1 Corinthians 1:10

Letters to the Faithful - 1 Corinthians 1:10

Berean Standard Bible

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.

King James Bible

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Greek Text:

Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἵνα τὸ αὐτὸ λέγητε πάντες, καὶ μὴ ᾖ ἐν ὑμῖν σχίσματα, ἦτε δὲ κατηρτισμένοι ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ νοῒ καὶ ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ γνώμῃ.

Transliteration:

Parakalō de hymas, adelphoi, dia tou onomatos tou Kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou, hina to auto legēte pantes, kai mē ē en hymin schismata, ēte de katērtismenoi en tō autō noi kai en tē autē gnōmē.

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I appeal to you, brothers

Paul begins with an appeal, indicating a heartfelt request rather than a command. The term "brothers" signifies a familial relationship among believers, emphasizing unity and equality within the body of Christ. This familial language is consistent with Paul's other letters, where he often addresses the church as a family (e.g., Romans 12:1, Philippians 4:1).

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Paul invokes the authority of Jesus Christ, underscoring the seriousness of his appeal. The name of Jesus carries weight and authority, as seen throughout the New Testament (Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:9-11). This phrase also highlights the centrality of Christ in the life and unity of the church.

that all of you agree together

The call for agreement is a plea for doctrinal and relational harmony. In the context of Corinth, a city known for its diversity and division, this was a significant challenge. The Greek word used here, "katartizo," implies being perfectly joined together, as seen in Ephesians 4:3, where believers are urged to maintain the unity of the Spirit.

so that there may be no divisions among you

Divisions, or "schismata," were a major issue in the Corinthian church, as evidenced by the factions mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:12. Paul addresses these divisions throughout the letter, urging the church to focus on their shared faith in Christ rather than personal allegiances.

and that you may be united in mind and conviction

Unity in mind and conviction suggests a deep, internal agreement on essential beliefs and purposes. This unity is not merely external but involves a shared understanding and commitment to the gospel. Philippians 2:2 echoes this call for unity, urging believers to be of the same mind, having the same love, and being in full accord.

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1 Corinthians 1:10, as rendered in the New International Version, states: “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” This verse serves as the opening exhortation in Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, addressing the critical issue of disunity that threatens the community’s witness and spiritual health. Situated in the introduction of 1 Corinthians, written around 53–55 CE from Ephesus, this verse sets the tone for Paul’s pastoral response to a church plagued by factions, pride, and moral challenges. Theologically, historically, and literarily, 1 Corinthians 1:10 is rich with meaning, emphasizing themes of Christian unity, the authority of Christ, and the call to align with God’s purposes, while revealing Paul’s strategy for addressing division through appeal rather than command. It invites a deep exploration of its implications for the Corinthian context and its enduring relevance for the church today.

The broader context of 1 Corinthians 1:10 is Paul’s introductory section (1 Corinthians 1:1–17), where he establishes his apostolic authority, expresses gratitude for God’s grace to the Corinthians, and transitions to the pressing issue of divisions reported by Chloe’s household (1 Corinthians 1:11). Corinth, a prosperous and cosmopolitan port city in Greece, was a hub of cultural diversity and philosophical sophistication, which influenced the church’s struggles with pride, factionalism, and moral compromise. The Corinthian believers, predominantly Gentile with some Jewish members, were gifted spiritually (1 Corinthians 1:4–7) but immature in their faith, leading to quarrels over leadership loyalties (1 Corinthians 1:12). Paul’s letter aims to correct these issues, grounding the church in the gospel of Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:18–25) and calling them to unity and holiness. Verse 10 marks the beginning of his direct appeal, framing the entire letter as a call to restore harmony in the body of Christ.

The phrase “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters” reflects Paul’s pastoral approach, using the Greek verb parakalō, which conveys exhortation or encouragement rather than authoritarian command. By addressing the Corinthians as “brothers and sisters” (Greek: adelphoi, inclusive of all believers), Paul affirms their shared identity in Christ, fostering a sense of familial bond despite their conflicts. This relational tone softens the rebuke that follows, demonstrating Paul’s desire to persuade through love and shared faith rather than coercion. The appeal is grounded “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” invoking Christ’s supreme authority as the basis for unity. The “name” of Jesus carries divine weight, representing His person, power, and lordship (Philippians 2:9–11), and serves as a reminder that the church belongs to Christ, not to human leaders like Paul, Apollos, or Cephas (1 Corinthians 1:12).

Paul’s specific request is threefold: that the Corinthians “agree with one another in what you say,” that there be “no divisions among you,” and that they be “perfectly united in mind and thought.” The first clause, “agree with one another in what you say” (Greek: to auto legēte pantes, literally “say the same thing”), does not demand uniformity of opinion but a shared commitment to the gospel message and a common confession of Christ. In a church divided by allegiance to different leaders, Paul calls for a unified public witness, where their speech reflects their shared faith rather than factional slogans (e.g., “I follow Paul” or “I follow Apollos”). This unity in speech is vital in a city like Corinth, where the church’s reputation could impact its evangelistic mission.

The second clause, “that there be no divisions among you” (Greek: mē ē en hymin schismata), directly addresses the reported factions. The Greek term schismata, from which “schism” derives, refers to tears or splits, evoking the image of a torn garment or a fractured body. Paul sees division as a wound in the body of Christ, undermining the church’s identity as one people called by God (1 Corinthians 1:2). The factions likely stemmed from preferences for certain leaders’ rhetorical styles or theological emphases—Paul’s straightforward preaching, Apollos’ eloquence (Acts 18:24–28), or Cephas’ apostolic authority. These divisions reflect Corinth’s cultural obsession with status and wisdom, which Paul later contrasts with the foolishness of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18–31). By urging the elimination of divisions, Paul calls the Corinthians to reject worldly values and embrace the unity that flows from their shared salvation in Christ.

The third clause, “that you be perfectly united in mind and thought” (Greek: ēte de katērtismenoi en tō autō noi kai en tē autē gnōmē), amplifies the call to unity. The verb katērtismenoi, from katartizō, means to mend, restore, or perfect, suggesting the repair of something broken, like a net (Matthew 4:21) or a dislocated limb. Paul envisions a church restored to wholeness, united in “mind” (nous, referring to understanding or perspective) and “thought” (gnōmē, referring to judgment or purpose). This does not imply intellectual conformity but a shared mindset rooted in the gospel, where believers align their thinking and decisions with Christ’s purposes. The repetition of “the same” (auto) in “the same mind” and “the same thought” reinforces the ideal of harmony, echoing Paul’s later image of the church as one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).

Theologically, 1 Corinthians 1:10 underscores the centrality of Christ in the church’s identity and mission. By appealing in Jesus’ name, Paul grounds unity in Christ’s lordship, reminding the Corinthians that their allegiance is to Him, not human leaders. The call to eliminate divisions reflects the gospel’s reconciling power, as Christ’s death unites Jew and Gentile into one new humanity (Ephesians 2:14–16). Paul’s vision of unity in mind and thought points to the transformative work of the Spirit, who renews believers’ minds to discern God’s will (Romans 12:2). The verse also challenges the Corinthian tendency to prioritize worldly wisdom, foreshadowing Paul’s argument that true wisdom is found in the cross, which humbles human pride and unites believers in God’s grace (1 Corinthians 1:26–31).

Historically, 1 Corinthians 1:10 provides insight into the challenges facing the Corinthian church and Paul’s pastoral strategy. Corinth’s social stratification, with its elite and lower classes, likely exacerbated divisions, as some believers sought status through association with prominent leaders. The city’s competitive culture, evident in its philosophical schools and oratorical contests, fostered a spirit of rivalry that infiltrated the church. Paul’s appeal for unity counters this cultural influence, calling the Corinthians to embody a countercultural community shaped by the gospel. His decision to appeal rather than command reflects his awareness of the church’s autonomy, as he had not founded it, and his desire to win their hearts through persuasion. The mention of Chloe’s household (1 Corinthians 1:11) suggests that Paul received reliable reports, possibly from a prominent member or her emissaries, indicating the urgency of addressing the divisions.

Literarily, 1 Corinthians 1:10 serves as a thesis statement for the letter’s opening section (1 Corinthians 1:10–4:21), where Paul addresses the issue of factions. The verse’s triadic structure—“agree,” “no divisions,” “perfectly united”—creates a rhetorical crescendo, emphasizing the urgency and scope of Paul’s appeal. The invocation of Jesus’ name lends authority, while the familial address fosters intimacy, balancing correction with affection. The verse transitions from Paul’s thanksgiving (1 Corinthians 1:4–9) to his confrontation of the church’s problems, setting the stage for his critique of their worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18–25) and his call to humility (1 Corinthians 1:26–31). The language of unity recurs throughout the letter, notably in discussions of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12) and love (1 Corinthians 13), making 1 Corinthians 1:10 a thematic anchor for Paul’s vision of the church.

The verse connects to broader biblical themes of unity and reconciliation. The call to be “perfectly united” echoes Old Testament exhortations to Israel to serve God with one heart (Deuteronomy 6:5; 1 Chronicles 28:9). The image of mending divisions recalls prophetic promises of God restoring His people (Ezekiel 37:15–22). Paul’s appeal in Jesus’ name aligns with Jesus’ prayer for His disciples’ unity (John 17:20–23), linking the Corinthian church to the broader story of God’s redemptive work. The emphasis on unity in mind and thought anticipates Paul’s later teaching on the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), which unifies believers through shared dependence on God’s wisdom.

In the narrative flow of 1 Corinthians, 1:10 introduces the problem of divisions, which Paul elaborates in 1 Corinthians 1:11–17, citing the factions and critiquing their baptismal loyalties. The verse sets up his argument that the gospel, centered on Christ crucified, dismantles human pride and fosters unity (1 Corinthians 1:18–2:16). Paul’s appeal foreshadows his practical instructions for resolving conflicts, such as handling lawsuits (1 Corinthians 6), eating idol meat (1 Corinthians 8–10), and celebrating the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11). The call to unity culminates in his teaching on the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12) and the supremacy of love (1 Corinthians 13), which provide the theological and ethical framework for a united church.

In early Christian tradition, 1 Corinthians 1:10 was a foundational text for ecclesiology. Church fathers like Clement of Rome, writing to the Corinthians decades later (1 Clement), echoed Paul’s call for unity, urging them to heal schisms. Augustine and Chrysostom emphasized the verse’s call to humility, seeing divisions as a product of pride. In modern theology, the verse is often explored for its implications for church unity, addressing denominationalism, cultural divisions, and conflicts within congregations. For contemporary readers, 1 Corinthians 1:10 challenges us to prioritize Christ’s lordship over personal or group loyalties, fostering unity through shared commitment to the gospel in a fragmented world.

The language of 1 Corinthians 1:10 is rhetorically powerful. The verb “appeal” (parakalō) conveys urgency and warmth, while “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” invokes divine authority. The triadic structure—agreement, no divisions, perfect unity—builds rhetorically, and the terms “mind” (nous) and “thought” (gnōmē) suggest a holistic alignment of intellect and will. The term “divisions” (schismata) evokes visceral imagery, and “perfectly united” (katērtismenoi) carries connotations of restoration, enhancing the verse’s emotional and theological impact.

In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 1:10 is a theologically profound and pastorally urgent verse that encapsulates Paul’s call for unity in the Corinthian church. It emphasizes the authority of Christ, the destructive nature of divisions, and the transformative power of the gospel to mend broken relationships. For Paul’s original audience and for readers today, the verse challenges us to align our speech, relationships, and mindset with the gospel, rejecting worldly rivalries and embracing the unity that flows from Christ crucified. Paul’s appeal invites us to embody the church’s calling as a reconciled community, bearing witness to God’s love in a divided world.

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To all who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I write to you as one who longs to see the Church walking in her fullness, adorned with the beauty of holiness, clothed in love, and moving in unity under the headship of Christ. And I write not merely with affection, but with the urgency of the Spirit, echoing the apostolic plea spoken by Paul to the Corinthian believers: "Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..." There is a cry in this appeal, not of rebuke alone, but of loving concern, of covenantal urgency, of divine longing. For the unity of God’s people is not a matter of convenience; it is a matter of witness. It is not a peripheral issue—it is central to the heart of Christ, who prayed that we would be one, even as He and the Father are one.

Let us be honest with ourselves: we live in days of deep fracture. Division has crept into the Church like a subtle poison, clothed not always in overt hostility, but often in quiet rivalry, subtle contempt, or the stubborn insistence on our own opinions. We are divided by theology, by denomination, by race, by politics, by preference, and by pride. We hide behind labels and camps, as if allegiance to our traditions outweighs our shared identity in Christ. And in doing so, we grieve the Spirit who baptized us all into one body, and we diminish our effectiveness before a watching world that desperately needs a unified witness.

But the Spirit is calling us higher. The Lord is not content to leave His bride fractured. He calls us—not just pastors and elders, but every believer—into a deeper unity that transcends opinion, background, and style. Unity does not mean uniformity. It does not erase diversity, but it does demand humility. It does not silence every difference, but it subordinates every difference to the greater purpose of glorifying Christ and advancing His kingdom. We are not asked to agree on every secondary matter, but we are commanded to be of one mind and one purpose. That purpose is the gospel. That mind is the mind of Christ.

How then do we walk in this unity? First, we must remember that it begins with a Person, not a program. Paul appeals to the Corinthians “by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He does not appeal to their logic or tradition or experience—he appeals to their shared allegiance to Christ. We must return to Him as our center. If we are each drawing closer to Him, we will inevitably draw closer to one another. But if we prioritize our own names, our own opinions, our own tribes, we will drift apart. The cross is not merely the place of salvation—it is the place of surrender. And only when we all kneel at the same cross, lay down our swords, and confess our need for mercy, can true unity begin.

Second, we must repent of the divisions we have tolerated. Paul says, “that there be no divisions among you.” This is not a mild suggestion—it is a call to repentance. Division in the body is not just unfortunate; it is sinful when it is rooted in pride, selfish ambition, or a refusal to love. Have we slandered brothers and sisters because they do not worship as we do? Have we looked down on those who preach differently, pray differently, dress differently? Have we allowed personal offense to fester into bitterness, or elevated our theological nuance above love itself? The time has come to rend our hearts, to humble ourselves, to seek reconciliation where we have caused offense and to forgive where we have been hurt. We must be relentless in our pursuit of peace.

Third, we are called to be “united in the same mind and the same purpose.” This speaks not only to a posture of agreement, but to an active pursuit of a shared mission. Unity is forged in the fire of a common calling. When we labor together in the gospel, when we pray together, serve together, and suffer together, the walls between us begin to fall. The early church had many differences, yet they were of “one heart and soul,” because they were consumed by one vision: to make Jesus known. Our unity will deepen as our self-centered agendas die and our kingdom-centered purpose grows.

This does not mean we abandon all conviction or refuse all correction. Truth matters deeply. Doctrine shapes life. But we must learn to speak the truth in love. We must learn the art of holding firm convictions with soft hearts. We must learn to distinguish between what is essential to the faith and what is peripheral. We must learn to listen with patience, to reason with gentleness, and to seek understanding more than vindication. There is a unity that comes through truth, but it is the truth spoken not with pride, but with tears.

Finally, we must learn to pray for unity, not merely preach it. True unity is a work of the Spirit. It cannot be manufactured by human effort or organizational structures. It is born in the presence of God, where we see one another not through the lens of competition or comparison, but through the eyes of Christ. It is in prayer that our hearts are softened, our pride is broken, and our vision is aligned with heaven. If we want to see a unified Church, we must become a praying Church. Not just prayer for revival or blessing, but prayer for love, for humility, for reconciliation, for the breaking down of walls we have built in our flesh.

Beloved, the world is not waiting for a perfect Church, but it is looking for a united one. Jesus said that the world would know we are His disciples not by our miracles, or our music, or our doctrine, but by our love for one another. Let us not betray that witness by harboring division. Let us be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Let us be a generation that puts away childish quarrels and embraces the maturity of Christlike love. Let us be a Church where the beauty of unity becomes a signpost of the gospel and a foretaste of the kingdom.

I appeal to you, then, not as one who stands above you, but as a fellow servant and member of the body: pursue peace. Seek understanding. Forgive quickly. Repent humbly. Exalt Christ alone. And let the unity of the faith be not only our doctrine, but our daily practice. For we are one body, with one Spirit, called to one hope, under one Lord, with one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all.

May He strengthen us to walk in this high calling, and may the love of Christ bind us together until we all attain to the unity of the faith and the fullness of Christ.

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Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, source of all truth, love, and life, we come before You with grateful hearts, washed in the blood of the Lamb and made partakers of Your divine grace. We lift our voices as one, acknowledging You as the head of the Church and the Lord over all creation. In Your mercy, You have called us from darkness into light, from isolation into communion, from brokenness into unity with You and with one another. And now, O Lord, we ask that the word You spoke through the apostle Paul would find living expression in our day: that we, the body of Christ scattered across nations and tribes, would be of one mind and one purpose, walking in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace.

Lord, we confess before You that we have not always honored this call. We have allowed divisions to grow unchecked. We have been quick to defend our positions and slow to understand the hearts of our brothers and sisters. We have elevated our preferences above Your priorities. We have fractured the fellowship You purchased with Your blood by nurturing offense, suspicion, rivalry, and pride. And even when our differences began in sincerity, we have often let them harden into walls that separate Your body. Forgive us, Lord. Break down what we have built up in the flesh. Remove the barriers we have erected in fear, insecurity, or arrogance. Restore us to the oneness that reflects Your heart.

We pray now, not for shallow agreement, but for deep, Spirit-born unity—a unity rooted not in sameness, but in shared submission to Jesus Christ, our only Lord. Let us be a people whose minds are renewed by Your Word, whose hearts are knit together in love, and whose mission is focused on the advancement of Your kingdom. Teach us how to disagree without dividing, to discuss without despising, to contend for truth without abandoning grace. Show us the difference between convictions that must be held and opinions that can be released. Help us to see one another not as opponents to be defeated, but as fellow members of the same body, each one necessary, each one precious, each one redeemed.

Let the mind of Christ dwell richly within us—His humility, His patience, His meekness, His courage, His obedience. Let that same mind form our thoughts, govern our speech, and shape our actions, so that we might not only speak of unity but walk in it. Deliver us from the pride that demands our voice be louder than another’s. Deliver us from the offense that refuses to forgive. Deliver us from the fear that causes us to withdraw rather than engage. Fill us instead with the kind of love that lays down its life, that seeks reconciliation, that rejoices in the truth, and that believes the best.

Lord, make us one. One in worship, one in truth, one in mission, one in heart. Make our churches places where walls are torn down and bridges are built, where the strong carry the weak and the gifted serve the humble, where leaders do not lord it over others, but serve with joy and tears. Let our gatherings reflect heaven—where every tribe, tongue, and nation will worship You with one voice. May the world see in us the unity that testifies that You have truly come, that You truly live, and that You truly reign.

We ask for a divine work of reconciliation, not only in our structures, but in our spirits. Restore broken relationships. Heal old wounds. Bring together estranged believers. Repair what has been fractured by division, by misunderstanding, by offense, or by sin. We ask for revival, but let it begin with repentance. Let it begin with us.

And Father, in this divided world, let the Church stand as a beacon of harmony. Let us not reflect the fragmentation of our age, but the unity of the triune God. Where society builds walls, let us build tables. Where the culture feeds hostility, let us sow peace. Where voices shout for supremacy, let ours speak of servanthood. Let the love we share within the household of faith overflow into our cities, our nations, and the nations of the earth.

Lord Jesus, You are not divided. You are the Head, and we are Your body. Bring us into alignment with You, and by Your Spirit bring us into alignment with one another. Teach us what it means to be the Church—Your hands and feet, Your voice and witness in the world. Make us an answer to Your prayer in John 17, that we may be one, just as You and the Father are one, so that the world may believe that You were sent.

We commit ourselves anew to this high calling—not to unity for unity’s sake, but to the unity that comes from truth, forged in love and secured by grace. Make us a people who contend for unity as diligently as we contend for doctrine. Let our fellowship be deep, our forgiveness be quick, our love be sincere, and our mission be singular: to glorify the name of Jesus in all the earth.

To You, O God, who are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power at work within us—to You be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Amen.