The word “thoroughly divided” (διαμερίζω) conveys the idea of thoroughly or widely distributing or dividing objects. It is built from the standard term for “divide” (μερίζω) with a prefixed preposition “through” (δια), which emphasizes the thorough division of objects.
When they crucified Christ, they divided His garments by casting lots, fulfilling Scripture (Matthew 27:35). The use of the term “thoroughly divided” indicates the full distribution of His clothing among guards.
While Jesus was teaching about the Kingdom of the Heavens, He cast out a mute demon. When the demon had gone out, the mute spoke, causing the multitude to marvel. However, some accused Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebub—the ruler of demons—while others tempted Him by requesting a sign. Jesus intuitively knew what was going on in their minds and responded with, “Any kingdom thoroughly divided against itself will come to ruin.” “If Satan is fully divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand?” (Luke 11:17-18).
The ministry of the Messiah brought separation among the Jews, thoroughly dividing even a house of five into three against two (Luke12:52). Fathers were thoroughly divided against sons and sons against fathers (Luke 12:53). Though they could discern the weather by observing the sky, they failed to recognize the signs of the times given to them in Scripture (Luke 12:56).
In the upper room on the night Christ was betrayed, He took a cup and instructed the apostles to widely divide it among themselves (Luke 22:17). This cup of eulogy, which we eulogize today as we partake of the Lord’s table in the remembrance of His death, represents the New Covenant established by His blood (1 Corinthians 11:25)—a covenant that is built upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6).
On the day of Pentecost, in the upper room, when the Holy Spirit of promise came, thoroughly divided tongues as of fire appeared to the disciples (Acts 2:3). These thoroughly divided tongues rested upon each of them, and they were mentally controlled by the Holy Spirit to speak in another language as a sign to the Jews concerning the coming of the Spirit, as prophesied by Joel (Acts 2:17-21). It is significant that the visible representation of coming of the Holy Spirit was divided among all those in the room. Within the Church, all members are priests and have an equal part in the body of the Christ and the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit. This sign was not repeated when around three thousand Jews believed Peter’s message concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41), nor is it repeated today when a person believes the gospel for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). It was a specific sign given to the Jews to mark the beginning of the Church.
After Peter’s message, and the response from the devout Jews, they continued steadfastly in the doctrine from the Apostles. Each day, they fellowshipped, broke bread, and worshiped God together. During this time, many signs and wonders were done through the Apostles, causing awe to come upon every soul (Acts 2:43). As they spent time together, they began to widely divide their goods among themselves to ensure that no one was in need (Acts 2:45).
The term “thoroughly divide” (διαμερίζω) is derived from μερος, which means, “a part” or “share”. It conveys the act of thoroughly or widely separating into parts, whether referring to garments, goods, or even the distribution of the Holy Spirit upon each member of the Church.