1 Corinthians 1

Divisions in the Church

10Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be restored in the same mind and the same purpose. 11For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you.

12What I mean is this: each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” “I to Apollos,” “I to Cephas,” or “I to Christ.” 13Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into Paul's name?

14I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so that no one can say you were baptized into my name. 16I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.

17For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the good news—not with eloquent wisdom, so that Christ's cross would not be emptied of its power.

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God

18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is God's power.