The Unique Relation of Christ to the Church
1 Corinthians 1:13
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?


This is set forth because there was a manifest disposition at Corinth to make Christ a mere party leader. Some said, "I of Christ;" as if Christ stood on the same plane as Paul, Apollos, or Cephas. Bring out, with varied illustration, two points.

I. THE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN A TEACHER'S RELATION TO THE CHURCH AND CHRIST'S RELATION TO IT. Christ's teaching is original, man's is derived. Christ's authority is supreme, man's is only delegated. Christ is the Church's Foundation, the human teacher is but a workman engaged in the superstructure. Both teach, both bear authority, both are builder's. The glory of the human teacher is that he can be a "co-worker together with Christ." In some sense human teachers may think of themselves as filling the vacant earth sphere of the great Teacher, and carrying on his gracious mission. See Paul's plea," Now then we are ambassadors for Christ." So far as they bear the Master's spirit, speak the Master's truth, and carry out the Master's will, we give them all honour, attention, and obedience for their Master's sake. We are "followers of them so far as they follow Christ."

II. THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A TEACHER'S RELATION TO THE CHURCH AND CHRIST'S RELATION TO IT. There are important distinctions and differences in the things in which both agree. And there are positive distinctions, things in which Christ stands absolutely alone. No other was "crucified for us." Into no other "name" were we "baptized." The relative positions of Christ and the ministry are indicated by the figures of the Shepherd and the under shepherds. The careful and constant preservation of Christ's unique position in the Church, and relation to it, is the secret of the maintenance of all Church order, unity, and peace. - R.T.



Parallel Verses
KJV: Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

WEB: Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?




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