From Athens, Paul went to the city of Corinth and as was usual for him, he immediately went to the Jews with the truth that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 18:1-5). Many rejected his teachings, but “…Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized…And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them” (Acts 18:8, 11). Paul wrote at least three epistles to the church at Corinth, two of which we have as scripture, First and Second Corinthians. In those two epistles, Paul deals with a number of problems the Corinthian church had during those first years. The first problem to come up was that of division within the church there.
Paul wrote, “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. 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” (I Cor. 1:11-12). It is in this context that Paul asked a very poignant as well as rhetorical question. He asked, “Is Christ divided?” (I Cor. 1:13). Paul did not ask this to obtain knowledge, he knew Christ was not divided. His question was piquant, seeking to whet the appetite of those reading his words, that they give serious thought to what their actions would lead one to believe. He then asked two simple questions which show the fallacy of division among them. He asked, “”was Paul crucified for you and were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (I Cor. 1:13). The answer to all three questions was obvious, No! It was Jesus that Paul had testified to them of, as being the Christ (Acts 18:5), not Paul, nor Peter, nor Apollos or any other man. When they were baptized, they were all baptized into one body, Christ’s (I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22-23).
Though the above is the context in which the question was asked, it seems that it is very appropriate to ask that same question today in reference to that which is purported to be Christianity. In just this land in which we live there are thousands of religious sects, cults, doctrines, denominations, institutions and churches that all lay claim to being the means of reaching an eternal life in heaven after this life on earth is over. Is Christ divided? If all of these diverse groups are as they claim, it would seem that He is indeed divided. However, as the language of Paul’s message to the Corinthians reveals, such is not the case. Christ is not divided.
Unity of all believers is the name of the game. In that very text, Paul stated, “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 Cor. 1:10). Following the protestant reformation, the various denominations that mirrored the understanding and beliefs of the men that founded them, held themselves separated from each other, often very vocal in opposition.
They understood that if they were not the same, at least one of them had to be wrong. However, over the years, a philosophy began to form that called for everyone to just agree to disagree and thus today many of differing beliefs join hands one with another as if it really does not matter what they believe and practice. Jesus clearly revealed the error of that way when He prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for the also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20-21). The Father and the Son did not just agree to disagree, they were in complete unity.
So, just how do we obtain this unity of all believers? It almost sounds impossible when we consider all the differing views on various topics within Christianity. Such would be the case if it were not for the fact that God has given us His instructions that are to be followed. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:16-17; I Pet. 1:25). So long as we adhere strictly to these inspired instructions, we will be in agreement.
It is only when we stray off, into what we have always heard, what we feel like or what is pleasing to the masses, that we have division. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:16-17). There are many paths that one can take, but only the strait and narrow of God’s word will lead to eternal life (Matt. 7:13-14). It is the wise man that hears and does that which the Lord has instructed (Matt. 7:24-27). Christ is not divided!
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