“Divisions” From Dictionary of Biblical Words:
These generally mean “among Christians.” They are spoken of in Rom. 16:17, 1 Cor. 3:3 and enumerated among the works of the flesh in Gal. 5:20 (seditions). Also spoken of under another word in 1 Cor. 1:10; 11:18, 12:25 (schism). By their occurrence thus early in the Church’s history we have the divine judgment of them as evil, and contrary to the unity of the body of Christ.
“Schism, or Division” From Dictionary of Biblical Words:
See SCRIPTURE.—The general name for the sacred and inspired writings known to us as the Bible. They are referred to by the Lord in Matt. 21:42; 26:54, &c., &c., and also by the Apostles, Rom. 1:2; 15:4. They are definitely said to be given by inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16), and are called the oracles of God (Rom. 3:2). They are able to make wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15), and are profitable for doctrine and practice (2 Tim. 3:16, 17); they are written for our instruction (Rom. 15:4). Ignorance of them is a source of error (Matt. 22:29). We understand them by the Spirit (John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:10-14). They are the resource in the last times (Acts 20:32). They are to be received with meekness (James 1:21) as the Word of God (1 Thess. 2:13), searched daily (Acts 17:11), laid up in the heart (Deut. 2:18), obeyed (Matt. 12:24; Luke 11:28) and used as a sword (Eph. 6:11, 17).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The word is rendered “divisions” in 1 Corinthians 1:10, etc., and refers to divisions caused by parties in the church. In view of the unity of the Spirit, schism cannot be regarded in any other light than as sin. The unity contemplated in the church was not merely that of being gathered together in assembly. The Corinthians were exhorted: “That ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions [schisms] among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Cor. 11:18; 1 Cor. 12:25). The modern ideas of agreeing “to differ,” or of “unity only in essentials,” are not found in scripture, but the contrary. At Philippi the saints were exhorted to walk by the same rule, to mind the same thing; and then is added “If in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (Phil. 3:15). The “unity of the Spirit” cannot be lightly disregarded. Christians are exhorted to use diligence to keep it in the uniting bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). There are different lines of ministry, as is manifest in the apostles Paul and John, but all true ministry tends to one end—Christ; and hence such differences in no way clash with the unity of the Spirit. See HERESY.
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
from 4977; a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively
KJV Usage:
division, rent, schism