Thrust Statement: God’s people are to promote the unity of the Spirit.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10

            Paul writes: “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1:10, NIV). Even though the Bible is the final source of authority, nevertheless, it still needs to be interpreted. To cite a Scripture out of context in order to uphold a particular bias is intellectual dishonesty, even though one’s misapplication may not be intentional. The way Paul seeks to help his readers understand the meaning he wishes to convey is through context.

            In order for one to understand the meaning of the phrases employed by Paul—“agree with one another” and “be perfectly united in mind and thought”—one must understand the text as a whole, not a passage in isolation from its context. It is not uncommon for the subjective religious culture of the interpreter to determine the meaning of a given passage. In other words, one’s own prior frame of reference often determines his/her own interpretation. Just a casual reading of First Corinthians reveals that the traditional interpretation attached to this verse is not in keeping with the tenor of this Epistle.

            Paul had received information about rival factions within the Christian community at Corinth (1:10-17). In order to bring about a cessation of hostilities, Paul appeals to Christ as the Wisdom and Power of God (1:18—2:5). In fact, the first ten verses of this Epistle employ the name “Jesus Christ” nine times and “Christ” one time. The Corinthians were quarreling because they were aligning themselves with various leaders within the body of Christ (1:12).  He then develops his arguments that since Christ is not divided, then how can His people be divided into warring factions (1:13). The focus of the Christian proclamation of Christ’s crucifixion must remain paramount in settling the disputes among these believers (1:18—2:5). It is the message of Christ’s crucifixion, not even baptism, that is the unifying factor within the Christian community (1:13-17).

            As one reads the entire context, one quickly observes that Paul is not requesting unanimity of opinion on understanding the Word of God. Within the kingdom of God there will always be different interpretations of God’s written Revelation (see chapters 8, 12-13). These chapters preclude what might be called Christian “cloning,” which is the traditional interpretation fostered by many sincere believers in order to enforce conformity on other individuals. The focus is upon Christ rather than human leaders (1:10—6:20). Not even baptism—important as it is—can be elevated to the position of salvation in and through Christ (1:13-17).

            Often times, one can arrive at a correct interpretation by considering what 1:10 cannot mean. The traditional interpretation contradicts 8:1-13. Within the congregation, one discovers that some were correct and some were wrong in their theology. How did Paul deal with this? Did he cite what he had said earlier in 1:10—“agree with one another”? No!  Rather, he said that it is true that “we all possess knowledge” (8:1). What happens when one thinks he is in possession of a true understanding? Listen to Paul once more: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (8:1). Paul was conscious that Christians could no more think alike on every subject than they could all look alike. He realized that even though all truth is truth, yet not all truth is essential to salvation. He also realized that all error is error, but, at the same time, he knew that not all error would damn one’s soul. Is truth absolute? Yes! But one’s knowledge of absolute truth is not absolute, but relative. He says this: “The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know” (8:2). How does God react to imperfection in one’s knowledge? Is God going to send someone to Hell simply because he/she fails to comprehend some truth? Paul gives God’s answer to man’s dilemma: “But the man who loves God is known by God (8:3).