God’s Image • Partiality Study
People can gather in the same place while remaining divided in allegiance. They can also meet in different places without making those locations the basis of their belonging.
Our examination therefore begins with the people gathering—and what governs their relationships.
The Assembly and Its Meeting Place
Romans 16:5 refers to the church in Prisca and Aquila’s house. The Greek ἐκκλησία — ekklēsia, translated church, identifies the assembly; the house identifies where it meets. Read Romans 16:3–5 and the Greek wording of verse 5.
James 2:2 uses συναγωγή — synagōgē, translated assembly. His account examines how people are received when they enter. Read James 2:2 in Greek and English.
These passages direct our attention to the gathering and its conduct. A building’s name cannot answer whether those within it are treating one another faithfully.
“I Am of…”
Paul confronts quarrels at Corinth, where people identify themselves with Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ. He asks:
“Has Christ been divided?”
— 1 Corinthians 1:13, LSB, excerpt
He also asks whether Paul was crucified for them or whether they were baptized in Paul’s name. The questions challenge the place being given to a human servant in their allegiance. Read 1 Corinthians 1:10–15.
Paul calls for agreement and an end to divisions. We must keep that instruction beside the particular divisions he exposes.
Servants Through Whom They Believed
In chapter 3, Paul returns to their jealousy, strife, and declarations of attachment to particular men. He identifies himself and Apollos as servants through whom they believed, each with an assigned task.
One plants; another waters; God causes the growth. Their work matters, but its roles remain distinct. Paul later instructs them not to boast in men and concludes by identifying their belonging to Christ, and Christ’s belonging to God. Read 1 Corinthians 3:3–9, 21–23.
This connects with our examination of stewardship: participating in another’s instruction does not make that person our possession.
When Belonging Becomes a Test of Agreement
These passages give us questions to bring to our own religious associations.
Does a group name help describe what we currently understand, or does allegiance to it determine what we are willing to examine? When a passage challenges an established creed, do we consider the passage carefully—or dismiss the person who brought it forward?
We can examine beliefs while also examining how we treat those who differ. Acceptance of a person need not wait until every disagreement is resolved.
Would I hear these words differently if they came from someone in my own group?
Do I allow Scripture to challenge the position with which I identify?
Have I confused loyalty to a teacher with faithfulness to God?
Does someone lose my kindness or consideration when they question our understanding?
Am I helping people seek God, or requiring them to remain attached to us?
The examination applies to our own circle as readily as to another’s. Changing a name or meeting place would not, by itself, remove favoritism from our conduct.
Threads to Follow
Partiality in James: Examine the wording for favoritism and the distinctions made between those entering.
Hearing before answering: Compare our response to unfamiliar speakers with Scripture’s instructions concerning listening.
Approved conduct: Keep Paul’s discussion of factions beside his correction of how people treat one another.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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