should be completely in agreement with that revealed through the Holy Spirit. Paul did not want any "divisions," which would be splits, gaps, or tears. Instead, he wanted them to be "perfectly joined together," which means to repair as one might a broken instrument or set a bone like a doctor. Christians should have the same purpose, or mind, and be of the same opinion, or judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10; John 17:20-23). Assuming everyone is guided by Christ's authority, such an end should easily be achieved.

Reports had come to the apostle of "contentions," or strife, quarreling, rivalry and wrangling, going on among the Corinthian brethren. They had gone so far as to form different groups claiming to follow Paul, Apollos, Peter and Christ. Apollos had worked with these people after Aquila and Priscilla showed him "the way of God more perfectly" (Acts 18:24-28; Acts 19:1). Ordinarily, all Christians should follow Christ. However, some may have formed a sect following Christ. These would not hear messengers sent from Christ (1 Corinthians 1:11-12; Luke 10:6).

The church is Christ's body (12:12-13, 27; Ephesians 1:22-23). Christ bought that body with his blood (Acts 20:28). Paul asked if that body could be cut into pieces and given to various men to lead. Jesus became the author of salvation by his death on the cross (Hebrews 2:9-10; 1 Peter 2:5-11). Paul was saying they should only follow Jesus who was their redeemer. The one into whose name one is baptized is recognized as the one in whose power he resides. Also, the baptizing would be done by his authority (1 Corinthians 1:13).