The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (NT)

1 Corinthians 1:10-17
10 I appeal to you, brothers, 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 united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 1:10–17). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Is Christ ever divided? This phrase seems to take us to another connection. St Paul talks about Christ's body being divided into different groups which appear to agree. But Christ's body was not broken nor divided. Remember it was his clothes that were divided by the casting of lots. But his Body was taken down from the cross in one piece. He was buried in one piece. Christ was also raised in one piece even though he bore the marks of the Cross in his flesh.

St Paul appeals to the brothers in Corinth to get along and not make divisions that are not there. I liken it to the fact that Paul, Cephas, Apollos, and Christ all agree in their confession of the faith, but you are trying to separate them. This is not like Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and Wesley, because they did not agree in their confession of the Faith. There are many things that could divide or separate the people of God, but do not put of divisions of your own.

St Paul brings these groups back to the foundation of their faith. It is not about how well someone talks or the emotions or even the flash and excitement. It is all about the cross of Christ which has given people life and salvation. Jesus Christ does not change the Law of God from the Creation. It is the same yesterday today and forever. He claims his power through his Sacrifice on the Cross. It is there where he proclaims the gospel and your Salvation.