1 Corinthians 1:13
Verse
Context
Unity in the Church
12What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?14I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius,
Sermons
T. Austin-SparksT. Austin-SparksT. Austin-Sparks
Anton BoschT. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Is Christ divided? - Can he be split into different sects and parties? Has he different and opposing systems? Or, is the Messiah to appear under different persons? Was Paul crucified for you? - As the Gospel proclaims salvation through the crucified only, has Paul poured out his blood as an atonement for you? This is impossible, and therefore your being called by my name is absurd; for his disciples you should be, alone, who has bought you by his blood. Were ye baptized in the name of Paul? - To be baptized in, or into the name of one, implied that the baptized was to be the disciple of him into whose name, religion, etc., he was baptized. As if he said: Did I ever attempt to set up a new religion, one founded on my own authority, and coming from myself? On the contrary, have I not preached Christ crucified for the sin of the world; and called upon all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles, to believe on Him?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Is Christ divided?--into various parts (one under one leader, another under another) [ALFORD]. The unity of His body is not to be cut in pieces, as if all did not belong to Him, the One Head. was Paul crucified for you?--In the Greek the interrogation implies that a strong negative answer is expected: "Was it Paul (surely you will not say so) that was crucified for you?" In the former question the majesty of "CHRIST" (the Anointed One of God) implies the impossibility of His being "divided." in the latter, Paul's insignificance implies the impossibility of his being the head of redemption, "crucified for" them, and giving his name to the redeemed. This, which is true of Paul the founder of the Church of Corinth, holds equally good of Cephas and Apollos, who had not such a claim as Paul in the Corinthian Church. crucified . . . baptized--The cross claims us for Christ, as redeemed by Him; baptism, as dedicated to Him. in the name--rather, "into the name" (Gal 3:27), implying the incorporation involved in the idea of baptism.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Is Christ divided?.... Some read the words as an assertion, "Christ is divided"; that is, his body, the church, is divided by such factions and parties; though in some copies the note of interrogation, is put before the clause, and so to be rendered, "is Christ divided?" no; his human body was not to be divided; a bone of him was not to be broken, Joh 19:36; the seamless garment he wore was not to be rent asunder, Joh 19:23; nor is his mystical body, the church, to be torn in pieces by schisms and divisions; nor is anyone part of his Gospel different from, or opposite to another part of it; his doctrine is the same as preached by one minister and another, and is all of a piece, uniform and harmonious. Christ is not divided from his Father, not in nature; though he is to be distinguished from him, yet not to be divided; he is one in nature with him, though he is a distinct person from him; nor is he, nor can he, or will be ever separated from him; nor is he to be divided from him in his works and actions, with whom he was jointly concerned in creation, providence, and grace; and such are to be blamed as dividers of Christ from the Father, who talk of Christ to the exclusion of the Father, or to the dropping and neglect of any of his acts of grace; as his everlasting love to his chosen ones, the eternal election of them in Christ, the covenant of grace made with him, and the instance of his grace in the gift and mission of his Son: nor is Christ divided from himself, not in his nature and person; the two natures, human and divine, are united in one person; they are to be distinguished, and not to be confounded, yet not to be separated as to wake two distinct persons: nor in his offices; a whole Christ is to be received; Christ in his kingly as well as in his priestly office; to claim him as a Saviour and disown him as a King, is dishonourable to him; it is to make one end of his death void, as much as in such lies, which is, that he may be Lord of dead and living; and argues a carnal selfish spirit, and that faith in him is not right: such are to be blamed for being for Christ, and as dividers of him, who talk of being saved by him, and yet would not have him to rule over them. Nor is he divided from his Spirit, not from the person of the Spirit; he is to be distinguished from him as a person, but is one in nature with him; nor from his gifts and graces, which he has as man and Mediator without measure; nor from the work of the Spirit; for it is his grace the Spirit of God implants in the hearts of men: it comes from him, it centres in him, it makes men like him, and glorifies him; such who cry up Christ, and cry down the work of his Spirit upon the soul, are to be blamed for being for Christ, and to be reckoned dividers of them as much as in them lies: nor is Christ divided from his church and people; there is a close union between them, and he dwells in them, and among them; and they are to be blamed that talk of Christ, and never meet with his saints in public service and worship: nor is he divided from his ministers, word, and ordinances; Christ is the sum of the ministry of the word; the ordinances are instituted by him; he submitted to them himself, and is the substance of them, and has promised his presence in them to the end of the world: and what God has put together, let no man put asunder, Was Paul crucified for you? no; he had taught them another doctrine; namely, that Christ was crucified for them, that he died for their sins, and had bought them with the price of his own blood; and therefore they were not to be the servants of men, or to call any man master, or to be called by his name, or any other man's, only by Christ's, who had redeemed them by his blood; so that they were not their own, nor any other's, but his, and ought to glorify him with their souls and bodies, which were his, Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul; no; but in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The apostle did not pretend to be the author of a new revelation, or the propagator of a new religion, but was a preacher of the Gospel, and an administrator of the ordinances of Christ; wherefore he baptized not in his own name, but in the name of Christ: to whose worship and service such as are baptized are devoted, and not to the service of men, and therefore not to be called after their names.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:13 Paul asks three rhetorical questions, all expecting the obvious answer, “no.” Christian devotion is to be given to Christ, not to his messengers.
1 Corinthians 1:13
Unity in the Church
12What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?14I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Let the House Be Builded - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareUnity in the ChurchEXO 7:161CH 21:1JHN 2:19ACT 7:481CO 1:131CO 12:13EPH 3:16EPH 4:3EPH 6:12REV 21:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the ongoing conflict and controversy throughout the Bible regarding God's desire to dwell among His people. He illustrates how this struggle began in the Garden of Eden and continued through the history of Israel, culminating in the New Testament with Christ's incarnation and the establishment of the Church. Sparks highlights that the true enemy seeks to divide and disrupt the unity of God's people, which is essential for His habitation among them. He calls for believers to recognize the spiritual warfare at play and to pursue unity through the Holy Spirit, as this is the key to overcoming division and fulfilling God's purpose. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining fellowship and oneness in the body of Christ amidst external and internal challenges.
The Purpose of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0ROM 8:281CO 1:13COL 1:19HEB 1:2HEB 5:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the singular, all-governing purpose of God, which is to have Christ fill all things and have all things in Him. The Church's primary role is to be a corporate expression of Christ and to work towards the increase of Christ in the world through evangelism and building up believers. The balance between evangelism and building up is crucial, as an imbalance can hinder the full expression of Christ in and through the Church. The ultimate goal is for Christians to reach the fullness of Christ, embodying His character and nature in a world that desperately needs His presence.
The Continuous Controversy and Conflict
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareUnity in the SpiritEXO 7:161CH 21:1JHN 2:19ACT 7:481CO 1:131CO 12:13EPH 3:16EPH 4:4EPH 6:12REV 21:3T. Austin-Sparks addresses the ongoing conflict and controversy present from the beginning of the Bible, emphasizing that the central issue is God's desire to dwell among His people. He illustrates how this theme of divine habitation has been challenged throughout history, from the Garden of Eden to the early Church, highlighting the spiritual warfare that seeks to disrupt this fellowship. Sparks points out that the Church faces internal divisions and conflicts, which are often rooted in a spiritual battle against forces that oppose God's purpose. He calls for believers to recognize the importance of unity in the Spirit, as true oneness is essential for God's presence among His people. Ultimately, the sermon urges Christians to be vigilant and aware of the spiritual dynamics at play in their relationships and fellowship.
Just a Christian
By Anton Bosch01CO 1:131CO 2:21CO 3:42CO 11:3GAL 3:28Anton Bosch addresses the issue of Christians identifying themselves with specific denominations or labels, emphasizing that a Christian should simply be a follower of Jesus Christ without the need for additional descriptors. He points out that dividing the universal church into sects based on denominational affiliations is not in line with the teachings of the Bible, which recognizes only those who follow Christ. Bosch challenges the practice of labeling preachers based on their beliefs or emphases, highlighting the importance of preaching Christ alone and avoiding the over-emphasis or de-emphasis of any truth over others.
The Divine Purpose and Principles Governing the Christian Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0Divine PurposePrinciples Of Christian LifeROM 8:281CO 1:132CO 4:102CO 5:17EPH 1:11EPH 3:11EPH 4:3EPH 4:13PHP 3:102TI 1:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Christian life is governed by a divine purpose, which is to attain the fullness of Christ. He explains that this purpose is not merely about being saved but involves a continuous journey of growth and development in Christ. The sermon outlines three key principles that govern this purpose: the Cross, which signifies both the removal of the old self and the establishment of a new creation; relatedness, highlighting the importance of unity among believers; and purity of heart, which fosters openness to God's guidance. Ultimately, the fullness of Christ is a collective experience that requires mutual support and spiritual integrity among Christians.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Is Christ divided? - Can he be split into different sects and parties? Has he different and opposing systems? Or, is the Messiah to appear under different persons? Was Paul crucified for you? - As the Gospel proclaims salvation through the crucified only, has Paul poured out his blood as an atonement for you? This is impossible, and therefore your being called by my name is absurd; for his disciples you should be, alone, who has bought you by his blood. Were ye baptized in the name of Paul? - To be baptized in, or into the name of one, implied that the baptized was to be the disciple of him into whose name, religion, etc., he was baptized. As if he said: Did I ever attempt to set up a new religion, one founded on my own authority, and coming from myself? On the contrary, have I not preached Christ crucified for the sin of the world; and called upon all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles, to believe on Him?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Is Christ divided?--into various parts (one under one leader, another under another) [ALFORD]. The unity of His body is not to be cut in pieces, as if all did not belong to Him, the One Head. was Paul crucified for you?--In the Greek the interrogation implies that a strong negative answer is expected: "Was it Paul (surely you will not say so) that was crucified for you?" In the former question the majesty of "CHRIST" (the Anointed One of God) implies the impossibility of His being "divided." in the latter, Paul's insignificance implies the impossibility of his being the head of redemption, "crucified for" them, and giving his name to the redeemed. This, which is true of Paul the founder of the Church of Corinth, holds equally good of Cephas and Apollos, who had not such a claim as Paul in the Corinthian Church. crucified . . . baptized--The cross claims us for Christ, as redeemed by Him; baptism, as dedicated to Him. in the name--rather, "into the name" (Gal 3:27), implying the incorporation involved in the idea of baptism.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Is Christ divided?.... Some read the words as an assertion, "Christ is divided"; that is, his body, the church, is divided by such factions and parties; though in some copies the note of interrogation, is put before the clause, and so to be rendered, "is Christ divided?" no; his human body was not to be divided; a bone of him was not to be broken, Joh 19:36; the seamless garment he wore was not to be rent asunder, Joh 19:23; nor is his mystical body, the church, to be torn in pieces by schisms and divisions; nor is anyone part of his Gospel different from, or opposite to another part of it; his doctrine is the same as preached by one minister and another, and is all of a piece, uniform and harmonious. Christ is not divided from his Father, not in nature; though he is to be distinguished from him, yet not to be divided; he is one in nature with him, though he is a distinct person from him; nor is he, nor can he, or will be ever separated from him; nor is he to be divided from him in his works and actions, with whom he was jointly concerned in creation, providence, and grace; and such are to be blamed as dividers of Christ from the Father, who talk of Christ to the exclusion of the Father, or to the dropping and neglect of any of his acts of grace; as his everlasting love to his chosen ones, the eternal election of them in Christ, the covenant of grace made with him, and the instance of his grace in the gift and mission of his Son: nor is Christ divided from himself, not in his nature and person; the two natures, human and divine, are united in one person; they are to be distinguished, and not to be confounded, yet not to be separated as to wake two distinct persons: nor in his offices; a whole Christ is to be received; Christ in his kingly as well as in his priestly office; to claim him as a Saviour and disown him as a King, is dishonourable to him; it is to make one end of his death void, as much as in such lies, which is, that he may be Lord of dead and living; and argues a carnal selfish spirit, and that faith in him is not right: such are to be blamed for being for Christ, and as dividers of him, who talk of being saved by him, and yet would not have him to rule over them. Nor is he divided from his Spirit, not from the person of the Spirit; he is to be distinguished from him as a person, but is one in nature with him; nor from his gifts and graces, which he has as man and Mediator without measure; nor from the work of the Spirit; for it is his grace the Spirit of God implants in the hearts of men: it comes from him, it centres in him, it makes men like him, and glorifies him; such who cry up Christ, and cry down the work of his Spirit upon the soul, are to be blamed for being for Christ, and to be reckoned dividers of them as much as in them lies: nor is Christ divided from his church and people; there is a close union between them, and he dwells in them, and among them; and they are to be blamed that talk of Christ, and never meet with his saints in public service and worship: nor is he divided from his ministers, word, and ordinances; Christ is the sum of the ministry of the word; the ordinances are instituted by him; he submitted to them himself, and is the substance of them, and has promised his presence in them to the end of the world: and what God has put together, let no man put asunder, Was Paul crucified for you? no; he had taught them another doctrine; namely, that Christ was crucified for them, that he died for their sins, and had bought them with the price of his own blood; and therefore they were not to be the servants of men, or to call any man master, or to be called by his name, or any other man's, only by Christ's, who had redeemed them by his blood; so that they were not their own, nor any other's, but his, and ought to glorify him with their souls and bodies, which were his, Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul; no; but in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The apostle did not pretend to be the author of a new revelation, or the propagator of a new religion, but was a preacher of the Gospel, and an administrator of the ordinances of Christ; wherefore he baptized not in his own name, but in the name of Christ: to whose worship and service such as are baptized are devoted, and not to the service of men, and therefore not to be called after their names.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:13 Paul asks three rhetorical questions, all expecting the obvious answer, “no.” Christian devotion is to be given to Christ, not to his messengers.