(1 Corinthians 1:10)
“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
Introduction: A Passionate Plea for Unity
In the very first chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle makes an urgent, Spirit-inspired appeal: be united—not just in spirit, but in doctrine, in speech, in mind, and in judgment.
Today, in a religious world overflowing with contradictory doctrines, denominational labels, and do-it-your-way Christianity, Paul’s words carry even more weight. While many claim that “doctrine doesn’t matter” or “we can agree to disagree,” the Bible presents a very different view. Unity in doctrine is not optional—it is essential.
Let’s dive deep into 1 Corinthians 1:10 and understand what biblical unity really means, why it matters, and how we can pursue it today.
1. “I Plead with You” — A Call from the Heart of an Apostle
Paul begins with deep emotion:
“I plead with you…”
This is not a casual suggestion—it’s a heartfelt appeal. Paul isn’t simply asking for a better attitude or tolerance; he’s begging them to recognize the danger of division and the necessity of true, godly unity.
He invokes the authority of Jesus Christ:
“…by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
In other words, this isn’t Paul’s opinion. He’s speaking on behalf of the Lord Himself. That alone should cause every believer to sit up and pay attention.
2. “Speak the Same Thing” — Unity in What We Teach
“…that you all speak the same thing…”
This is doctrinal unity. The early church was not a patchwork of opinions, preferences, or personal revelations. They were devoted to the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42), which came directly from Christ through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).
To “speak the same thing” means to teach the same gospel, uphold the same truth, and refuse to preach any other doctrine.
Paul told Timothy:
“Teach and urge these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine… he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing…”
— 1 Timothy 6:2–4
God expects unity in the message, not just unity in motives.
3. “No Divisions Among You” — A Warning Against Denominationalism
“…that there be no divisions among you…”
The Greek word for “divisions” is schismata, from which we get the word schism—literally meaning a tear or rift. Paul is not condemning personality clashes or disagreements on opinion—he is warning against doctrinal rifts that divide the body of Christ.
Sadly, denominationalism is the very thing Paul was warning against. Today’s religious climate says:
- “Join the church of your choice.”
- “We’re all headed to the same place.”
- “Doctrine divides, love unites.”
But Jesus never built multiple churches with differing doctrines. He said:
“I will build My church…” (Matthew 16:18)
“That they all may be one…” (John 17:21)
Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 1:10 directly rebukes the modern mindset that embraces religious division as normal or acceptable.
4. “Perfectly Joined Together” — The Picture of a Unified Body
“…but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
This is the language of complete unity—not just partial agreement, but harmony in belief and understanding. The early church achieved this because they all followed the same authority—God’s Word.
Compare this with today, where churches teach conflicting plans of salvation, differing worship practices, and opposing views on moral issues. That’s not unity. That’s confusion. And God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
The goal is not just to “agree to disagree,” but to be perfectly joined together through God’s truth.
5. The Dangers of Doctrinal Disunity
Doctrinal disunity has consequences:
- It confuses the lost (John 17:21)
- It splinters the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:25)
- It opens the door to false teaching (2 Timothy 4:3–4)
- It invites God’s disapproval (Galatians 1:6–9)
Jesus warned of those who honor Him with their lips, but teach man-made doctrines (Matthew 15:9). Denominational creeds, synods, councils, and traditions cannot replace the pure Word of God.
6. Unity Must Be Based on Truth, Not Tolerance
It’s popular today to say, “Let’s agree to disagree” or “Unity is more important than doctrine.” But the Bible says the opposite.
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
— John 17:17
“If anyone does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, he does not have God.”
— 2 John 9
Unity without truth is compromise. But unity based on truth is biblical fellowship.
7. How Do We Achieve Unity Today?
It begins with a return to the Bible alone as our only standard of authority. Not traditions, not feelings, not denominations—just Scripture.
Here’s how:
- Lay aside denominational names and be content with being Christians only (Acts 11:26)
- Follow the apostles’ doctrine and not man-made creeds (Acts 2:42)
- Teach the same plan of salvation as the first Christians:
- Hear (Romans 10:17)
- Believe (John 8:24)
- Repent (Acts 17:30)
- Confess (Romans 10:9–10)
- Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
- Remain faithful (Revelation 2:10)
- Refuse to fellowship with error (Ephesians 5:11)
- Love the truth enough to correct and restore (Galatians 6:1)
Conclusion: Unity That Pleases God
Unity in doctrine is not legalism—it’s loyalty to the One who bled and died for the church.
“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. His church must not be either.
Let us rise above the confusion of denominationalism and return to the oneness Jesus prayed for, the unity Paul pleaded for, and the truth the apostles taught.
Let us be one body, under one Lord, holding to one faith—as Scripture commands (Ephesians 4:4–6).
Are you in the church that aligns with the doctrine of Christ? Are you standing on the foundation of God’s Word or man’s tradition?
Unity in doctrine isn’t just a biblical ideal—it’s a command from God.