How many divisions or factions were there in the Corinthian church?
There were four distinct divisions or factions in the Corinthian church. Some members followed Peter, others followed Paul, and others followed Apollos. A fourth distinct group existed as well, making four divisions in that local assembly, though the fourth faction is not named in the provided excerpt.
Les explains that in the Corinthian church there were four distinct divisions. Some said they followed Peter, others said Paul brought them out of darkness and they would stick with Paul, and still others said they followed Apollos, the smooth, highly polished intellectual. Les notes this was unbelievable for a little church. Paul received this information by hearsay, and even false teachings or heresies were slipping in among them.
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
What were the different factions causing division in the Corinthian church?
In the Corinthian divisions there were three factions — those who followed Paul, those who followed Apollos, and those who said 'we follow Christ' — and the 'Christ' group was simply another faction.
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.
What divisions among the Corinthians is Paul referring to in 1 Corinthians 11:18?
The divisions in the Corinthian church that Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 11:18 were already dealt with back in chapter 1, where some said 'I follow Jesus.'
What divisions existed in the church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 1:12?
In 1 Corinthians 1:12 the congregation at Corinth was divided into factions — every one of them said 'I am of Paul,' another said 'I am of Apollos,' others said 'I am of Peter,' and still others said 'I am of Christ' — and this is the opposition Paul was up against.