Keraia
1 Corinthians 3

1 Corinthians 3:4

God’s Fellow Workers · 1 Corinthians 3:1–9
Read 1 Corinthians 3

Translations

Modern
For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?
Traditional
For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
Literal
For when one may say, “I am indeed of Paul,” and another, “I of Apollos,” are you not men?
Latin
Cum enim quis dicat: Ego quidem sum Pauli; alius autem: Ego Apollo: nonne homines estis? Quid igitur est Apollo? quid vero Paulus?

Original

Greek
English
For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?

Notes

1 Corinthians 3:4

In Greek culture, people often identified with a favorite teacher (see 1 Corinthians 1:12). However, this does not align with the teachings of Christ (3:5–9; compare Matthew 23:8–10).

1 Corinthians 3:1–4

Paul criticizes the Christians in Corinth for not growing spiritually.

1 Corinthians 3:1–4:7

After comparing human and spiritual wisdom, Paul addresses the divisions in the Corinthian church (see 1 Corinthians 1:10–12), especially their undue loyalty to him and Apollos.

Parallels

Hebrews 5:11–14

People

Apollos: Eloquent Jewish Christian from Alexandria, co-worker with Paul Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles, author of many NT epistles

Glossary

Apollos Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Paul the Apostle Peter, Second Letter of Second Letter to the Thessalonians Spiritual Gifts

Topics

Apollos: An Eloquent, Christian Convert at Corinth Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Church: Dissensions In Corinth: The Congregation of Schism In Dissension in Congregations Doctrines: False Strife: General Scriptures Concerning