1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - Divisions In The Church At Corinth

¹⁰ Now I urge you, brothers, through the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all agree in what you say, so that no divisions [continue] among you. Be restored [to unity] by having common thoughts and convictions [i.e., in spiritual matters]. ¹¹ For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by some of Chloe's family, that there is quarreling [going on] among you. ¹² Now this is what I mean: Each of you is saying, "I am a follower of Paul," and another "I am a follower of Apollos," and another "I am a follower of Cephas [i.e., Peter]," and another "I am a follower of Christ." ¹³ Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you immersed into the name of Paul? ¹⁴ I am thankful that I did not immerse any of you, except for Crispus and Gaius, ¹⁵ so that none of you could say that you were immersed into my name. ¹⁶ (Oh, yes, I also immersed the family of Stephanas. Besides these, I do not remember immersing anyone else). ¹⁷ For Christ did not send me to immerse people, but to preach the good news. [Note: Christ specifically commissioned Paul to preach; most of the immersing was done by his attendants]. It was not to be done with words of [human] wisdom, so that the [message of the] cross of Christ would not have its power taken away.