Commentaries:
This section reveals that speaking the same thing is a choice. We have to choose for the sake of unity. It is not an option for those who consider themselves to be converted; it is commanded. There is no option. We have to choose to follow Christ.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership
The members of God's church do not establish their own doctrines. If they did, confusion would result, for each member is at a different level of growth in knowledge and character. God's church is organized, speaking the same thing, unified through the authority God has placed in His ministers. The doctrines of God's church come from God through Jesus Christ through His Word and His inspiration in the men He has chosen to direct His church. Let it be emphasized that the church's purpose is not merely to give salvation to church members—the purpose is to teach and train them to become the instruments God will use to save the vast majority.
Pentecost: Only 'Firstfruits' Now Called!
God's Word states that all the members of the body of Christ must "speak the same thing." In other words, there must be no division in what is believed, taught, or preached. God's church should not be divided! Therefore, individual members of the body of Christ today also continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrines—just as the early New Testament Christians did. The doctrines of God's church came from God through Jesus Christ, who taught the original apostles.
What and Why the Church?
God had given them everything they needed in terms of spiritual gifts, and they were still disunited. How discouraging! The reason for this, though, Paul gives a little later—the Corinthians were still carnal (I Corinthians 3:1)! This is why they were disunified. They had not done the work that is necessary for unity, and thus their fights, schisms, dissensions, and minor wars continued. According to Paul, they had everything and were not using it.
Richard T. Ritenbaugh
There is no doubt that the church is now badly divided—and it shows no evidence of reuniting—yet we are all commanded to speak the same things.
Paul goes on to use the words "mind" and "judgment." Mind is actually related to the power of observation—the way that we see things. He is saying we all need to see things in the same way. Judgment deals with the forming of an opinion.
The Corinthians obviously did not all see things the same way, and they therefore could not possibly come to the same opinion. So they did the natural thing and divided. They did not actually leave the congregation, but cliques formed within it, and the members were not at peace with one another.
Why did they not see things the same way? The context shows it depended upon whom each person decided he would use as his authority. Some used Paul, some Apollos, some Peter, and of course, some Christ. There is no evidence that those named as authorities were divided, but people made it seem so. No wonder they were divided! Today, sadly, many are doing the same thing.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership
Dictionaries define an idol as "any object of ardent or excessive devotion or admiration." If we obey the dictates of a person, church, or some other group contrary to the direct commands of God, we are guilty of idolatry. The individual or group becomes the idol, replacing God.
Martin G. Collins
The Second Commandment
E-mail this page
