1 CorinthiansНамуна

Already in the first main section, one thing becomes clear: there is conflict in Corinth. This isn’t about differences in taste—it’s about deep divisions. Factions have formed, each rallying around their favorite leader. Some say, “I follow Paul,” others Apollos or Peter—and some, appearing especially spiritual, claim, “I follow Christ.”

Paul is shocked—not because the leaders themselves are bad, but because they’re being played off against one another. The church is aligning itself more with people than with Christ. Even the last group, with their spiritual-sounding claim, is using it to set themselves apart from the rest.

Paul doesn’t criticize diversity itself. What he confronts is the division and spirit of rivalry emerging among the Corinthians. He reminds them: it wasn’t a man who was crucified for you, but Christ alone. That’s why no one should boast about their baptism as if it aligned them with a particular group. Baptism is not a badge of faction, but a sign of belonging to Jesus.

What Paul is making clear here is just as relevant today: Christian unity doesn’t come from having the same opinions, preferences, or background—it comes from a shared belonging to Christ. He alone is the center—and anyone who has Christ at the center is my brother or sister.