Topical Encyclopedia Strife, as addressed in the letters to the Corinthians, is a significant theme that the Apostle Paul tackles with urgency and pastoral concern. The Corinthian church, located in a bustling and diverse city, was plagued by divisions and contentions that threatened its unity and witness. Paul's epistles to the Corinthians provide a profound insight into the nature of strife and the Christian response to it.1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Paul begins his first letter to the Corinthians by appealing for unity among the believers. He writes, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction" (1 Corinthians 1:10). The apostle identifies the root of their strife as allegiance to different leaders, which he addresses by asking rhetorically, "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:13). Here, Paul emphasizes that their focus should be on Christ, not on human leaders. 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 In this passage, Paul further elaborates on the spiritual immaturity that leads to strife. He writes, "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?" (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Paul identifies jealousy and dissension as evidence of their worldly behavior, contrasting it with the spiritual maturity expected of believers. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 Paul addresses another aspect of strife in the Corinthian church—legal disputes among believers. He admonishes them for taking their grievances before secular courts rather than resolving them within the church. "If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints?" (1 Corinthians 6:1). Paul underscores the shame of such actions, urging them to seek reconciliation and justice within the Christian community. 2 Corinthians 12:20 In his second letter, Paul expresses his fear that strife may still be present among the Corinthians. He writes, "For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder" (2 Corinthians 12:20). This verse highlights the destructive nature of strife and its potential to disrupt the harmony and spiritual health of the church. Theological Implications The strife in Corinth serves as a cautionary tale for the church throughout the ages. It underscores the importance of unity in Christ, the dangers of elevating human leaders above the gospel, and the need for spiritual maturity. Paul's teachings remind believers that strife is antithetical to the Christian life, which is marked by love, humility, and a commitment to the body of Christ. The Corinthian correspondence calls the church to pursue peace and unity, reflecting the character of Christ in all relationships. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 1:11For it has been declared to me of you, my brothers, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 6:6 Library Let the Partakers in Strife Acknowledge their Sins. The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians Let us Cleave to the Righteous: Your Strife is Pernicious. Let the Partakers in Strife Acknowledge their Sins. Truth is More Important than Expression. What is Meant by Strife ... The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians "But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C. For the Word is Used by Our Paul in Writing to the Corinthians... Let us Cleave to the Righteous: Your Strife is Pernicious. Resources What does it mean that the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the works of the flesh? | GotQuestions.org What is the biblical significance of Beer Lahai Roi? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |