The Corinthian church was divided.
“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.” – 1 Corinthians 1:12
Many Christians would align themselves with the group that said “I am of Christ” so as to not follow mere men, but that group was no less divisive.
Did not Apollos minister Christ? Did not Cephas? Did not Paul?
Those who claimed “I am of Christ” in Corinth did so to the exclusion of the other apostles sent by Christ.
C.I. Scofield wrote this concerning Corinth.
Christ sent Paul to lay the foundation for Corinth to speak the same thing with the same mind (1 Cor 1:10; 1 Cor 3:10-11).
Prioritizing the earthly ministry of Christ over his resurrection ministry to Paul would keep the church in ignorance about the hidden wisdom of God (1 Cor 2:6-7; 1 Cor 14:37-38; Rom 11:25).
Understanding this mystery of Christ is the key to true spirituality and unity in the church then and now (1 Cor 2:16; 1 Cor 3:1; 1 Cor 10:17; 1 Cor 12:12).
Claiming to follow Christ while diminishing Paul’s apostleship is a recipe for spiritual disaster and division.
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1