1 Corinthians 1:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Is {G3307} Christ {G5547} divided {G3307}?{G3361} was {G4717} Paul {G3972} crucified {G4717} for {G5228} you {G5216}? or {G2228} were ye baptized {G907} in {G1519} the name {G3686} of Paul {G3972}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Has the Messiah been split in pieces? Was it Sha’ul who was put to death on a stake for you? Were you immersed into the name of Sha’ul?

Berean Standard Bible

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?

American Standard Version

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized into the name of Paul?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 1:13, the Apostle Paul employs a series of three piercing rhetorical questions to confront the deeply rooted divisions and factionalism within the Corinthian church. He challenges their misplaced allegiances to human leaders by emphatically asserting the indivisible nature of Christ, the singular efficacy of His crucifixion for salvation, and the sole object of Christian baptism. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of Christ's supreme and exclusive authority over His body, the church, and a stark rebuke against any attempt to fragment the unity of believers around human personalities or preferences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the very beginning of Paul's letter, immediately following his initial greeting and thanksgiving, indicating the paramount importance of the issue of division. Paul quickly moves from expressing gratitude for their spiritual gifts (though implicitly, these gifts were being misused) to directly addressing the severe disunity plaguing the Corinthian church. In the preceding verses, [1 Corinthians 1:10-12](/1_corinthians/1-10-12 "1 Corinthians 1:10-12 - Paul's Plea for Unity and Identification of Factions"), Paul explicitly pleads for unity ("that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you") and identifies the factions ("I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ"). Verse 13, therefore, is not merely a statement but a powerful rhetorical climax designed to expose the utter absurdity and spiritual error of their sectarianism, setting the stage for his extended argument for unity and the centrality of Christ throughout the entire epistle, particularly in [1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5](/1_corinthians/1-18-2-5 "1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 - The Message of the Cross").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city renowned for its wealth, diverse population, and a culture that valued rhetoric, philosophy, and personal charisma. It was a melting pot of Greek, Roman, and Jewish influences, often characterized by a competitive spirit and a tendency towards intellectual pride and factionalism. In such an environment, it was natural for converts to gravitate towards the preachers who had initially brought them the gospel, or those whose speaking styles they admired, much like philosophical schools had their prominent teachers. The church at Corinth, though gifted, struggled with immaturity and worldliness, allowing these cultural tendencies to infiltrate their spiritual community. Paul's questions in [1 Corinthians 1:13](/1_corinthians/1-13 "1 Corinthians 1:13 - Is Christ Divided?") directly challenge this cultural inclination to elevate human leaders above the divine Head of the church, emphasizing that Christian allegiance is fundamentally different from adherence to a philosophical school or political party.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes emerging from [1 Corinthians 1:13](/1_corinthians/1-13 "1 Corinthians 1:13 - Is Christ Divided?") are foundational to Christian theology and practice. Firstly, it underscores the **Indivisibility of Christ** and, by extension, His body, the church. Paul's opening question, "Is Christ divided?", highlights that the Lord Jesus cannot be fragmented or serve as the head of competing factions; He is one, and His church must reflect this singular unity. Secondly, the verse powerfully asserts the **Sole Authority of Christ for Salvation**. The question "was Paul crucified for you?" unequivocally states that salvation comes exclusively through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, not through any human minister or leader, no matter how gifted or influential. This points to the absolute [supremacy of Christ's cross](/1_corinthians/2-2 "1 Corinthians 2:2 - Paul's Focus on Christ Crucified") as the sole means of redemption. Finally, the verse clarifies the **Purpose and Meaning of Baptism**. "or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" challenges the Corinthians' misplaced allegiance, reminding them that baptism is an identification with Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection, signifying allegiance to Him alone. It is not a pledge of loyalty to the person who performed the baptism, but a public declaration of one's new identity [in Christ](/romans/6-3 "Romans 6:3 - Baptism into Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **divided (Greek, _merízō_):** From G3307, meaning "to part, i.e. (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ." In this context, Paul uses the perfect passive indicative form (μεμέρισται, _memeristai_), which emphasizes a completed action with lasting results, implying a state of being divided. Paul's rhetorical question "Is Christ divided?" thus challenges the very possibility of Christ being fragmented or compartmentalized by human factions, asserting His inherent unity and indivisibility.
* **crucified (Greek, _stauróō_):** From G4717, meaning "to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness." This word directly refers to the act of crucifixion, the method of Christ's atoning death. Paul's question, "was Paul crucified for you?", highlights the unique and unrepeatable nature of Christ's sacrifice. No human, Paul included, could ever perform the salvific act of dying for the sins of humanity.
* **baptized (Greek, _baptízō_):** From G907, meaning "to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism." This term refers to the Christian rite of baptism. The question "were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" underscores that baptism signifies identification with the one whose name is invoked, and therefore, it must be Christ alone, not a human leader.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma_):** From G3686, meaning "a 'name' (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)." In the ancient world, to be baptized "in the name of" someone meant to be identified with that person, to come under their authority, or to pledge allegiance to them. Paul's question emphasizes that Christian baptism is a public declaration of allegiance to Christ and His authority, not to the individual who administered the rite.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is Christ divided?"**: This is the foundational question, striking at the heart of the Corinthian problem. Paul challenges the very idea that Christ, the Head of the Church, could be fragmented or split into pieces to lead competing factions. The implied answer is a resounding "No!" Christ is one, whole, and indivisible, and therefore, His body, the church, must also strive for unity, reflecting His singular nature. This question underscores the theological absurdity of their divisions.
* **"was Paul crucified for you?"**: This second question addresses the source of salvation and allegiance. Paul forcefully reminds them that he, or any other human leader, is utterly incapable of providing atonement for sin. Only Christ's unique and ultimate sacrifice on the cross secured their redemption. By posing this question, Paul highlights that their loyalty must be to the one who died for them, not to the one who merely preached to them. It exposes the spiritual error of elevating a human instrument above the divine Savior.
* **"or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?"**: The final question directly confronts the meaning and object of their baptism. Baptism is the public declaration of one's identification with Christ and entrance into His covenant community. To be baptized "in the name of Paul" would imply a pledge of allegiance to Paul, making him the object of their faith and the one into whose authority they were brought. Paul's question underscores that baptism signifies allegiance to Christ alone, the true Head and Lord, and not to any human agent. It reminds them that their identity is found solely in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's masterful use of **Rhetorical Question** is the dominant literary device in 1 Corinthians 1:13. These questions are not posed to elicit an answer, but to make an undeniable point, forcing the Corinthians to confront the illogical and spiritually bankrupt nature of their factionalism. The series of three questions forms a powerful **Tricolon**, building in intensity and driving home the singular truth about Christ's indivisibility, His unique salvific work, and the true meaning of Christian baptism. The questions also employ **Apostrophe**, directly addressing the Corinthian believers as if in a direct confrontation, which enhances the pastoral and authoritative tone of Paul's rebuke. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in Paul's questions, as the very idea of Christ being divided or Paul being crucified for them is so preposterous that it highlights the profound spiritual blindness of the Corinthian factions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 1:13 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the nature of the church, the supremacy of Christ, and the meaning of Christian identity. Theologically, it asserts a robust Christology, emphasizing Christ's singular authority and indivisibility as the Head of His body. It underscores that the church's unity is not an optional extra but a reflection of Christ's own unified person. Soteriologically, it clarifies that salvation is monergistic, solely accomplished by Christ's atoning work on the cross, leaving no room for human merit or mediation. Ecclesiology is also profoundly impacted, as the verse demands that the church's allegiance and identity be centered exclusively on Christ, rejecting any form of sectarianism or personality cults. It calls believers to transcend human preferences and affiliations for the sake of the greater, unified body of Christ.

* [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - The Unity of the Spirit") - "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
* [Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Baptized into Christ") - "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
* [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Church") - "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's sharp questions in 1 Corinthians 1:13 resonate powerfully in every generation, serving as a timeless warning against the perennial human temptation to elevate personalities, preferences, or even denominational distinctives above the unifying centrality of Jesus Christ. In contemporary Christianity, this verse calls us to a profound self-examination of our allegiances and priorities. It challenges us to dismantle any "isms" that divide the body of Christ, whether they be based on theological camps, charismatic leaders, worship styles, or political affiliations. True Christian maturity is marked by a deep commitment to the indivisible Christ, recognizing that our ultimate identity and loyalty are found in Him alone, the one who was crucified for us and in whose name we were baptized. This requires humility, a willingness to prioritize the unity of the Spirit, and a constant refocusing on the gospel of Christ crucified, rather than on human achievements or preferences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my church community, be inadvertently creating divisions or elevating human leaders above the singular authority of Christ?**
* **How does my understanding of Christ's crucifixion impact my daily life and my allegiance to Him alone?**
* **What does my baptism truly signify to me, and how does it shape my identity and my relationship with other believers?**
* **How can I actively contribute to the unity of the body of Christ in my local context and beyond, rather than perpetuating divisions?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Corinthian church divided, and what does Paul mean by "Is Christ divided?"**

Answer: The Corinthian church was divided primarily due to misplaced allegiances to human leaders and a worldly spirit of competition and intellectual pride. Believers were aligning themselves with different prominent figures like Paul, Apollos, and Cephas, or even claiming a superior "of Christ" party, turning spiritual leadership into a basis for factionalism. By asking "Is Christ divided?", Paul highlights the theological absurdity of their behavior. Christ, as the divine Head of the Church, is one and indivisible. His body, the church, is meant to reflect this unity. Their divisions were not merely sociological squabbles but a profound theological error, implying a fragmentation of Christ Himself, which is impossible. Paul's question is a rhetorical device to shock them into recognizing the gravity of their disunity and to redirect their focus to the singular and unified person of [Jesus Christ](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Church").

**What is the significance of Paul asking, "was Paul crucified for you?"**

Answer: This question is a powerful rhetorical device to underscore the exclusive and ultimate nature of Christ's atoning sacrifice. Paul's implied answer is a resounding "No!" He, or any other human, could never be the object of saving faith because no human could die for the sins of the world. Salvation comes solely through the crucifixion of [Jesus Christ](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the Lamb of God. By posing this question, Paul strips away any glory or authority from himself or other human leaders concerning salvation, firmly placing it where it belongs: on Christ alone. It reminds the Corinthians, and us, that our allegiance and hope must be fixed on the one who paid the ultimate price for our redemption, not on any human instrument of the gospel.

**How does 1 Corinthians 1:13 apply to denominationalism or different Christian movements today?**

Answer: While 1 Corinthians 1:13 directly addresses factionalism within a single local church, its principles extend to broader Christian unity. It serves as a crucial reminder that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ alone, not to our denomination, tradition, or specific movement. While denominations can serve valid purposes in terms of theological distinctives or historical heritage, the verse cautions against allowing these to become sources of division that obscure the fundamental unity of believers in Christ. It calls for a spirit of humility, mutual respect, and a willingness to recognize all who genuinely confess [Jesus as Lord](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confessing Jesus as Lord") as fellow members of the one body of Christ. The core message is to prioritize the indivisible Christ over any human-made distinctions that might hinder the church's witness and mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 1:13, though a sharp rebuke against division, powerfully points to the Christ-centered nature of the gospel and the church. The very questions Paul poses serve to elevate Christ as the singular object of faith, the sole source of salvation, and the unifying Head of His body. The "fulfillment" here is not a prophetic one in the typical sense, but rather an affirmation of Christ's ultimate supremacy and sufficiency, which the Corinthian divisions tragically obscured. Christ is not merely a historical figure or a good teacher; He is the one who, in His indivisible person, embodies the unity of God and humanity, and whose sacrificial death on the cross is the only means of reconciliation with God. This truth, that [Christ was crucified for us](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Death"), fulfills the deepest need of humanity for atonement and redemption. Furthermore, our baptism "in the name of" Christ signifies our complete identification with His death and resurrection, marking us as belonging exclusively to Him, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant identity where there is [neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"). Thus, 1 Corinthians 1:13, by exposing the folly of human-centered allegiances, ultimately magnifies Christ as the central and unifying reality of all Christian life and theology, the one in whom [all things hold together](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ as Sustainer of All Things").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:5

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

2 Corinthians 11:4

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 19:5

When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 10:48

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

1 Corinthians 10:2

And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: