Unity in Christ: Breaking Down Divisions in the Church
The church in Corinth faced a troubling issue: division. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reveals a fractured body of believers, quarreling over personalities rather than principles. These “contentions,” as Paul describes them, were public and destructive. They were rooted in carnality, a symptom of spiritual immaturity and functioning in the ‘flesh’. Paul’s rebuke rings true even today: divisions often arise not from essential truths but from petty differences and misplaced allegiances.
The Corinthians were splintered into factions. Some were loyal to Paul, the theologian and founder of their church. Others preferred Apollos, perhaps for his eloquence and style. A third group revered Peter, possibly for his traditional roots, while another claimed hyper-spirituality, rejecting all human leaders. Paul reminds them—and us—that allegiance belongs solely to Christ.
When churches focus on external preferences, like music styles or leadership personalities, they lose sight of their true purpose: exalting Christ, evangelising the lost, and building up believers. Paul’s rhetorical questions cut to the heart of the matter: Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptised in the name of Paul? The answer is a resounding “no.” The church is the body of Christ, united under one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
Paul emphasises that salvation and unity are found only in Christ. Baptism, while important, does not save—it’s faith in Jesus that redeems. Paul’s mission was clear: preach the gospel, not with elaborate words, but with the simplicity and power of the cross.
As Christians, we must focus on Christ. Divisions over non-essentials hinder our witness to a lost world. Our mission is to preach Christ crucified and to live out the gospel in unity. Let’s join hands and hearts, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.