Notes on Words of Reproach

1 Corinthians 1:10 - 17

In 1 Corinthians 1:10 - 17 Paul is delivering words of reproach to a Church that was fighting. The Church in Corinth was factional and fractious. People were calling themselves of Apollos; of Cephas; and of Christ depending on who baptized them. Paul is telling them they are of Christ no matter who baptizes them. He is also saying that baptism is not as important as learning about Jesus. This section gives me pause for reflection when I think of the denominational differences in the Church today. I make it a point to identify my self as a Christian rather than a Lutheran.

1 Corinthians 1:10 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.

• I ask you in the name of Jesus Christ to come together with one another in agreement so that you will be perfectly joined in mind and judgement.
  • (Paul is asking them to act like brothers and sisters in Christ. The KJV uses brother but both brothers and sisters is intended.)

1 Corinthians 1:11 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.

• I have been told by Chloe's family that you have been arguing.
  • (Chloe's household was everyone who depended on Chloe for food, shelter, and livelihood plus her blood relatives. Family comes from the Latin familius which describes this relationship.)

1 Corinthians 1:12 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.

• You have been saying I am of Paul; and I am of Apollos; and I am of Cephas; and I am of Christ.
  • (Cephas is the Apostle Peter the same one who denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed.)

1 Corinthians 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

• Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
  • (The church in Corinth had split into factions on the basis of who had baptized them.)

1 Corinthians 1:13 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

• I thank God that I did not baptized any of you, except Crispus and Gaius;

1 Corinthians 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

• So that you cannot say that I had baptized you in mine own name.

1 Corinthians 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

• And I also baptized the household of Stephanas, I cannot think of any others that I baptized.

1 Corinthians 1:17 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.

• Christ did not send me to baptize, he sent me to teach. But not through human reason lest Christ's death on the cross should be meaningless.
  • (Baptism is a non-essential but knowing the Lord and submitting to the lord is the essence of Christianity.)

1 Corinthians Chapter 1 - Full Text

1 Corinthians 1:10 - 17