Divisive Controversies in Context: Galatians 5:20 Explained

What is a divisive controversy?

Divisive controversies in Scripture refer to harmful, factional disputes that fracture communal unity and prioritize personal ambition over shared faith, as warned against in Romans 16:17-18 and 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.

These conflicts arise when individuals or groups elevate their views above others, creating divisions that undermine the church’s mission. Romans 16:17-18 explicitly cautions against those who 'cause divisions and offenses,' describing them as 'servants not of Christ but of their own appetites.' Similarly, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 rebukes partisan factions in the Corinthian church, urging unity 'in the same mind and in the same judgment.'

Unlike healthy theological debate, which seeks truth through mutual respect, divisive controversies stem from pride or self-interest, splintering communities. This distinction guides believers to pursue dialogue that strengthens, rather than fractures, their shared witness to Christ.

The Biblical Pattern of Divisive Controversies

Scripture reveals recurring patterns in divisive controversies, marked by human pride, doctrinal distortion, and leadership responses aimed at restoring unity.

In Acts 6:1-6, the Hellenist Jews’ complaint over Hebrew-speaking widows’ neglect exposed ethnic tensions, prompting the apostles to appoint deacons to address practical needs and prevent factionalism. Similarly, the Judaizers in Galatians 2:11-14 sought to impose circumcision as a requirement for Gentile believers, fracturing early church fellowship until Paul publicly confronted Peter’s hypocrisy. In 2 Timothy 2:14-18, Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who ‘spread divisive talk,’ emphasizing the spiritual decay such disputes cause. These examples show how divisive controversies often originate in unmet needs, doctrinal confusion, or personal ambition, destabilizing communal faith.

Biblical leaders consistently prioritized reconciliation over confrontation, employing structures like appointed oversight (Acts 6) and clear doctrinal correction (Galatians 2) to realign communities. Their responses underscored the need to address root causes while preserving the church’s witness. This pattern invites reflection on how modern believers might balance conviction with unity in contentious contexts.

Theological Implications of Divisive Controversies

Divisive controversies in Scripture not only disrupt communal harmony but also challenge the theological foundations of Christian character and doctrine.

Such disputes directly contradict the call to love (Philippians 4:2-3, where Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to "agree in the Lord") and humility (Ephesians 4:2-3, which commands believers to "be completely humble and gentle"). By prioritizing personal agendas over the Spirit’s fruit of unity (Galatians 5:20-21, which lists "divisions" as a work of the flesh), they undermine the transformative power of Christ’s redemptive community.

Paul’s warning in 2 Peter 2:1-3—where he describes false teachers who "introduce destructive heresies" and "exploit people with fabricated lies"—highlights the spiritual peril of divisive controversies. These disputes not only distort truth but also lead to "the condemnation that has been pronounced long ago" (2 Peter 2:3), emphasizing their eternal stakes. Theologically, such controversies threaten the church’s witness by replacing apostolic teaching with self-serving interpretations, fostering spiritual complacency and moral decay. Over time, they erode trust in Scripture and fracture the body of Christ, as seen in the Corinthian church’s struggles with factionalism.

Understanding these dangers invites believers to reflect on how theological fidelity and communal love must shape their engagement with divisive issues, preparing the way for practical guidance on navigating such conflicts in the following section.

How to Read Divisive Controversies Correctly

To navigate biblical teachings on divisive controversies, focus on context, corrective responses, and spiritual growth.

These passages often emerge in cultural or ecclesial settings marked by factionalism, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, where Paul rebukes partisan divisions in the church. The author’s corrective—like urging unity in Christ—calls readers to prioritize communal harmony over personal agendas.

Paul’s exhortations, such as Romans 16:17-18’s warning against those who ‘cause divisions and offenses,’ demand discernment to avoid manipulative influence. Hebrews 5:14 further emphasizes that mature believers ‘have their senses trained to distinguish good from evil,’ urging readers to move beyond childish disputes. By grounding interpretations in these principles, believers can foster unity while upholding truth, preparing the way for applying such wisdom in modern contexts.

Going Deeper

To further understand divisive controversies, consider how they intersect with themes like heresies, false teachers, and the unity of the Spirit.

For example, 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 warns that divisions among believers often stem from immaturity: 'No, you are still worldly... You are acting like mere humans.' Similarly, Titus 3:9-11 instructs Timothy to avoid 'quarrels about the law' and to 'have nothing to do with divisive people after warning them twice.'