1 Corinthians 1:11

Letters to the Faithful - 1 Corinthians 1:11

Berean Standard Bible

My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.

King James Bible

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

Greek Text:

ἐδηλώθη γάρ μοι περὶ ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί μου, ὑπὸ τῶν Χλόης ὅτι ἔριδες ἐν ὑμῖν εἰσιν.

Transliteration:

Edēlōthē gar moi peri hymōn, adelphoi mou, hypo tōn Chloēs hoti erides en hymin eisin.

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My brothers

Paul often uses familial language to address the believers, emphasizing the unity and equality of all Christians as members of God's family. This reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a close-knit community, transcending social and ethnic divisions. The term "brothers" includes both men and women, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Christian community.

some from Chloe’s household

Chloe was likely a prominent figure in the Corinthian church, possibly a wealthy businesswoman whose household included family, servants, and possibly employees. Her household's involvement suggests that she was a person of influence and respect within the community. This mention indicates the interconnectedness of early Christian communities and the role of women in the early church.

have informed me

Paul's information comes from a reliable source, indicating that he is addressing real and specific issues within the Corinthian church. This reflects the apostolic practice of addressing problems directly and personally, rather than through intermediaries. It also shows the importance of communication and accountability within the church.

that there are quarrels among you

The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions and disputes, which Paul addresses throughout the letter. These quarrels likely stemmed from various issues, including allegiance to different leaders, social status, and differing interpretations of Christian doctrine. This reflects the challenges of maintaining unity in a diverse and dynamic community. The call for unity is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, as seen in passages like Ephesians 4:3-6, where he urges believers to maintain the unity of the Spirit.

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1 Corinthians 1:11, found in the opening chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church, states in the New International Version, “My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.” This verse serves as a critical pivot in Paul’s introduction, transitioning from his thanksgiving for the Corinthians’ spiritual gifts (1:4-9) to his direct address of the divisions plaguing the church. It reveals the source of Paul’s knowledge about the church’s issues and sets the stage for his extended discussion of unity, wisdom, and the centrality of Christ in chapters 1-4. To fully unpack 1 Corinthians 1:11, we must explore its context within the letter, its historical and cultural setting in first-century Corinth, its theological implications for church unity, its characterization of Paul’s pastoral approach, and its relevance for understanding Christian community dynamics.

The verse is situated in the introductory section of 1 Corinthians (1:1-17), where Paul establishes his apostolic authority, expresses gratitude for the Corinthians’ faith, and begins to confront their problems. After his greeting (1:1-3) and thanksgiving (1:4-9), Paul shifts to the purpose of his letter in 1:10, urging the Corinthians to be united and to eliminate divisions among them. Verse 11 provides the basis for this exhortation, identifying “some from Chloe’s household” as the informants who alerted Paul to the quarrels within the church. The mention of these divisions introduces one of the letter’s central themes: the Corinthian church’s fragmentation over competing allegiances to leaders (1:12), which Paul attributes to a misunderstanding of the gospel’s wisdom (1:18-31). The verse, though brief, is a narrative and theological linchpin, grounding Paul’s appeal in specific evidence and launching his corrective teaching on unity in Christ.

The reference to “Chloe’s household” is intriguing, as it offers a glimpse into the social structure of the early church and Paul’s network of communication. Chloe is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, but her “household” likely refers to a group of people associated with her, possibly family members, slaves, freedmen, or clients, common in the Greco-Roman oikos (household) system. The fact that Paul names Chloe suggests she was a prominent figure, perhaps a wealthy Christian woman who hosted a house church or had significant influence in Corinth. Her household’s report indicates they were concerned enough about the church’s divisions to inform Paul, who was likely in Ephesus when writing (16:8). This detail highlights the interconnectedness of early Christian communities, where news traveled through personal networks, and underscores Paul’s pastoral oversight, even from a distance. The lack of further detail about Chloe or her household reflects Paul’s focus on the issue at hand—divisions—rather than the informants themselves, maintaining discretion while establishing credibility for his knowledge.

The term “quarrels” (erides) in the verse denotes strife, contention, or factionalism, a serious issue in the Corinthian church. In 1:12, Paul elaborates that these quarrels stem from competing loyalties to leaders—Paul, Apollos, Cephas (Peter), and even Christ—indicating a form of personality-driven factionalism. Corinth, a bustling port city known for its diversity, wealth, and competitive culture, provided fertile ground for such divisions. The city’s social hierarchy, patronage system, and rhetorical traditions valued eloquence and status, which likely influenced the Corinthians’ preference for certain leaders based on their teaching style or perceived prestige. Paul’s use of “quarrels” echoes his later warnings against strife in Galatians 5:20, where it is listed as a work of the flesh, suggesting that these divisions are not merely intellectual disagreements but spiritual and communal failures that threaten the church’s witness.

Theologically, 1 Corinthians 1:11 introduces Paul’s emphasis on the unity of the church as rooted in the gospel. By addressing the Corinthians as “my brothers and sisters” (adelphoi), Paul affirms their shared identity in Christ, despite their divisions. This familial language, common in Paul’s letters (e.g., Romans 1:13, Philippians 1:12), underscores the church as a new community bound by faith, not worldly affiliations. The quarrels, however, reveal a misalignment with this identity, as the Corinthians’ factionalism reflects the wisdom of the world rather than the wisdom of the cross (1:18-25). Paul’s concern is not merely practical but theological: divisions undermine the gospel’s message of reconciliation through Christ’s death (1:17, 2:2). The verse thus sets up Paul’s argument that true unity comes from centering on Christ and His cross, not human leaders or eloquence (3:4-9, 4:6).

Paul’s pastoral approach in 1 Corinthians 1:11 is notable for its balance of directness and sensitivity. By citing Chloe’s household, he provides transparency about his source, lending authority to his rebuke without resorting to hearsay. However, he does not dwell on the informants’ identity or motives, focusing instead on the issue of division. This approach reflects Paul’s desire to correct without shaming individuals, aiming to restore the community rather than deepen its fractures. His use of the first person—“have informed me”—personalizes his appeal, showing his investment in the Corinthians’ spiritual health. This pastoral strategy continues throughout the letter, as Paul combines exhortation, theological reasoning, and personal example (e.g., 4:16, 11:1) to guide the church toward maturity.

The verse also connects to the broader cultural and historical context of first-century Corinth. The city’s competitive ethos, shaped by its role as a commercial hub and host of the Isthmian Games, fostered a culture of rivalry and self-promotion. The Corinthians’ tendency to align with specific leaders mirrors the Greco-Roman practice of aligning with prominent rhetoricians or philosophers, whose followers often formed schools or factions. Paul’s critique of these quarrels challenges this cultural norm, calling the Corinthians to a countercultural identity rooted in the humility and unity of the cross. The mention of Chloe’s household also reflects the diverse social composition of the church, which included wealthy patrons, slaves, and others (1:26-29, 11:22). This diversity, while a strength, likely exacerbated tensions, as social disparities fueled competing loyalties and status-seeking.

Narratively, 1 Corinthians 1:11 functions as a catalyst for Paul’s extended discussion of wisdom and unity in chapters 1-4. The quarrels introduced here are elaborated in 1:12-17, where Paul condemns factionalism and reorients the church to the gospel’s simplicity. The verse also foreshadows other issues in the letter, such as disputes over spiritual gifts (12-14), lawsuits (6:1-8), and divisions at the Lord’s Supper (11:17-22), all of which reflect the Corinthians’ fragmented community life. By addressing divisions early, Paul establishes a framework for his corrective teaching, emphasizing that the gospel’s power transcends human wisdom or leadership (2:1-5). The verse thus serves as a diagnostic statement, identifying the church’s spiritual ailment and setting the course for Paul’s remedy.

In the broader context of Paul’s theology, 1 Corinthians 1:11 aligns with his vision of the church as the body of Christ, unified by the Spirit and called to reflect God’s glory (12:12-27, Ephesians 4:1-6). The quarrels in Corinth represent a distortion of this vision, as they prioritize human leaders over Christ’s lordship. Paul’s response draws on Old Testament imagery, such as Israel’s unity under God’s covenant (e.g., Psalm 133), while applying it to the new covenant community. The verse also resonates with Paul’s emphasis on the cross as the source of reconciliation, not only between God and humanity but also among believers (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). By confronting divisions, Paul upholds the gospel’s transformative power to create a community marked by love and mutual edification (13:1-13).

In Christian tradition, 1 Corinthians 1:11 has been a touchstone for addressing church divisions. Early Church Fathers, such as Clement of Rome, who wrote to the Corinthians about similar issues, echoed Paul’s call for unity. The verse has informed ecclesiological discussions, emphasizing the church’s identity as a unified body despite diverse gifts or perspectives. In modern contexts, it challenges denominationalism, personality-driven ministries, and cultural divisions within churches, urging believers to prioritize Christ over human allegiances. For contemporary readers, the verse serves as a reminder that unity is not uniformity but a shared commitment to the gospel, requiring humility, dialogue, and reliance on the Spirit.

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To all the saints scattered throughout the cities and nations, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be His holy people, grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I write to you with the love of a shepherd, the burden of a watchman, and the urgency of a servant whose heart burns for the unity of the Church and the glory of Christ.

It is written in the first letter to the Corinthians, “It has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.” What a piercing line—gentle in address, yet weighty with concern. It is not an accusation cast from a distance but a brother’s lament drawn from love. It reveals a truth as relevant now as it was in Corinth: that even among those who confess the name of Jesus, division can creep in and poison the fellowship of the saints.

The church at Corinth had many gifts, many teachers, and many expressions of the Spirit, but Paul did not begin his letter by praising their abundance—he began by addressing their fracture. For what use are gifts when the body is torn? What value is eloquence if the tongue wounds the very members it was called to edify? What good is knowledge if it becomes a sword in the hand of pride? The apostolic concern is not first about performance or presentation, but about the heart—the unity of the family, the humility of the members, and the singularity of focus on Christ.

Paul had heard reports—likely honest and brokenhearted—from Chloe’s household. Reports not of persecution, not of poverty, not of false doctrine (though those too would come), but of quarreling among the brethren. How tragic it is when those who have been reconciled to God through the blood of Christ cannot be reconciled to one another. When the Church that was birthed by divine unity begins to divide over human loyalties. When the body begins to splinter not from the pressure of the world, but from the tension within.

Beloved, the disease of division is still at work today. It is subtle at first: a preference unguarded, a personality idolized, a difference left unresolved, a wound allowed to fester. Soon what began as disagreement becomes distance, and distance becomes disdain, and the unity of the Spirit is broken—not always in doctrine, but in heart. We align ourselves with personalities instead of with Christ. We elevate human leaders as if they were crucified for us. We quarrel over styles, strategies, and secondary issues while neglecting the weightier matters of love, holiness, humility, and mission.

The Spirit asks now as He did then: Is Christ divided? Was your pastor crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of your favorite teacher? No, beloved. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one body, and one Spirit. The cross is not a stage for rivalry—it is a place of death to pride, and resurrection into a new family. The gospel does not create camps; it creates covenant. Christ did not die to make you a follower of man, but a follower of God. And if we all follow Him, we cannot help but walk closer to one another.

We must, therefore, be diligent to guard the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Unity is not passive; it must be pursued. It must be protected through confession, repentance, forgiveness, and mutual submission. It is not built by ignoring differences, but by exalting what is greater than our differences: the name of Jesus, the blood of the covenant, the indwelling Spirit, and the mission of the Church.

Do not think that this call to unity means uniformity. The Lord loves diversity—in culture, in gifting, in expression. But He hates division that is rooted in pride, ego, or unforgiveness. You may disagree with a brother and still walk with him. You may have different methods and still share the same mission. But if your heart begins to withdraw in judgment, or if your words begin to sow suspicion, or if your allegiance to a camp eclipses your allegiance to Christ—then you must return to the cross, and remember what you were saved from, and who you were saved to.

Let each one examine his own heart. Do you harbor offense against a brother? Go and be reconciled. Have you spoken carelessly about another servant of God? Repent, and speak healing. Have you contributed to an atmosphere of suspicion, division, or superiority? Humble yourself, and serve. For Christ did not come to be served, but to serve—and He washed the feet of the very ones who would abandon Him. Can we do less for one another?

Let every leader remember: we are not the head of the Church—Christ is. We are not the cornerstone—He is. We are not building a brand—we are being built into a temple. Let us not gather people around our names but point them to His. Let us not compete for sheep but care for the flock. Let us not boast in our tribe, but in the cross alone. And let every believer remember: to follow Jesus is to be joined to His people. You cannot love the Head and despise His body. You cannot cling to the Shepherd and slander His sheep.

So I urge you now: pursue peace. Not the peace of avoidance, but the peace of truth and love. Pursue humility. Let others be esteemed above yourself. Pursue reconciliation. Be quick to forgive, slow to speak, slow to become angry. Pursue Christ above all. Let His Word be your standard, His Spirit your guide, and His gospel your aim.

And let the world see, not just what we preach, but how we live with one another. For by this, Jesus said, all will know that we are His disciples—by our love for one another. Not our buildings, not our sermons, not our programs, not our creeds alone—but our love.

May the Church once divided become the Church restored. May those once estranged become brothers again. May every wall built by the flesh be torn down by the Spirit. And may we, with one heart and one voice, glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Sovereign and Holy God,

You who are the Author of peace and not of confusion, the One who has called us into the fellowship of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, we come before You with humbled hearts and open hands, burdened by the reality of division that has too often crept into Your house. You are a God of oneness—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, eternally unified in glory—and yet, Your people so frequently walk fractured, splintered, and separated, not by necessity, but by pride, offense, and human striving. We lift our voices now, crying out for healing within the Body, for the mending of the saints, and for the power of the cross to once again bring us to our knees—not just before You, but before one another.

Lord, Your servant Paul once wrote to the Corinthians, not from a place of personal grievance, but with the heart of a father grieving over the brokenness among brothers and sisters. He said it was reported that there was quarreling among them—contentions and factions forming under the names of men. And how clearly we see the same spirit at work today: loyalties to personalities over loyalty to Christ, allegiances to styles, movements, and leaders more than to the Head of the Church Himself. Forgive us, Lord. Forgive us for allowing our preferences to become walls, for exalting our tribes above our testimony, for using the name of Jesus to draw lines that He Himself did not draw.

We confess that often the root of our division is not doctrine, but ego—not truth, but territory. We have craved influence more than intimacy, control more than communion. We have feared humility more than disunity. We have spoken words that cut, harbored thoughts that divide, and nurtured silent resentments that poison the unity of the Spirit. O God, search us. Reveal where pride has taken root. Confront us where we have clung to being right at the expense of being righteous. Convict us where we have loved being heard more than hearing Your voice. And where we have justified our factions under the guise of conviction, show us what is of You and what is merely of us.

But, Lord, we do not only come in confession—we come in faith. For You are the God who restores. You are the reconciler of all things. You are the One who tore down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, who made one new man in Christ, who prayed that we would be one as You and the Father are one. So we ask, do it again in our time. Unify what has been scattered. Heal what has been broken. Make us not merely a collective of individuals, but one Body—many members, but one Spirit.

We ask for the grace to lay down our swords. To forfeit our grudges. To stop rehearsing what divides us and begin rehearsing what unites us: the gospel of grace, the blood of Christ, the indwelling Spirit, the call to holiness, the commission to make disciples, and the unshakable hope of Your return. Help us not just to tolerate one another, but to honor one another. Not just to be in the same room, but to be of one heart. Let our love be sincere. Let our service be mutual. Let our conversations be seasoned with truth and grace. Let us seek to understand more than to be understood. And let our unity become our witness.

May the world see in us not a mirror of its own divisions, but a reflection of Your kingdom. May we be known not for our splintered voices, but for our unified declaration: that Jesus Christ is Lord, and there is salvation in no other name. May our disagreements be handled with humility, our conflicts resolved with courage, and our differences held in love. Let those who are leaders lead by example, tearing down walls instead of building platforms. Let those who have influence use it to reconcile, not to recruit. Let those who have been hurt find healing, and those who have wounded others seek forgiveness.

We pray now for every local church torn by division, for every congregation divided by unresolved conflict, for every relationship strained by unspoken tension. Breathe on us, Holy Spirit. Let repentance rise, let reconciliation take root, let unity grow where bitterness once ruled. Remind us that we belong to one another. Remind us that the world will believe the Father sent the Son not because of our theology alone, but because of our love for each other.

And so, Lord, we surrender our names under Yours. We release our factions and fall before Your throne. We silence our accusations and listen for Your voice. Make us one—not by paper agreement, but by supernatural work. Make us one—not for our own comfort, but for the fame of Your name among the nations. Make us one—not to preserve our reputations, but to display the power of the gospel that reconciles enemies and makes them family.

We believe You are able. We believe You are willing. And we believe You are already doing it. So now, let it begin in us.

In the name of Jesus Christ—the Head of the Church, the Shepherd of our souls, the Prince of Peace—we pray. Amen.