1 Corinthians 1:12-14

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 1:13

Verse 13 13.Is Christ divided? This intolerable evil was consequent upon the divisions that prevailed among the Corinthians: for Christ alone must reign in the Church. And as the object of the gospel is, that we be reconciled to God through him, it is necessary, in the first place, that we should all be bound together in him. As, however, only a very few of the Corinthians, who were in a sounder condition than the others, (64) retained Christ as their Master, (while all made it their boast that... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 1:14

Verse 14 14.I thank my God. In these words he reproves very sharply the perversity of the Corinthians, which made it necessary for him to avoid, in a manner, a thing so sacred and honorable as that of the administration of baptism. Paul, indeed, would have acted with propriety, and in accordance with the nature of his office, though he had baptized ever so many. He rejoices, however, that it had happened otherwise, and acknowledges it as having been so ordered, in the providence of God, that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 1:1-31

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

The importance of spiritual unity. "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the Name of our Lord," etc. Here the apostle comes to the grand object of writing this letter: it was to put an end to that party spirit that had riven the Church at Corinth into conflicting divisions. His remarks on this subject continue to 1 Corinthians 4:20 . There are two things here which show the transcendent importance which he attached to spiritual unity— I. HIS SOLEMN EXHORTATION . "Now I beseech... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Party spirit at Corinth. This subject is pursued in various forms to 1 Corinthians 4:21 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Divisions in the Church condemned. The formative idea of the chapter is now brought into full view, viz. "There are contentions among you," and it is prefaced by the statement of a principle, to which St. Paul earnestly directs the attention of the Corinthians, viz. "that they be joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment," or "perfected together," the stress being laid, as before, on their corporate or organic character as a Church. These warring divisions were not matters... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Divisions in the Church. How numerous these have been since Paul wrote! How many of them springing directly from human weakness, folly, or wickedness! How alien to the true spirit of Christianity, and to the prayer of Christ—"That they all may be one"! I. A GREAT EVIL . Cause of: 1. Weakness. Cooperation hindered. Strength expended in opposing each other instead of sin and Satan. Great opportunity offered for Satanic attack. Unity is strength; division is weakness. 2. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

The factions at Corinth. The word translated "divisions" is the original of our word "schism," which means a "rent" as in a garment, and then a division in a society or a separation from it. These internal divisions had begun to show themselves at Corinth, if not in the form of regularly defined parties, at least as forces that were moving in that direction, and which, if not checked, might soon lead to open rupture. On what principles these divisions rested, we are left to gather from the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 1:11-12

The spirit of faction. Introduce by showing the various elements of which the Church at Corinth was composed. There are signs that some members wore wealthy and learned, many were certainly poor, and probably many were slaves. Those who suddenly become wealthy are always in peril of showing masterfulness, and claiming undue authority and. influence. Party feeling ran high in Corinth, and this, with the mixed character of the population, tended to break society into sects and schools. This... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 1:12

Now this I mean; in other words, "what I mean is this." Their "contentions" are defined to be equivalent to "religious partisanships; "antagonistic adoption of the names and views of special teachers. Each one of you saith. That party spirit ran so high that they were all listed on one side or another. None of them were wise enough and spiritual minded enough to hold aloof from parties altogether. They prided themselves on being "uncompromising" and "party men." Saith; in a... read more

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