Hallelujah, ha-ha-hallelujah. Roll call.
Hallelujah, ha-ha-hallelujah. Roll call.
My name is Chloe…I’m seeking peace, yo.
Don’t want division– so calling Paul to end the tension.
Lol, something like that. I declare– it’s getting worse. We may need the assistance of a professional rapper to continue with this blog–Yo.
Next on the list of The Women of the Bible from A to Z is a one-hit-wonder. Coming in at number two on a list compiled of four women is Ms. Chloe. A New Testament mystery woman. A lady in red, if you will.
Like Double-dutch, I’m jumping in on this one.
There is little known about Chloe. Paul only mentions her once.
“My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.”
1 Corinthians 1:11
I like Paul. He’s a man of few words…unlike his brethren, King David– Psalms– that’s all I’m gonna say about that.
As a writer, we often take on the task of research analyst. I love digging deep and finding gems. Getting to know Chloe took some digging and imagination. So, in the not exact words of Biggie Smalls, “to all the people in the place with style and grace, allow me to lace these spiritual lenses like cleanses. I love it when you call me Big…” okay, let me get back on track. You guys need Jesus! Lol.
We know from the Apostle Paul’s brief introduction, that Chloe was a Christian, a homeowner, a resident of Corinth, and an acquaintance of Paul’s. He refers to her by her first name so that’s a given.
Because Paul called Chloe by name, we can gather that she greatly influenced the believers in the area and was well known. She most likely hosted a house church. The early church didn’t have an official building or gathering place they met in people’s homes.
The fact that this house church was referred to as “Chloe’s household” meant she was the homeowner and likely a wealthy widower who financially supported the church by opening her home for gatherings. Chloe was an active member of the church of Corinth in which Paul is addressing. Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called “life”…
Here’s the deal: It was brought to the apostle’s attention by members of Chloe’s household that folks were fighting up in the sanctuary. But why?
In doing a good Bible study, it’s fundamental to read the chapters before and after the verse to get a better understanding of what is happening. Here’s where I put on my spiritual lenses. This was the argument.
Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” Has Christ been divided into fractions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not!
1 Corinthians 1:12-13
Chloe and those of her household were insightful enough to perceive that divisions were occurring. The people were segmenting themselves unnecessarily.
The tendency of the Corinthian church to elevate men above God needed to be addressed, and so some wrote to Paul asking for his assistance.
The letter probably went– Look at all this rumors, I can’t take it no more.
Being hostess of the home, Chloe would have been well aware of the matter and the letter. In fact, theologians attribute her with the virtues of humility and wisdom for seeking Paul’s advice on the issues. And it’s a good thing she did. Remember what happened to Deborah when she and Aaron were minding God’s business. Leprosy.
Paul responded to the letter by reminding the church of Corinth and us that Christ is not divided and that Jesus is the name under which all believers are saved and baptized. He finished by saying that Christ had appointed him to preach the gospel. In your spare time I suggest reading the letter in its entirety. Good stuff!
Chloe may not be a main character in the Biblical cannon, but her involvement in the early church still shows that God uses all types of people to spread the gospel. He uses men and women. Rich and poor. Old and young. You are chosen. Hello, my name is…
What is the lesson of Chloe in the Bible?
Seek out wisdom over quarreling. In seeking the assistance of the proper authority in the church, Chloe and her household were peacemakers. Another takeaway is that as believers we should invite people into our homes for the sake of the gospel. Start a community group or Bible study.
Where to find Chloe in the Bible.
1 Corinthians 1:11
Women of the Bible with names starting with C
C
Candace – Ethiopian queen. A eunuch under her authority and in charge of her treasury was witnessed to by Philip the Evangelist, led to God and baptized.
Chloe – mentioned in Corinthians. Means “Green herb”
Claudia – greeted by Paul the Apostle.
Cozbi – A Midianite princess who was killed by Phinehas (grandson of Aaron) because her evil influence was seen as the source of a plague among the Israelites according to Numbers 25. The incident was then taken as a pretext for the War against the Midianites.
