By Tyson Thorne
After the salutation and introduction of the first nine verses (discussed yesterday), verse 10 sets the stage for the next few chapters. As such is deserving of closer examination. Paul’s appeal for unity is “in the name of… Jesus Christ.” This phrase means, “I appeal to you in the power and authority of … Jesus Christ.” the phrase “in the name of” has become so common to English readers that we often forget that this is a claim of divine authority for the message. For those who no longer adhered to Paul’s authority, this was a striking statement.
So Paul appeals by the power and authority of Christ that the Corinthians will all “agree with one another, so there may be no divisions among you…” The word translated “agree” in this case means literally “saying the same thing.” This is also the phrase for repentance; we must agree with God, that is say the same thing God says, about our fallen condition and need for a savior. What Paul is commanding of them is to lay aside their disagreements that have nothing to do with the gospel, to agree with one another about their spiritual condition and the basics of the gospel message, in order that unity may be established.
The final phrase worthy of consideration is the last: “mind and thought.” This phrase was understood by the original readers as the concepts of counsel and choice. It is not enough to understand someone else’s position, or even to admit that it might be true; Paul calls them to understand the truth, and then to have the same mind about the truth as everyone else in the church. It combines the ideas of understanding and voluntary submission. This verse sets the pace for the rest of his discussion on divisions and should be understood as:
I appeal to you, brothers, in the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all say the same thing as God does about your condition and the message of the gospel, so that divisions may cease resulting in a unity that is founded in understanding and submission to the truth.
There are two legitimate concerns of Paul’s in this context. Before we discuss these, however, it may prove useful to identify those whom Paul uses as examples.
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Chloe |
A female name, usually of the wealthier classes. Chloe’s family is presumed to have been of Corinth, and some have speculations of her being a church leader. In truth, we know very little about her. Her household could have been her sons, or servants, or both, or may have even been a local house-church. Further, it is possible (though not likely) that she was a resident of Ephesus from where Paul is writing (16.8-.9) and that the men who bring back this report were sent from Chloe’s home in Ephesus to Corinth and are returning. What we do know is that she and Paul had some affiliation, that she was instrumental in helping Paul understand what was happening at Corinth, and that she believed in Paul’s authority as an apostle. |
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Apollos |
Mentioned in Acts 18.24-.28 as a persuasive speaker, he came to Christ through the ministry of John the Baptist first, then through the ministry of Priscila and Aquilla whom Paul had brought to Christ. Though Apollos knew who Christ was, and believed he was the Messiah, his education was lacking. Priscila and Aquilla brought him up to speed and then encouraged him to move on from Ephesus to the region of Achaia. Perhaps due to his persuasive and public arguments concerning Christ, the “wisdom cult” of the church of Corinth identified more with Apollos than with Paul. Though the church was obviously divided in their allegiance to human leaders, there is no evidence that Paul and Apollos felt any division between themselves. To the best of our knowledge, they were united in the task of preaching Christ crucified. |
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Cephas |
Also known as Peter. Though the Bible does not specifically mention Peter’s journey to Corinth, it is possibly that he, or at least his disciples, were there at some time. |
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Crispus |
Likely the synagogue ruler of Acts 18.8 and among the first of Paul’s converts in Corinth. It is here (verse 14) that we learn of his baptism by Paul. Since he was a synagogue ruler who had training in the Scriptures, he probably became one of the leaders of the church, though one who remained loyal to Paul’s authority. |
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Gaius |
Not the addressee of 1 John, but rather Paul’s host when writing to the Romans (Romans 16.23). He and Paul became close, and his hospitality toward other Christians was well noted by Paul and others. He apparently had relationships with some in Rome, for he sends personal greetings to the church in Rome. Aside from this, nothing else is known. |
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Stephanas |
Like Chloe, Stephanas is only mentioned in this letter. Aside from this reference, and the one in 16.15-.17, there is no other information. Paul tells us that the house of Stephanas were among the first to receive Christ in the region of Achaia, and have become mature in their faith. He is held up as an example for all at Corinth to follow. He traveled with two other men, Fortunatus and Achaicus, to deliver the news from Chloe’s house and a letter from the church to Paul. |
With so many prominent Christian leaders having traveled to Corinth, it is no wonder the people idolized the messengers rather than the messages author. This is the first problem Paul addresses. This problem prompts Paul to ask three rhetorical questions, each to be answered in the reader’s mind with a resounding “no!” If Christ is not divided, then why are his people? It was not Paul who died to save mankind, so why should he be exalted? Our baptism is not into the futile name of a fallen man, but into the power and authority of the name of God’s own Son. Divisions in the church do not serve Paul’s ministry, nor the heavenly kingdom.
As is often the case with the Corinthians, there are striking parallels in modern society. The existence of great numbers of orthodox denominations within Christianity largely only serve its own members rather than the larger church body. Denominations, however, are not the only division within the church. Many are divided over the teachings of popular speakers, authors and even musicians. Questions about worship styles, spiritual gifts, and Lordship salvation further separate our ranks leaving some to become easy prey for the enemy.
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