The Power of the Cross: Embracing Unity in Christ Amidst Division

✨ Executive Summary: 1 Corinthians 1 – A Call to Unity and the Wisdom of God ✨

1 Corinthians 1 addresses the critical issue of division within the early Corinthian church. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that true Christian unity is found not in adherence to specific personalities or philosophical schools of thought, but solely in Christ Jesus and the transformative power of the cross. Paul, writing with apostolic authority, confronts the factions that have arisen, emphasizing that Christ is not divided, and that salvation comes through faith in the crucified Lord, not through human wisdom or eloquence. The chapter juxtaposes worldly wisdom with the divine wisdom revealed in the seeming foolishness of the cross, demonstrating that God’s wisdom confounds the wise and empowers the weak. Ultimately, 1 Corinthians 1 calls believers to humble themselves, recognize their dependence on God, and find their unity in the shared identity of being “in Christ Jesus,” who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Let us rediscover the foundation of our faith and strive for genuine unity centered on the cross. The power of the cross is a central theme.

The Apostle Paul begins his first letter to the Corinthians by addressing a deeply concerning issue: division within the church. Factions were forming based on loyalty to different leaders, undermining the very foundation of Christian fellowship. 1 Corinthians 1 lays the groundwork for the rest of the letter, setting forth the principle that unity is found not in personalities or philosophies, but in Christ alone. This chapter serves as a timeless reminder for all believers to examine their allegiances and ensure that their loyalty remains firmly rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Commentary Sections

1 Corinthians 1:1-3 – Salutation and Thanksgiving

Greek: Παῦλος κλητὸς ἀπόστολος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ διὰ θελήματος Θεοῦ καὶ Σωσθένης ὁ ἀδελφός τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Κορίνθῳ ἡγιασμένοις ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ κλητοῖς ἁγίοις σὺν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἐπικαλουμένοις τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ αὐτῶν καὶ ἡμῶν· χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.

KJV: Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

NKJV: Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul begins with a declaration of his apostolic authority, “called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God.” This isn’t a self-proclaimed title, but a divine appointment. He also includes Sosthenes, likely a fellow believer assisting him. He addresses the church “at Corinth,” a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its immorality and philosophical debates. He identifies them as “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints,” a reminder that their identity is now defined by their union with Christ, regardless of their past. The greeting, “Grace be unto you, and peace,” is a standard Pauline greeting, invoking God’s unmerited favor and the tranquility that comes from reconciliation with Him. Let us remember that our identity is found in Christ, not in our past, and that we are called to be saints, set apart for His purpose.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria (περὶ τῆς ἁγίας καὶ ὁμοουσίου Τριάδος) emphasizes that Paul’s designation of himself as an Apostle “διὰ θελήματος Θεοῦ” (through the will of God) highlights the divine origin of his authority and the importance of obedience to God’s calling. This same calling extends to us, prompting us to discern and embrace God’s purpose for our lives.

• Application: Embrace your identity as a saint, sanctified in Christ.
• Reflection: How can you live out your calling with more intentionality?

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 – Thanksgiving for Spiritual Gifts

Greek: Εὐχαριστῶ τῷ Θεῷ μου πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ τῇ δοθείσῃ ὑμῖν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ὅτι ἐν παντὶ ἐπλουτίσθητε ἐν αὐτῷ, ἐν παντὶ λόγῳ καὶ πάσῃ γνώσει, καθὼς τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐβεβαιώθη ἐν ὑμῖν, ὥστε ὑμᾶς μὴ ὑστερεῖσθαι ἐν μηδενὶ χαρίσματι, ἀπεκδεχομένους τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· ὃς καὶ βεβαιώσει ὑμᾶς ἕως τέλους ἀνεγκλήτους ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. πιστὸς ὁ Θεὸς δι’ οὗ ἐκλήθητε εἰς κοινωνίαν τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν.

KJV: I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

NKJV: I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul expresses gratitude for the spiritual gifts bestowed upon the Corinthians. He acknowledges that they are “enriched in everything by Him, in all utterance and all knowledge.” This underscores that all spiritual gifts are a result of God’s grace, freely given through Christ Jesus. The testimony of Christ was “confirmed” in them, indicating a genuine transformation and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. He assures them that God “will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This highlights God’s faithfulness and His commitment to complete the work He has begun in them. We are called into “the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,” emphasizing the profound union we have with Christ. Recognize and cultivate the spiritual gifts God has given you, knowing that they are for the building up of the Church and the glory of God.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom (Homilies on 1 Corinthians) emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God as the source of all gifts. He states that by recognizing God’s grace, we cultivate humility and avoid the pride that leads to division. Humility serves as the cornerstone for authentic Christian unity.

• Application: Identify and use your spiritual gifts to serve others.
• Reflection: How can you cultivate a spirit of gratitude for the gifts God has given you?

1 Corinthians 1:10-17 – Divisions in the Church

Greek: Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἵνα τὸ αὐτὸ λέγητε πάντες, καὶ μὴ ᾖ ἐν ὑμῖν σχίσματα, ἦτε δὲ κατηρτισμένοι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ νοῒ καὶ ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ γνώμῃ. Ἐδηλώθη γάρ μοι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί μου, ὑπὸ τῶν Χλόης ὅτι ἔριδες ἐν ὑμῖν εἰσιν. Λέγω δὲ τοῦτο ὅτι ἕκαστος ὑμῶν λέγει· ἐγὼ μέν εἰμι Παύλου, ἐγὼ δὲ Ἀπολλῶ, ἐγὼ δὲ Κηφᾶ, ἐγὼ δὲ Χριστοῦ. μεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός; μὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, ἢ εἰς τὸ ὄνομα Παύλου ἐβαπτίσθητε; Εὐχαριστῶ τῷ Θεῷ ὅτι οὐδένα ὑμῶν ἐβάπτισα εἰ μὴ Κρίσπον καὶ Γάϊον, ἵνα μή τις εἴπῃ ὅτι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα ἐβάπτισα. Ἐβάπτισα δὲ καὶ τὸν Στεφάνα οἶκον· λοιπὸν οὐκ οἶδα εἴ τινα ἄλλον ἐβάπτισα. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλέν με ὁ Χριστὸς βαπτίζειν ἀλλὰ εὐαγγελίζεσθαι, οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ λόγου, ἵνα μὴ κενωθῇ ὁ σταυρὸς τοῦ Χριστοῦ.

KJV: 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. 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. 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. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 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.

NKJV: Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Paul urgently pleads for unity, “by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” emphasizing the authority and importance of his appeal. He desires that they “all speak the same thing” and that there be “no divisions among you.” The existence of factions, aligning themselves with different leaders (“I am of Paul,” “I am of Apollos,” “I am of Cephas,” “I am of Christ”), is a grave concern. Paul confronts this by asking rhetorically, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” The answer to all these questions is a resounding “No!” Christ is not divided, He was crucified for them, and they were baptized in His name. The focus should be solely on Christ and His atoning sacrifice. Paul clarifies that his primary mission was to preach the Gospel, not to baptize, “lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” He emphasizes that the power of the Gospel lies in the cross itself, not in human eloquence or wisdom. Seek unity in Christ alone, avoiding factions and divisions based on personalities or secondary issues. Remember that Christ’s sacrifice is the foundation of our faith and the source of our unity.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine (On Christian Doctrine) warns against placing undue emphasis on human teachers or leaders. He emphasizes that the true teacher is Christ Himself, and that all other teachers should point us to Him. “Let us not be followers of men, but of Christ.” This helps prevent the formation of factions and promotes genuine unity.

• Application: Resist the temptation to align yourself with factions or personalities within the church.
• Reflection: How can you actively promote unity within your church community?

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 – The Wisdom and Power of God

Greek: Ὁ λόγος γὰρ ὁ τοῦ σταυροῦ τοῖς μὲν ἀπολλυμένοις μωρία ἐστίν, τοῖς δὲ σῳζομένοις ἡμῖν δύναμις Θεοῦ ἐστιν. Γέγραπται γάρ· ἀπολῶ τὴν σοφίαν τῶν σοφῶν καὶ τὴν σύνεσιν τῶν συνετῶν ἀθετήσω. Ποῦ σοφός; ποῦ γραμματεύς; ποῦ συζητητὴς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου; οὐχὶ ἐμώρανεν ὁ Θεὸς τὴν σοφίαν τοῦ κόσμου τούτου; Ἐπειδὴ γὰρ ἐν τῇ σοφίᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐκ ἔγνω ὁ κόσμος διὰ τῆς σοφίας τὸν Θεόν, εὐδόκησεν ὁ Θεὸς διὰ τῆς μωρίας τοῦ κηρύγματος σῶσαι τοὺς πιστεύοντας. Ἐπειδὴ καὶ Ἰουδαῖοι σημεῖα αἰτοῦσιν καὶ Ἕλληνες σοφίαν ζητοῦσιν, ἡμεῖς δὲ κηρύσσομεν Χριστὸν ἐσταυρωμένον, Ἰουδαίοις μὲν σκάνδαλον, Ἕλλησιν δὲ μωρίαν, αὐτοῖς δὲ τοῖς κλητοῖς Ἰουδαίοις τε καὶ Ἕλλησιν Χριστὸν Θεοῦ δύναμιν καὶ Θεοῦ σοφίαν. ὅτι τὸ μωρὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ σοφώτερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐστίν, καὶ τὸ ἀσθενὲς τοῦ Θεοῦ ἰσχυρότερον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἐστίν.

KJV: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

NKJV: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Paul contrasts worldly wisdom with divine wisdom. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” This is because the cross, a symbol of weakness and defeat from a worldly perspective, is actually the ultimate demonstration of God’s power and love. He quotes Isaiah 29:14, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” This highlights that human wisdom is ultimately insufficient to grasp the mysteries of God. The world, in its own wisdom, could not come to know God. Therefore, “it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” The Jews sought signs, and the Greeks sought wisdom, but Paul proclaims “Christ crucified,” which is a “stumbling block” to the Jews and “foolishness” to the Greeks. However, to those who are called, Christ is “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” The “foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” Embrace the “foolishness” of the cross, recognizing that it is the power of God unto salvation. Do not rely on human wisdom alone, but seek understanding through faith in Christ. The power of the cross is transformative.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius (On the Incarnation) emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the cross. He explains that God, in His infinite wisdom, chose to redeem humanity through the seemingly weak act of crucifixion, demonstrating that true power lies in humility and self-sacrifice. The cross, therefore, becomes the ultimate symbol of God’s love and power.

• Application: Embrace the paradoxical nature of the Gospel, trusting in God’s wisdom even when it seems foolish to the world.
• Reflection: How can you demonstrate the power of God in your life through acts of humility and service?

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 – God’s Choice and Our Boasting

Greek: Βλέπετε γὰρ τὴν κλῆσιν ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί, ὅτι οὐ πολλοὶ σοφοὶ κατὰ σάρκα, οὐ πολλοὶ δυνατοί, οὐ πολλοὶ εὐγενεῖς· ἀλλὰ τὰ μωρὰ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεὸς ἵνα καταισχύνῃ τοὺς σοφούς, καὶ τὰ ἀσθενῆ τοῦ κόσμου ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεὸς ἵνα καταισχύνῃ τὰ ἰσχυρά, καὶ τὰ ἀγενῆ τοῦ κόσμου καὶ τὰ ἐξουθενημένα ἐξελέξατο ὁ Θεὸς, τὰ μὴ ὄντα, ἵνα τὰ ὄντα καταργήσῃ, ὅπως μὴ καυχήσηται πᾶσα σὰρξ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ. Ἐξ αὐτοῦ δὲ ὑμεῖς ἐστὲ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ὃς ἐγενήθη ἡμῖν σοφία ἀπὸ Θεοῦ, δικαιοσύνη τε καὶ ἁγιασμὸς καὶ ἀπολύτρωσις, ἵνα, καθὼς γέγραπται· ὁ καυχώμενος ἐν κυρίῳ καυχάσθω.

KJV: For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

NKJV: For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

Paul reminds the Corinthians of their calling, noting that “not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” God deliberately chooses the “foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise” and the “weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.” This is so that “no flesh should glory in His presence.” Their position and identity are entirely dependent on God’s grace and choice. “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” Christ is their source of wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Therefore, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” Give God all the glory for your salvation and position in Christ. Recognize that your strength and wisdom come from Him, not from yourself. Any reliance to build on dohost.us services should be rooted in this understanding.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa (Against Eunomius) emphasizes that God’s choice of the humble and lowly demonstrates His boundless love and mercy. It reveals that salvation is not based on merit or human achievement, but solely on God’s grace. This understanding fosters humility and gratitude in the believer.

• Application: Cultivate humility, recognizing that all you have is a gift from God.
• Reflection: How can you use your gifts and talents to glorify God, rather than seeking personal recognition?

Subtopic Sections

Here are some key reflections on the call to unity within the Corinthian church:

• The Foundation of Unity: True unity is not based on personality, cultural preferences, or theological nuances. It’s based on a shared identity in Christ, recognizing that we are all members of one body.
• The Danger of Factions: Aligning ourselves with specific leaders or movements within the church can lead to division and undermine the Gospel message. We must prioritize our allegiance to Christ above all else.
• The Power of Humility: Pride and arrogance are the root causes of division. Humility allows us to recognize our dependence on God and to value the contributions of others.
• The Importance of Forgiveness: Disagreements and misunderstandings are inevitable. We must be willing to forgive one another, just as Christ has forgiven us.
• The Pursuit of Peace: We are called to actively pursue peace within the church, seeking reconciliation and resolving conflicts in a spirit of love and understanding.
• The Testimony to the World: A united church is a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel and attracting others to Christ.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about divisions in the church and Paul’s message to the Corinthians:

• ❓Why were there so many divisions in the Corinthian church? The city of Corinth was a melting pot of cultures, philosophies, and religious beliefs. This diversity, combined with the Corinthian’s tendency towards pride and self-sufficiency, created a fertile ground for division.
• ❓How can we prevent divisions in our own churches today? By prioritizing unity in Christ above all else, cultivating humility, practicing forgiveness, and actively pursuing peace, we can create a healthy and harmonious church environment. We also need to be aware of our own biases and prejudices.
• ❓What does it mean to “glory in the Lord”? To “glory in the Lord” means to give Him all the credit for our salvation, our gifts, and our accomplishments. It means recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and using it to His glory.
• ❓How does the “foolishness of the cross” relate to our daily lives? Embracing the “foolishness of the cross” means being willing to sacrifice our own desires and ambitions for the sake of Christ. It means trusting in God’s wisdom even when it seems counterintuitive or illogical.

Conclusion

1 Corinthians 1 is a powerful call to unity and a reminder that the true foundation of Christian fellowship is found in Christ alone. The factions that plagued the Corinthian church serve as a warning against allowing personalities or philosophies to overshadow the Gospel message. **The power of the cross** is the central theme, and we must strive to cultivate humility, practice forgiveness, and actively pursue peace within our own church communities. By recognizing our dependence on God and glorifying Him in all things, we can demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and attract others to Christ. Let us learn from the mistakes of the Corinthians and build a church that is united in love, grounded in truth, and focused on the glory of God. This unity showcases the true *power of the cross*.

Tags

unity, Corinth, Paul, cross, Gospel, divisions, wisdom, foolishness, Christ, church

Meta Description

Explore 1 Corinthians 1, a call to unity in Christ. Discover the power of the cross, how it addresses divisions, and finds true wisdom. Read now!