Paul has written to the Corinthian church addressing reports of divisions and quarrels among the believers. After his opening greeting and thanksgiving for God's grace given to them, he has acknowledged their spiritual gifts and confirmed that they will be sustained until Christ's return. The church at Corinth, established during Paul's earlier ministry there, has been enriched in speech and knowledge, yet troubling news has reached Paul about their unity. Chloe's household has informed him of conflicts arising within the congregation, prompting his urgent appeal for them to be united in mind and judgment rather than forming factions around different leaders.
[10] Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. [11] For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. [12] Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” [13] Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
[14] I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, [15] lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. [16] Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. [17] For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
[18] For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Jesus has just told his disciples that they must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven, responding to their question about who is greatest in the kingdom. The religious leaders and disciples often debated status and rank, seeking positions of honor and authority. Jesus had recently predicted his death and resurrection for the second time, yet the disciples remained focused on earthly greatness rather than understanding his mission. Peter had just paid the temple tax for both himself and Jesus using a coin found in a fish's mouth, demonstrating Jesus's authority over creation and his willingness to avoid causing offense. The disciples' concern about greatness reveals their continued misunderstanding of Jesus's kingdom, which operates on principles opposite to worldly power structures. Jesus is addressing his disciples.
[2] Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, [3] and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
[6] “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [7] Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!
[8] “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. [9] And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.