1 Corinthians 1:11-12, Contentions Among You

1 Corinthians 1:11-12 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

The Apostle Paul has been informed by brethren from the house of Chloe of the division in the church of Corinth where rival cliques are formed threatening the unity and peace of the body. These cliques claim to have the Apostle Paul, Apollos, Cephas or Peter and Christ as their leaders. As far as the Apostle Paul is concerned, he has not supported the formation of such a clique in his name. He expressed surprise! He spent one and half year in Corinth to establish the new believers in the faith and teach the Word of God to them. He did not recall teaching them to do any of such contentious behaviour.

He urges them to stop devouring one another by such imaginary factions that divide the believers. It genders confusion and robs the peace in the church. Such behaviour is not of God. Such prideful misuse of their leaders’ name and Christ’s Name is most deplorable, transgressing the first three commandments.

The way of fallen has always to make a name for themselves and gather a following for their own selfish ends. This was what Cain did. This was what happened to the men after the flood when they build a tower to usurp God’s authority and rule in their lives. The Apostle Paul is saying to the believers not to bring such carnal behaviour into the church. They are to search their hearts and repent of their sin of gendering strife in the body.

May God be merciful to protect His body, the church, in unity and peace. The mission of the church to save souls can then be advanced. Amen.