Keraia
1 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 1:12

Unity in the Church · 1 Corinthians 1:10–17
Read 1 Corinthians 1

Translations

Modern
What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”
Traditional
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.
Literal
Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am indeed of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.”
Latin
Hoc autem dico, quod unusquisque vestrum dicit: Ego quidem sum Pauli: ego autem Apollo: ego vero Cephæ: ego autem Christi.

Original

Greek
English
What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”

Notes

1 Corinthians 1:12

  • The Christians in Corinth had formed groups loyal to different leaders, but the leaders themselves did not seem to be in conflict. Paul, who first brought the Good News to Corinth, received loyalty from some.

  • Apollos, now with Paul (see 1 Corinthians 16:12), was an eloquent Jew from Alexandria who became a powerful Christian evangelist and ministered in Corinth (see Acts 18:24–19:1). He attracted followers due to his skillful speaking and ability to interpret Scripture, perhaps in contrast to Paul.

  • Peter: Greek Cephas; see also Matthew 16:18; John 1:42. Peter was the main early evangelist to the Jews. He represented a more traditional Jewish perspective and had a talent for speaking to crowds (see Acts 1:15–22; 2:14–40; 3:12–26; 4:8–12; 10:34–43).

  • I follow Christ: This might refer to a group who rejected allegiance to any human authority and saw themselves as more holy than others.

1 Corinthians 1:10–17

The Corinthian believers argued about which leading evangelist (Paul, Apollos, or Peter) was the best. Paul scolded them for their arguments and worldly comparisons. As ministers of Christ and the good news about Jesus, God works through Paul and the others (see 1 Corinthians 3:1–4:7).

Parallels

Psalm 133:1–3 Ephesians 4:1–16

People

Apollos: Eloquent Jewish Christian from Alexandria, co-worker with Paul Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles, author of many NT epistles Peter: Apostle of Jesus, leader in the early church

Glossary

Acts of Paul and Thecla Apollos Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Cephas First Letter to the Corinthians Paul the Apostle Peter, First Letter of Peter, Second Letter of Peter, the Apostle Second Letter to the Corinthians Second Letter to the Thessalonians Temple

Topics

Apollos: An Eloquent, Christian Convert at Corinth Church: Dissensions In Corinth: The Congregation of Schism In Denominations Dissension in Congregations Divisions: Condemned in the Church Reproof: Paul Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: The Corinthian Christians