1:12
The Christians in Corinth were identifying themselves by claiming to follow particular apostles. Paul shows his disdain for the whole practice by putting those who claim to follow him first. From what we know in Acts there were no differences in the teaching of Paul and Apollos, but there may have been differences in style. Some considered themselves to be better than the others and said they followed Christ. Of course, we should all follow Christ, but what they meant was that they were of the party of Christ, ie they were identifying themselves as a separate group. So the people were focusing on the messenger instead of the message. The same criticism could be made of those who call themselves Calvinists, or Arminians or Molinists. Now the teachings of Calvin are excellent, but we are not called to follow him. In charismatic circles there can be a tendency to follow certain “prophets” or even “apostles”. The stuff that was going on in Corinth is a very human response, and is why we find similar things happening throughout history, and even in our day.
1:13
Paul now poses rhetorical questions that highlight the stupidity of what the Corinthians were doing. There is only one Christ, we are either in Christ or we are not. Again Paul uses himself as the example to emphasise that he has no interest in people following him. He called people to Christ, not to himself. He, nor anyone else, was crucified for them. Only Christ was crucified for our sins. And they were baptised into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, not the name of Paul! Jesus is our salvation.
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