The-Rock-Talk #16
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Reports of Divisions
Corinth was the most important city in Greece during Paul's day. It was a bustling hub of worldwide commerce, degraded culture and idolatrous religion. There Paul founded a church and two of his letters are addressed to the Church of God which is at Corinth.
First Corinthians reveals the problems, pressures, and struggles of a church called out of a pagan society. Paul addresses a variety of problems in the lifestyles of the Corinthian church: factions, lawsuits, immorality, questionable practices, abuse of the Lord's supper, and spiritual gifts.
In addition to this word of discipline, Paul shares words of counsel in answer to questions raised by Corinthian believers.
"I Cor. 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by 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 perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
In the name of Jesus, we have a uniform testimony; no disagreements or grudges between us and we should come together with one things in mind which is to worship Jesus.
"11 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."
It had been brought to his attention that there were quarrels among them in the church.
"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 mind of the people were confused, thinking that these men were going to get them into heaven.
"13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?"
Paul asks three relevant questions: #1 - Is Christ divided? Is there more than one Christ? NO. #2 - Was Paul crucified for you? NO, Christ was! #3 - Were you baptized in the name of Paul? NO, but in the name of Christ!
These questions reveal that there is only one Christ; He is the only one who died for you and He is the only hope you have for redemption.
"14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;"
His statement here is revealed in verse 15.
"15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name."
Because he had not baptized them. They could not say that he did it in his name. In Action 18:8, it gives an account in which Crispus had heard the Word of God and believe with his whole house. The Corinthians there at that time were saved and all were baptized.
"16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other."
Here Paul gave an account of when he baptized a household and could not remember any other time.
"17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect."
Here Paul reveals his calling to the Corinthians. He was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel, not with the word of man but with the Word of the Spirit, speaking spiritual things which the Holy Ghost teaches.
---by Keith R. Vaughan