Christ-Centered Unity: Paul’s Appeal to the Church

The first 17 verses of 1 Corinthians are profound. As you read them, you can’t help but ask, “Paul, is this possible?” Yet, if we as the body of Christ accept these words as God’s own, we must strive even harder to fulfill Paul’s commands.

The NASB heading for 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 is “Appeal to Unity.” How fitting that this introduces Paul’s first message to the Corinthian church.

While Paul’s immediate audience was the Corinthians, his message speaks to us as well. Even if it wasn’t written to us, it was written for us, and we must heed these words.

So, what is Paul’s message of unity?

First, note that Christ’s name is mentioned 13 times in 17 verses—10 times in the first 10 verses alone! Clearly, Paul is emphasizing something: the only true unifying force for the body of Christ is the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Second, in verses 11-12, Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for dividing into factions. Interestingly, he even criticizes those who say, “We are of Christ,” alongside those aligning with Paul, Apollos, or Peter. Wait—aren’t we supposed to unite under the banner “We are of Christ”?

Third, Paul clarifies in verse 13, asking, “Has Christ been divided?” He expands in verses 13-15: no man other than Christ died for our sins, nor should we be baptized in anyone else’s name. Unity comes only through Christ and him crucified (cf. 1 Cor. 2:2)—the very message of the gospel (v. 17).

Finally, Paul commands the Church to agree, avoid divisions, and be of the same mind and judgment (1 Cor. 1:10). This is no mere suggestion but a direct command from Christ through Paul. In these last days, we must do better at fulfilling this crucial call to unity.