Chapter XLVII.—Your recent discord is worse than the former which took place in the times of Paul.

Take up the epistle of the blessed Apostle Paul. What did he write to you at the time when the Gospel first began to be preached?²¹²²¹²    Literally, “in the beginning of the Gospel.” [Comp. Phil. iv. 15.] Truly, under the inspiration²¹³²¹³    Or, “spiritually.” of the Spirit, he wrote to you concerning himself, and Cephas, and Apollos,²¹⁴²¹⁴    1 Cor. iii. 13, etc. because even then parties²¹⁵²¹⁵    Or, “inclinations for one above another.” had been formed among you. But that inclination for one above another entailed less guilt upon you, inasmuch as your partialities were then shown towards apostles, already of high reputation, and towards a man whom they had approved. But now reflect who those are that have perverted you, and lessened the renown of your far-famed brotherly love. It is disgraceful, beloved, yea, highly disgraceful, and unworthy of your Christian profession,²¹⁶²¹⁶    Literally, “of conduct in Christ.” that such a thing should be heard of as that the most stedfast and ancient Church of the Corinthians should, on account of one or two persons, engage in sedition against its presbyters. And this rumour has reached not only us, but those also who are unconnected²¹⁷²¹⁷    Or, “aliens from us,” i.e., the Gentiles. with us; so that, through your infatuation, the name of the Lord is blasphemed, while danger is also brought upon yourselves.