daily bible readings

Some representatives from Chloe’s household came to Paul in Ephesus and shared with him some of the issues that had developed in Corinth since his inaugural visit. They also brought with them a letter from the church (see 1 Cor 7:1) seeking Paul’s response to certain issues they were unclear or divided about.

Paul begins his letter, rather surprisingly, by giving thanks to God for His work among them. Given the complexity and volume of issues at Corinth, the note of praise and gratitude surprises us. We would expect a letter filled with rebuke and scorn, but instead find grace and praises to God. But, the praise in vv4-9 of chapter 1, is not without its irony and gentle slap in the face as Paul revs up, ready to rebuke them so as to build them up, not tear them down.

After giving thanks, Paul begins by attacking the biggest or most important issue in the church - disunity and division. The church had disintegrated into a series of teams that followed particular leaders. Some followed Paul, others Peter, still others Apollos and still others, Christ Jesus. Paul calls them to exacting standards of unity in 1 Corinthians 1:10 as the first line of his argument. “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.” He then asks a series of rhetorical questions to show the sheer sinfulness of their divisions and disunity. “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:13.

The point of the questions is clear. The Corinthians were not baptised into Paul or Apollos or Cephas. They were baptised into Christ. The baptiser is of no significance. Neither Paul nor Peter nor Apollos nor anyone else but Christ was crucified for them. Christ is not divided. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit all share the same goal and the same plan. They work in perfect harmony to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

After the series of questions, Paul is probably hopeful that the Corinthians can see the sheer folly of trying to be like the world. The orators of the world had disciples or students and no doubt, there would have been much banter and rivalry among the students and leaders just as there is rivalry and banter among supporters of different football clubs today.

But, Paul has not yet finished his argument against the disunity and division. He goes on to show that the cross of Christ is foolishness and weakness to those who are perishing. But, to those who are being saved Christ is the wisdom and power of God. In fact, Paul audaciously declares that God’s foolishness and God’s weakness is stronger and wiser than anything in the world.

Such wisdom and power should lead the church to unity and oneness, not disunity and division. Such wisdom and power should lead to one another love and care rather than division and disunity.

Perhaps, there is even a subtle suggestion in between the lines that the disunity and division in the church is destroying or emptying the cross of its power.  Perhaps, Paul is subtly reminding the Corinthians that they are being foolish and weak in their super spirituality that is causing division and disunity.

PRAYER

Adoration

· Adore God that there is no division or disunity in the Godhead and that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are perfectly united in all things.

· Adore the Lord Jesus Christ that He walked in perfect unity with the Father during His time on earth and that He always did the Father’s will.

Confession

· Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and to ask for forgiveness

 Thanks

· Thank God that you are called by Jesus to a live of unity and oneness with everyone in your church and that by the power of the Gospel, you can have oneness and unity.

· Thank the Lord Almighty that in Christ Jesus there is no reason for division or disunity.

Supplication

· Pray that your church would grow towards the exacting standard of unity given to us in 1 Corinthians 1:10.

· Pray that God would use you to bring glory and honour to His name each and every single day. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why is it important to understand the flow of the full argument as you read each part of the epistle?

2. Paul could have started with any topic he wanted to. Why do you think he chose to address the disunity first?

3. Why is unity in the church so vital?