Les Feldick Bible Study

what was one of the big problems in the Corinthian church?

One major problem was divisions among the believers. Some claimed allegiance to Paul, others preferred Peter, and still others rejected Paul's authority, insisting they would follow Jesus' words instead. This factionalism threatened unity and required Paul to defend his apostolic authority.

Les explains that one of the big problems the Corinthians had were divisions. Some said, "I'm a follower of Paul," while another group said they would listen to what Peter says. Others said they did not care what Paul says and would do what Jesus said. Paul had to establish that for believers in this age of grace, he is the authority through whom God is speaking to the whole human race. He was always defending his apostleship, especially to the Jewish people who thought he was a renegade to Judaism.

1 Corinthians 1:12

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

More Questions

How many divisions were in the Corinthian church and who did each group follow?

The church at Corinth was split into four distinct divisions — those who followed Paul, those who followed Peter, those who followed Apollos, and those who followed Christ.

What was the first problem in the Corinthian church that Paul had to address?

The first problem Paul addressed among the Corinthians was their divisions, with some saying they followed Paul, some Apollos, some Peter, and some even claiming to follow Christ.

What does the Peter faction in Corinth reveal about the makeup of the church?

The group in the Corinthian assembly that was hanging on to Peter indicates that there were Jews in the Corinthian church.