Big Idea: Mature Christians recognize that Jesus Christ must remain the church’s only foundation. The existence of church cliques testifies to infantile behavior, and God will expose those practicing it.

Understanding the Text

Although Paul has made it clear that those who rely on human wisdom and rhetorical inspiration are doomed to become nothing (2:6), he is not opposed to effective communication. Paul’s use of metaphor and simile to drive home his point aligns well with ancient rhetorical conventions,[1] and he can use rhetoric as effectively as anyone—even to chastise those who consider themselves spiritually mature (teleiois [2:6]). Since the Corinthians are claiming allegiance to various human leaders, their understanding of maturity demonstrates more influence from the popular Co…