How does this verse relate to the unity theme in 1 Corinthians 1? Setting the Scene • Chapter 1 opens with believers splintering into parties—“I follow Paul… Apollos… Cephas… Christ” (v. 12). • Paul’s burden is crystal clear: “that you may be perfectly united in mind and conviction” (v. 10). • Verse 15 lands in the middle of that appeal: “so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.” Why Paul Brings Up Baptism • Baptism publicly identifies a believer with the One into whose name he or she is baptized (Matthew 28:19). • If the Corinthians could claim, “Paul baptized me,” they might feel tied to Paul instead of to Christ. • By minimizing his own baptizing, Paul removes any hint that allegiance belongs anywhere but Jesus. How 1 Corinthians 1:15 Guards Unity • Shifts focus from human instruments to the divine Savior—loyalty belongs to Christ alone. • Undercuts partisan pride; no group can boast a “special” connection to Paul. • Models servant leadership: Paul steps out of the spotlight so the church centers on the Lord. • Reinforces the single, shared foundation all believers possess (1 Corinthians 3:11). Connections Inside the Chapter • v. 13 “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?”—v. 15 answers those rhetorical questions with a firm “no.” • v. 17 “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel”—explains why baptizing was intentionally limited. Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Ephesians 4:5 “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”—unity built on shared identification with Christ. • John 17:21 Jesus prays “that they may all be one… so that the world may believe.” Personal glory-seeking would sabotage that witness. • Acts 4:12 “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved”—the only name worth rallying around. Take-Home Truths • Celebrate faithful servants, but never let admiration drift into factionalism. • Guard your speech—saying “my pastor,” “my teacher,” or “my group” should never eclipse Christ’s name. • Keep baptism—and every church practice—squarely centered on Jesus, the One who unites all who believe. |
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