Consider how Jesus as Lord solves division in the congregation at Corinth. Jesus’ inspired spokesman is the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 1:1; 2:13). He addresses the problem of divided loyalties. “Each one of you says, ‘I follow Paul,’ or ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Christ’” (1 Corinthians 1:12). Paul’s answer is to ask questions. “Is Christ divided?
Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). No, Christ is not divided. He is a singular Person, one indivisible Christ! Yes, one Lord! As Jesus Himself says to His disciples,
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ (Matthew 23:8-10).
“You have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.”
As for Paul and Apollos, they are not “anything”—merely servants on a mission (1 Corinthians 3:5-7).
For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake (2 Corinthians 4:5).
“Was Paul crucified for you?” Again, the answer is obvious. Only Christ’s perfect, “once for all” sacrifice saves us from our sins (1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Hebrews 9:26; 10:10).
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
The one Lord is also the one Savior, the “one Mediator” between God and humans (1 Timothy 2:5). He is the all-sufficient answer for any problem, any challenge to unity among Christians. Therefore, Paul’s solution for the Corinthians begins by repeatedly emphasizing their “Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 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 (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Let there be no divisions among you.