The Loving Concern of Chloe’s People
Paul begins this section with a heartwarming address, “For it has been reported to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:11). Notice the context: the Corinthian church had been in communication with the Apostle Paul on various matters, even writing him a letter about doctrinal questions (see reference in 1 Corinthians 7:1) . Yet, amid their focus on these external issues, they failed to honestly assess their internal spiritual health. How often do we do the same? We become so engrossed in our strengths that we overlook the weaknesses festering beneath the surface.
Enter Chloe’s people—unsung heroes of the early church. They were not content to let the divisions among the Corinthians go unchecked. With genuine love for their brethren, they raised a cry for help. There was no malice, no gossip—only a sincere desire to see the church healed. How much we owe to Chloe’s people! Their courage in reporting these issues to Paul led to the profound corrections that have blessed generations of believers through this epistle.
Oh, that God would grant us such a heart for our brothers and sisters in Christ! Let us be like Chloe’s people, willing to speak up when necessary, not to condemn, but to restore. They likely followed the steps outlined by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17: first, addressing the issue directly, then involving witnesses, and finally escalating to church leadership. Writing to Paul was their last resort, and through it, God brought forth much-needed correction. How beautifully Paul responded, not with condemnation, but with the loving correction of a shepherd guiding his flock.
The Folly of Divisions
Paul wastes no time in clarifying what he meant by “contentions.” He reveals that these quarrels stemmed from a misguided allegiance to different teachers, each person claiming to be more “accurate” because of their preferred minister. Some said, “I am of Paul,” others, “I am of Apollos,” and still others, “I am of Cephas.” And then there were those who, perhaps in an attempt to outdo the rest, claimed, “I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:12). But Paul was not flattered by those who aligned themselves with him. In fact, he was grieved.
What a contrast to some of today’s preachers who might take offense if their congregation admired another teacher! But Paul’s heart was not for his own following; his heart was for Christ. Apollos, who came after Paul, was known for his eloquence and powerful preaching—a stark difference from Paul’s own unimpressive speech. It would have been easy for some to prefer Apollos’s style and attach themselves to him. Others, especially those inclined toward Jewish traditions, might have favored Cephas (Peter), aligning themselves with the church’s Jewish roots. And then there were those who, in a show of piety, claimed the ultimate allegiance by saying they were of Christ, as if to imply that all others were not.
Is Christ Divided?
Paul responds with a series of rhetorical questions that cut to the heart of the matter: “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). What a poignant rebuke! Christ is not divided. He is One, and His Body, the Church, must also be one. The Corinthians’ behavior was foolish, as Paul pointed out. How could they divide the indivisible Christ? Neither Paul, Apollos, nor Cephas could save them; they were mere men, servants of the One who alone can save.
How relevant this message is today! In our time, many have fallen into the same trap, idolizing pastors and teachers, sometimes even elevating them above Christ Himself. Some have so lost their identity in their allegiance to a human leader that they forget the One to whom they truly belong. This is idolatry, plain and simple. How we need the message of 1 Corinthians in our churches today! No human being, no matter how gifted or revered, is worthy of the honor, praise, and worship that belongs to God alone. There is none righteous, none worthy but Christ!
The Priority of Christ in Ministry
Paul continues by expressing relief that he did not baptize many of them, saying, “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” (1 Corinthians 1:14-15). Paul did not avoid baptizing out of reluctance, but by God’s providence, he was spared from being caught up in their divisions. His focus was always on Christ, never on himself or his ministry. This is a reminder to all who serve in ministry: it is not about us; it is about Christ. It is His work in us, and through us, that brings about any good.
Let us guard our hearts against the temptation to place ourselves or our gifts at the center of our ministry. May our every word and deed point others to Christ, that He alone may be glorified. After all, it is God who works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
Pause and reflect…
As we ponder these verses, let us examine our own hearts. Are there areas where we have allowed divisions to take root? Have we, perhaps unknowingly, placed a human leader on a pedestal that belongs only to Christ? May we, like Paul, seek to exalt Christ alone in our lives and ministries. And may we, like Chloe’s people, have the courage to lovingly address the issues that threaten the unity of Christ’s Body, always striving for restoration and reconciliation. For in Christ, we are one—one Body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4-6).
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