When Factions Are Necessary

Rediscovering 1 Corinthians 11:19 in the Light of Ekklesia

Introduction: The word “division” often stirs discomfort among Christians. It conjures images of schisms, church splits, doctrinal conflicts, and even accusations of heresy. However, the Apostle Paul makes a surprising claim in 1 Corinthians 11:19:

“For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.”

At first glance, this verse appears to contradict the Lord’s call for unity. But when examined through the lens of God’s ekklesia—the democratic assembly of God’s people in the New Testament sense—it reveals a profound spiritual principle: not all division is destructive. In fact, some “factions” may be necessary.

Redefining Heresy? The Greek Word: HairesisPaul uses the Greek word hairesis, later anglicized as “heresy.” While modern readers immediately associate it with false teaching, its original meaning is more neutral: a choice, a sect, or a party. Within the early church, hairesis referred to distinct groups or schools of thought that emerged from differing convictions.

In 1 Corinthians 11:19, Paul is not endorsing division—but acknowledging that when God’s people assemble in their diversity (ekklesia), factions will naturally arise. And that reality serves a purpose.

Spiritual Growth Through Disagreement: A Test and a Revelation

Why are factions “necessary”? Paul answers: “that those who are approved may be recognized.” The word approved (dokimos) refers to something tested and found genuine. When believers from differing backgrounds, practices, or convictions come together, tensions surface. These tensions reveal who among them possesses the maturity, humility, and spiritual insight to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Thus, factions become a test environment—and the approved ones, who are peacemakers, are revealed in their ability to bring reconciliation, to elevate Christ above personal opinions, and to unify rather than divide.

The Ekklesia as a Democratic Assembly:The New Testament vision of ekklesia—detailed in 1 Corinthians 11–14—is not a top-down hierarchical gathering, but a participatory one. It is modeled after Greek democratic assemblies, where every member had the right to speak and no one dominated. Such an environment necessitates diversity. Noted in my writings, diversity without uniformity is not a flaw; it’s the design. Factions arise when diverse believers engage sincerely. The key is not to suppress these tensions, but to handle them with Spirit-led maturity so that what is genuine (the dokimos) shines forth.

Contrasting Traditional Interpretations:Traditional readings of 1 Corinthians 11:19 often focus on warning against factions or treating them solely as signs of carnality or immaturity. While Paul does rebuke divisiveness elsewhere (e.g., Gal. 5:20; Rom. 16:17), this passage is less about condemnation and more about refinement.

Instead of seeing all division as sin, this interpretation affirms that spiritual maturity is forged amid diversity, not in its absence. It’s not about erasing differences, but about manifesting those who can walk in unity through those differences.

Unity in the Midst of Diversity: Implications for TodayAdopting this view could revolutionize how believers approach Christian gatherings, conflict, and fellowship:

• Conflict is no longer feared but embraced as an opportunity to reveal the “approved” (those who bring peace).

• Unity is pursued not by suppressing dissent, but by exalting Christ above our preferences.

• Leadership is not positional, but recognizable through the fruit of peacemaking.

• God’s ekklesia becomes a place where factions reveal—not conceal—the work of the Spirit.

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Conclusion:In the New Testament age, often paralyzed by denominationalism or superficial unity, this fresh look at 1 Corinthians 11:19 offers both freedom and challenge. Factions will occur—but they don’t have to fracture or be factious. Instead, they can refine. They can test. And by God’s grace, they can reveal the peacemakers who draw the Body together around Christ Himself.

What if the next time we encountered division, we asked not “Who is right?” but “Who will be revealed as approved?”

Let us be those who pass the test—not by proving others wrong, but by embodying the Spirit who makes us one.