#4

Clint Harper

Just as there are today, there were those in the first century who had the notion to call themselves after men. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:12). Within the church at Corinth there were those who sought to honor men like Paul, Apollos and Cephas by lining themselves up behind them which caused factions within the body of Christ. They may have thought they were doing them service, or lifting up the name of Christ by doing so. However, this is not what God wanted then and it is not what He wants today.

Paul answered the Corinthians with these words, "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (v.13). He continues later to say, "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building" (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).

When Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John, Moses and Elias (Elijah) appeared and spoke with Jesus. "Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias" (Matthew 17:4). There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that Peter had the best of intentions. There is no doubt that he desired to honor Moses (who stood for the authority of the Old Testament), Elias (who stood for the collection of the prophets) and Christ (who is the authority today). But in his haste he did not consider that no man is to be honored above another man. "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (v.5). It is clear that the Father in Heaven was not pleased with Peter's suggestion.

All honor and glory should be directed to Jesus. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:19-21). "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).