1 Corinthians 1:13

Authorized King James Version

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Word-by-Word Analysis

μεμέρισται

G3307

to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστός

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

Παύλου

G3972

Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἐσταυρώθη

G4717

crucified

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ὑμῶν

G5216

you

of (from or concerning) you

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#10

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#11

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

ὄνομα

G3686

the name

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

#13

Παύλου

G3972

Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

#14

ἐβαπτίσθητε

G907

were ye baptized

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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