Summary of the Bible in 66 Posts: 46. Unity- 1 Corinthians

 1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.


I want to clarify two things that the Apostle Paul isn't saying here. He isn't a universalist. He doesn't think that we should all be united under one world government or religious authority other than God.

Paul isn't ecumenical either. It's not even enough to call Jesus Lord if in practice we're following a pope or a saint, or Mary, or some charismatic preacher. Paul goes on to emphasise how faith in Christ crucified is crucial.

It's not even enough to be a 'Jesus only' kind of person who doesn't believe in Father God or the Holy Spirit. Jesus as the Christ means he is anointed by the Father with the Holy Spirit to deliver his people from our sins.

What Paul is saying is that if we trust in Christ crucified, we shouldn't let our preference for different church leaders and styles put a barrier between us as Christians. Paul emphasises the imperative to put Christ first, not our favourite Christian leader. The Corinthian church was divided into factions who preferred different preachers, and Paul rebuked them for it, calling them to repent and to change.

'Lord our God, may we worship you alone, and not allow ourselves to get divided by our preferences for different preachers. In the name of our crucified Saviour we pray, amen'.

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