GRACE AMBASSADORS

The Dangerous Sect of Christ in Corinth

Justin Johnson

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.

“It is evident that the really dangerous sect in Corinth was that which said, ‘and I of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 1:12). They rejected the new revelation through Paul of the doctrines of grace; grounding themselves, probably, on the kingdom teachings of our Lord as ‘a minister of circumcision’ (Romans 15:8); seemingly oblivious that a new dispensation had been introduced by Christ’s death. This made necessary a defence of the origin and extent of Paul’s apostolic authority.“Introduction to 2 Corinthians, Scofield Reference Bible

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

Top of the Page
Article Index
Published: March 8, 2019
Last Modified: March 13, 2019
Receive articles like this in our weekly email update sent free to subscribers.