1 Corinthians 1:11
Because it has come to my knowledge, through those of the house of Chloe, that there are divisions among you, my brothers.
1 Corinthians 1:12
That is, that some of you say, I am of Paul; some say, I am of Apollos; some say, I am of Cephas; and some say, I am Christ’s.
1 Corinthians 1:13
Is there a division in Christ? was Paul nailed to the cross for you? or were you given baptism in the name of Paul?
1 Corinthians 1:14
I give praise to God that not one of you had baptism from me, but Crispus and Gaius;
1 Corinthians 1:15
So that no one may be able to say that you had baptism in my name.
1 Corinthians 1:16
And I gave baptism to the house of Stephanas; but I am not certain that any others had baptism from me.
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ sent me, not to give baptism, but to be a preacher of the good news: not with wise words, for fear that the cross of Christ might be made of no value.
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us who are on the way to salvation it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:19
As it says in the holy Writings, I will put an end to the wisdom of the wise, and will put on one side the designs of those who have knowledge.
In these verses, Paul expresses his gratitude for the grace of God given to the Corinthians in Christ Jesus. He emphasizes that they have all the necessary knowledge and grace to live in hope of Christ’s return. However, Paul also expresses concern about the divisions in the church, which he heard about from Chloe’s household.
He rebukes them for their sectarian attitudes and emphasizes that they should be united in Christ rather than divided over human leaders. He emphasizes that his role as an apostle is not to baptize but to preach the good news of the cross, which is the power of God for salvation. Ultimately, Paul reminds his readers that the wisdom of the wise will be brought to nothing, but the power of the cross will be evident to those who are being saved.
