what caused divisions in the corinthian church10 marca 2023
I am sure there were many in Corinth who were saying, "Oh, I love to hear Apollos! I have been in many places where they were having church fights and almost invariably the thing that gives away that a church is in trouble is when people start talking about "my church," not in the sense that is perfectly proper as meaning, "The church where I go," but leaders of the church actually saying, "This is our church," and telling other people they have no rights to do something because the church belongs to them. Paul gives the church a stern warning about their actions and the proper way to participate. God is not confused, and He does not contradict Himself. I would agree that we find ourselves in much the same situations as those listening to the Greek philosophers/orators. When the Corinthians divided into factions, it wasnt so much about core doctrine (nature of God, nature of Christ, the Gospel, the nature of man). The bride is limping! This division in the church was over their own selfish ambitions evidenced in what they wanted. This consumerism that we face today in the end doesnt seem all that much different from the way the Christian faith was treated like just another philosophy back in the days of Paul. The church is never called to having everybody think exactly alike. I lead a small group so I sometimes have to sit in meetings where the pastor shares things about the vision of our church. Not when some people in the congregation wont look at, speak to, or even acknowledge the existence of certain other people in the congregation. On opening it you found a loose-leaf notebook with many of the small, half-page materials that the Navigators printed their Bible helps on. This introduces one of the greatest passages in the Bible, setting forth the difference between the wisdom of man and the wisdom of God. Now, church unity is a very important matter, and, because of its significance, Paul puts it first in the list of problems he has to deal with here at Corinth. So rather that detailing their accomplishments as orators, Paul describes their functions (Paul planted, Apollos watered, etc.) No man is the Savior; no man can deliver us except Jesus. But first, it is very clear that he is deeply troubled by this. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else). In verse 17, Paul says that his calling of God was to preach the Gospel, and the focus of the Gospel is the cross of Christ. Subject to permissions policy, all rights reserved. It wasnt even about secondary doctrine (the second coming, the nature of baptism). Like the orators wanted more money from the fees they charged, many pastors just want more people to look better and have a bigger budget. Yet, in reality as long as correct biblical doctrine is being taught no pastor should be viewed in comparison to one another. Now, the Apostle Paul is very concerned about this matter of incipient division in the church at Corinth, and he begins dealing with it in this powerful appeal for unity in Verse10: I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. The word divisions comes from the Greek word schismata, from which we get our English word schism. The bibles need to match the pews which need to match the carpet which need to match the wall color. I thank God that only a few of you can say that about me." But when each piece is fitted together into its proper place in the puzzle, you have a beautiful and complete picture. This is a very propitious time for us to consider the cross for this is Palm Sunday, commemorating the day when our Lord entered Jerusalem for his last week. 1-False prophets (2 Corinthians 11:13). Polhill says, every Corinthian had their own favorite preacher (237). Try it some time. This applies also to the leadership in the church. Austin Hellier Brisbane Queensland Australia. 11My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. Now, how could that be? One of the celebrities was Paul himself some believers at Corinth actually claimed to be his followers. In this passage of Scripture, Paul is very careful to focus the attention on Christ and not on himself. Bruises show on her arm! It took four viewpoints to report his earthly life and ministry accurately enough to us. It is possible that these divisions represent competing house churches, some founded by Paul, some by Apollos. The divisions of Christendom are the scandal of Christianity. Paul, however, was a good leader. Public arguments were commonplace in the Greco-Roman world at the time that Paul was writing to the Corinthian church. Offshoots had disturbed the church. Near the cross, O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me. They were burdened about them, and they went to the right person with them. It is interesting how quickly we forget where our gifts come from and think we are the cause of success. Therefore our boasting should only be in the Lord (1 Corinthains 1:26-31). I will jump on the bandwagon here and say that division is definitely an issue today. I always have, and always will believe that this overly exaggerated concept of denominations is a problem. Something shows up sooner or later as an identifying badge that marks them as "special," with special privilege and special status in that group. Let it do its great work of cutting down and eliminating from our lives those things over which we take pride and which separate us from others; these distinctions that make us dislike our brother or sister, and turn our backs on them. Their divisions, lack of church discipline, lawsuits, abuse of Christian liberty and over-emphasis of the gift of tongues, all illustrate this root problem. Sometimes a church leader can have so much clout that he begins to have cult status. Religious snobs want to be a part of a small group who The most well known one is having worship on Sundays instead of the Sabbath. We become followers of out Pastors and churches rather than of Christ. "I appeal to you," he says, "by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." In verse 11, Paul gives the reason for his appeal for unity in the church at Corinth. Paul is putting his finger right on the problem when he asks, "Was Paul crucified for you?" Weve seen how important unity was to the apostle Paul. Were you baptized into the name of Paul? In the year 1 054 the Church was divided into two parts: 1) The Greek Eastern Church 2) The Roman Western Church. Like Greg, I recognize this tension in some of the churches I have served in and find it appalling (1 Corinthians 3:18-19). Throughout this 2000 year process of normalizing divisions among believers, we have consistently neglected the fact we Jesus should unite us, and unless we choose to make a change, we will continue to forget this fact. It was considered honorable for you to stand up for yourself in this way. If I am not out of line I seem to remember that Constantine played a large role in allowing Pagan influences back into the Christian Life. The real problem behind the divisions is that the church continues to act like Christianity is just another philosophy, and teachers are in competition with each other just as the Greek orators competed. 1 Corinthians 1:10: 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.. We worry about how the power points are going to look, if we should have one or two singers, drums or no drums, electric guitars or none at all (I feel like you get my point) its almost as if we worship these things! WebThe Corinthians were basically making a mockery of Communion. Since November 2021, Reading Acts is edited by Sarah Westphal. We reveal our immaturity when we insist that only those with certain characteristics are the ones we will listen to, or we feel can bless or strengthen our lives. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. These are not the only causes of divisions in churches today. When it comes to seeking the spiritually lost for Christ, we can be much more effective if we are perfectly joined together in an unfailing zeal for Gods glory, not our own. In verses 14 to 16, Paul uses himself as an example. When I say worn out I mean people say that it is not usable in the modern world so its words become little more than foot rests in the pew. They forget, of course, that the church never belongs to anybody but the Lord. There was still a fourth group, and in some ways I think they were probably the worst. (1Corinthians 1:13 RSV). We may not all agree on the way to do church but there is definitely more than one effective way. That was a mark of status with them. There are three different causes of divisions in churches that Paul mentions in I Corinthians. He had received a report from the household of Cloe that there were quarrels among the members of the Corinthian church. The church was divided into factions, and one group was urging him to take half the congregation and go to another part of the city and start a new church. He does not say we should stop baptizing because of this problem. As a young Christian in my early twenties during World WarII, I was stationed in Hawaii, and I became acquainted with the work of the Navigators. Some sued their fellow Christians in the secular courts. 17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospelnot with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. His followers in the Corinthian church may have viewed Christianity as a philosophy rather than a relationship with a Person Jesus Christ. Acts 18:24 says that Apollos was an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man. 1 Corinthians 1:10: 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.. WebPaul rebukes the Corinthians because there are divisions and quarrels in the church. (1 Corinthians 1:12 RSV) Now, there was the trouble at Corinth. That is the mind Paul is talking about. I told them that it is a concern of mine as well. 12What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ.". As bad as it is, it makes sense for the people of Pauls day to be concerned with whatever home church has the best orator, and then argue for them to other potential followers. How can the presence of divisions be described as worldly?, Bruce Winter details the Greco-Roman practice of discipleship in the second chapter of After Paul Left Corinth. WebThe spirit that wrought such mischief at Corinth has been busy in the Church ever since. My answer was that it all depends on the motive. He addresses them as brethren. WebAccording to Paul, the communitys problems were the consequence of the Corinthians mistaken belief that they had already been exalted. The Corinthian church had many problems, and most of them were the result of pride and placing so much emphasis on social status. It wasnt even about secondary doctrine (the second coming, the nature of baptism). He was a rhetorician who was especially capable in the allegorical style of teaching of the Old Testament. What is a clique? 1-False prophets (2 Corinthians 11:13). That is the problem, and it is still going on today. The Lords Supper was affected by the divisions between rich and poor and an overall general misunderstanding. They were caused by Cliques (1:12; 3:4). I told them GBC and they said something along the lines of, Oh a Bible college? The third thing that every Navigator had was a little black notebook covered in rough-grained leather. He finds that there is a great deal of parallels between the disciple-teacher relationship in the culture of Corinth and the problem of divisions in the church over the authority of teachers. That is why Paul calls us back to it. Todays church is a lot like the church of Corinthians. 10 I appeal to you, brothers,[ a] 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. They were caused by Cliques (1:12; 3:4). Some boasted of their special spiritual gifts; others felt left out. They embraced the values of their Roman society, which divided over ethnicity (e.g., Jews vs. Gentiles) and social rank (wise vs. foolish, powerful The individual leaders should only point them to Christ. In the same way, thats not the way the Church was meant to be fitted together. This is really what is behind his disclaimer on baptism in 1 Cor 1:14-16. Have you ever tried to put a jigsaw puzzle together with the pieces turned upside down so that they are all blank? It is possible that these divisions represent competing house churches, some founded by Paul, some by Apollos. The basic meaning is to put back together and make one again something that was broken or separated. Religious snobs want to be a part of a small group who So undoubtedly there was a big group that followed Paul. Apollos was an intellectual. Therefore, the only basis upon which you can get Christians to agree is by setting before them the Person of the Lord Jesus, and calling them back to that fundamental base. The facts in the gospel are what will set us free, and particularly, he says, the word of the cross. They read only his books or listen only to his tapes. They failed to take seriously the power of evil; their behavior caused divisions in the church and led to a lack of concern for other members. (1 Corinthians 1:12 RSV) Now, there was the trouble at Corinth. One of his biggest goals is to double our congregation so we have 5,000 members. Webdivided. In 1 Corinthians, Paul consciously avoids disciple-teacher language. I understand the fact that people have different beliefs and would like to stick to those (it is good to sick to what you believe) but when you get so segregated that you cannot work together anymore, it becomes a serious problem. Their divisions, lack of church discipline, lawsuits, abuse of Christian liberty and over-emphasis of the gift of tongues, all illustrate this root problem. They take an innocent teaching medium, in this case baptism, and make it into an identification badge. WebThe members of the Corinthian church we disunited because they were pledging their allegiance to human leaders rather than God. Some followed Apollos whom they honored above Paul (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4; Acts 18:24 to 19:1). 1-False prophets (2 Corinthians 11:13). Now these things were good. 2 Corinthians It is possible, though, that the divisions among From the book of Acts we learn that Apollos was an outstanding orator in a world that loved and appreciated oratory. This division in the church was over their own selfish ambitions evidenced in what they wanted. In what ways have we failed to de-paganize? Then there were the traditionalists (there always are), those that say, "Well, I don't know about Paul or Apollos. WebPaul rebukes the Corinthians because there are divisions and quarrels in the church. Paul does not want to be considered a philosopher who is gathering disciples, nor does he want that for Apollos or Peter or any man. WebThe Christians at Corinth were dividing the church by pledging their loyalties to different celebrities. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. Still others say, "We are of Schaeffer," and others, "We are of Graham," or, "We are of C.S. Maybe if they are getting rid of core doctrine it is a justifiable anger but I can definitely see how the church is very much the same as 2000 years ago. 14I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. I would like to start off with a quote (forgive me for the length) from Polhill that I found to be all to strikingly familiar of todays churches. This doesnt mean that they have to agree on the minutest points in areas where there is no clear teaching in Scripture. I appreciate the perspective given by the author and agree 100% that the body of Christ is divided. If I was not raised in a Christian home, I think that I would have the same concerns. I agree with P. Longs last statement in that things have not improved much since the first century. One of the celebrities was Paul himself some believers at Corinth actually claimed to be his followers. I dont remember Paul seeing any thing like these issues as other than trivial. Their relationship to Christ was the unifying factor of the church. Then youre a Christian right? Even though our conversation could only continue for about 10 more minutes, this issue of divisions within the church arose. Some considering Paul their authority, other Apollos, others Peter, and still others accepted only Jesus as their authority. These are two common causes of church divisions in the West. I am thankful that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. In fact, Paul never claims disciples. Verse 12 tells us the source of this problem. And I say that because some people focus on PREACHER instead of THE SAVIOR. It is possible that these divisions represent competing house churches, some founded by Paul, some by Apollos. The first and perhaps biggest is denominations. It seems like this isnt a problem and doesnt affect the church much in its present state. For example, in the first section from 1:10 to 4:21, it's errors regarding division. In verse 10 we see both Pauls affection for the Corinthian church, and his authority as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. The members started to develop division following different leaders. Whatever you say, I believe." It seems unbelievable at first to think that this kind of division exists within the modern church, but more often than not it is actually one of the most common reasons for division. Offshoots had disturbed the church. If we are, all our differences and difficulties would soon come to an end. "One is your master; all of you are brothers," (Matthew 23:8 KJV). I've not forgotten that incident because it seems to me to capture the very attitude Paul is describing here. How important is it that there be unity within the Church? No man would ever have planned the cross. Peter was an uneducated, common man and may have appealed to that group of people in Corinth. We get so off track of what Christianity is all aboutMark 12:30-31 and begin focusing on worldly things like Rob Bell debated are actually being held to see if this Pastor is even Christian! What is a clique? If Paul were to visit one of these churches, he would see a good-looking man in a custom suit standing over everybody else, and his mind would go straight to the orators of his day. Webdivided. One of the celebrities was Paul himself some believers at Corinth actually claimed to be his followers. That, of course, is as it should be. In fact, these divisions are a sign of worldliness. Others bragged that they were followers of Peter (1 Corinthians 1:12). Doesnt He deserve better than this? the author asks. Paul enters this world of wretched Sophists and preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The words made complete in verse 10 are translated from a Greek word that was used to speak of mending such things as nets, bones, dislocated joints, broken utensils, and torn garments. The Protestant Reformation had its beginnings in 1517 (see Chapter 1 0). There should be oneness of mind, no matter how long it takes. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them; that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (NKJV). He then goes on to explain that it was the Corinthian wisdom that created so much disunity. They became symbols of prestige and standing that became divisive factors among the men. So he says, "I didn't baptize many of you. So, just a few texts and there are so many more. And some of them are really gross. The church at Corinth had divided loyalty to different leaders. Then there were the stylists, those who were attracted by the different kinds of preaching, and they had especially been drawn to Apollos. If it had been left up to us to plan the program by which God would change the world we would never have included a cross. Now, the second thing Paul says is, "Was Paul crucified for you?" Who are we, that we should put our interests and our desires ahead of that of the Lord for his church? In verse 11, Paul gives the reason for his appeal for unity in the church at Corinth. A. The content of their messages was in agreement, but the followers of these men probably focused on personality differences and distorted their teachings. They were caused by Cliques (1:12; 3:4). Their conflicts undoubtedly had its theological and philosophical dimensions, but it was social as well, human and petty, high on pride and low on love (Polhill 233). Why? So, just a few texts and there are so many more. Paul rejects this disunity, telling the church members to focus on Christ. The anxiety of the childs mother continued to grow, for she knew that her boy was somewhere out in the darkness where wild animals were constantly on the prowl. When you divide up among men you lose something, that is what he is saying. Others bragged that they were followers of Peter (1 Corinthians 1:12). Divisions never really ended with Pauls letters; they just appear to have evolved into having more sophisticated names. It is popularized in the movie Mean Girls. Today we have followers of Rob Bell, Rick Warren, and even Joel Osteen (for some reason). The minister is waiting, Bible in hand. You could spot the Navigators going up and down the streets of Honolulu. I'm nobody, just like you!" So Paul is insisting that the Corinthians, and all believers, have doctrinal unity that is clearly based on Gods Word. He begins the process of developing them into leaders who will also preach the gospel and found more churches. I personally experienced this at work about a year and a half ago. Paul condemns their behavior in verse 13 by saying, Has Christ been divided? In other words, have different amounts of Christ been given to different people? WebPaul goes right on, in Verse 12, to describe the forms that these divisions were taking in the church of Corinth: What I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas" [another name for Peter], or "I belong to Christ." This unintentional mindset causes people to treat the Bible and its words like it is a product that can wear out, and ignored like an infomercial. He had received a report from the household of Cloe that there were quarrels among the members of the Corinthian church. There were: the followers of Paul, the followers of Apollos, the followers of Cephas or Peter, and the followers of Christ. There are several important terms in this passage. Why are these thing SO important? Christians are all disciples, or better, stewards and servants of the mysteries of God (1 Cor 4:1). The search went on until nightfall, but no answer came to their urgent calls. In Jesus' name, Amen. 10 I appeal to you, brothers,[ a] 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. 5-Members going to pagan courts to settle disputes. We see similar situations today, with political debates often devolving into a shouting match in which the person who yells their opinion the loudest and the longest is the winner. Each group claimed to be better than the others, and party spirits began to grow in the church. 7-False zeal for spiritual gifts. This also brings up another Pagan influence which is naming the days of the week after the planets. The Protestant Reformation had its beginnings in 1517 (see Chapter 1 0). Alexandria was a center for learning and philosophy. In 2019 he published a commentary. For instance, in the Greco-Roman culture the practice of teacher-disciple relationships was often common and so many Christian converts in Corinth would associate themselves with a particular teacher and be under their discipleship. Sermon 5: Who is the Most Important? This is what Paul does here. WebThe Christians at Corinth were dividing the church by pledging their loyalties to different celebrities. Just as there was competiveness for honor and prestige among the orators of the first century, it also seems like there is competition between the pastors and churches of today. Now, in Verse13 you understand why. Are we willing and ready to pray for unity in His Church, and work at building a stronger unity among fellow members of the congregations where we fellowship and serve? Now, he describes the nature of unity this way, "that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." There are many other things that do cause serious problems stemming from the outside world. Here in Verse10 he briefly shows us the ground of unity, and the nature of unity in a church. Christ did not send me to take scalps or to cut notches on my gun handle as to how many converts I've won." He chooses various channels through which to work. He then goes on to describe for us the mind of Christ, which is a willingness to give up rights and personal privileges and give in and take a lower place. Remember, a believer who is at war with his brother or sister in Christ cannot be at peace with our heavenly Father. They are still acting just like the world. This is the challenge of the divisions in 1 Corinthians how does the modern church act just like the world? Im not saying its wrong to stick to what you believe. (I have been trying for a long time to get my wife to accept that!) Long has taught full time at Grace Christian University since 1998, specializing in Bible and Biblical languages. No, he says that is not why he was sent: "I was not sent to emphasize symbols, but, positively, I was sent to preach a whole gospel, not one emphasizing style, not in wisdom of words, but that which emphasizes content." In verses 10-12, Paul begins by giving an appeal for unity. The third danger of groups is given in the latter part of Verse13, and on through the next few verses: Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? Church has become about the pastor and not about his message. These kinds of things happen when there are divisions in a church. By focusing on Jesus we can see how important the parts of church really are. On a large jigsaw puzzle of a thousand pieces or more, its almost impossible to put it together upside down! And he speaks in the name of or by the authority of, our Lord Jesus Christ. WebPaul goes right on, in Verse 12, to describe the forms that these divisions were taking in the church of Corinth: What I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas" [another name for Peter], or "I belong to Christ." The divisions of Christendom are the scandal of Christianity. Now, here the apostle makes very clear that the tendency among groupies is to distort the meaning of symbols. We tend to deify men, and people look at them as if they can do no wrong, can made no errors, that they know everything and can settle all questions. I do not think things have improved much since the first century. It builds him up too much; it makes him a rival, to some degree, of the Lord himself. They love to listen to someone because he turns them on emotionally. I was taking my break and a person I work with asked where I went to college. The families have been seated. I think today if church leaders focus on Jesus and only Jesus we would be so much healthier. I remember a few years ago being at a family congress in St. Louis, Missouri, when one of the evening speakers was Dr.Oswald Hoffman, the very capable and powerful preacher on the Lutheran Hour radio program. It is sad to see that our world appears just as divided today as it did back in the first century. Paul rejects this disunity, telling the church members to focus on Christ. Their divisions, lack of church discipline, lawsuits, abuse of Christian liberty and over-emphasis of the gift of tongues, all illustrate this root problem. We all know what a clique is. The first thing Paul says is that it tends to chop up Christ and parcel him out as though his person and his work came in various packages, thus you lose perspective of the whole of Christian theology. WebWhat were the causes of division in the Corinthian Church? The groom and his attendants are in their places. WebAnd you know, that gives me some idea of how important this is to God, because from 1:10 to the ninth verse of the sixteenth Chapter, he just talks about the errors in the church. It is not merely that the Church is everywhere split up into sections, but that this has led to party strife and jealousy. I told them that I do not foresee and end to these divisions anytime soon (sadly). There was nothing wrong with Paul baptizing people, but Paul didnt want people to boast about the fact that he baptized them. There should be unanimous agreement. I find there are these tendencies right here in Peninsula Bible Church. The congregation then is to submit to the elders because it has confidence that their decisions were made under the Holy Spirits direction and power. Paul did not want to present the Gospel as an orator, competing for students as they did. Obviously, here at Peninsula Bible Church we cannot do that. Some pigged out at the Lord Supper; others had barely enough to eat.
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