Divisions in the Church

10 I appeal to you, brothers,[a] by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no (A)divisions among you, but that you be united (B)in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is (C)quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that (D)each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow (E)Apollos,” or “I follow (F)Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 (G)Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you (H)baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except (I)Crispus and (J)Gaius, 15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also (K)the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and (L)not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 11, 26

Rival groups in Corinth

10 Now I encourage you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Agree with each other and don’t be divided into rival groups. Instead, be restored with the same mind and the same purpose. 11 My brothers and sisters, Chloe’s people gave me some information about you, that you’re fighting with each other. 12 What I mean is this: that each one of you says, “I belong to Paul,” “I belong to Apollos,” “I belong to Cephas,” “I belong to Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you, or were you baptized in Paul’s name? 14 Thank God that I didn’t baptize any of you, except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that nobody can say that you were baptized in my name! 16 Oh, I baptized the house of Stephanas too. Otherwise, I don’t know if I baptized anyone else. 17 Christ didn’t send me to baptize but to preach the good news. And Christ didn’t send me to preach the good news with clever words so that Christ’s cross won’t be emptied of its meaning.

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