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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 3:4 For when one of you says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/3-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/46_1Co_03_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 3:4 - God's Fellow Workers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For when one of you says, I follow Paul, and another, I follow Apollos, are you not mere men?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/3-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/3-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm" title="1 Corinthians 3:3">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 3:4 <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm" title="1 Corinthians 3:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/3.htm">New International Version</a> For when one says, &#8220I follow Paul,&#8221 and another, &#8220I follow Apollos,&#8221 are you not mere human beings? <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world? <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men? <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For when one might say, "I indeed am of Paul," but another, "I of Apollos," are you not fleshly? <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/3.htm">King James Bible</a> For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/3.htm">New King James Version</a> For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For when one person says, “I am with Paul,” and another, “I am with Apollos,” are you not ordinary people? <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> For when one says, &#8220I am of Paul,&#8221 and another, &#8220I am of Apollos,&#8221 are you not mere men? <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men? <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men? <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For when one of you says, “I am [a disciple] of Paul,” and another, “I am [a disciple] of Apollos,” are you not [proving yourselves unchanged, just] ordinary people? <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For whenever someone says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not acting like mere humans? <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For whenever someone says, &#8220I&#8217m with Paul,&#8221 and another, &#8220I&#8217m with Apollos,&#8221 are you not unspiritual people? <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> For when one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not men? <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Some of you say you follow me, and others claim to follow Apollos. Isn't this how ordinary people behave? <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> For when one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not men? <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When some of you say, "I follow Paul" and others say, "I follow Apollos," aren't you acting like [sinful] humans? <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> When one of you says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos"--aren't you acting like worldly people? <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> For when one person says, "I follow Paul," and another person says, "I follow to Apollos," you're following your own human nature, aren't you? <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For when one of you says, ?I follow Paul,? and another, ?I follow Apollos,? are you not of the flesh? <a href="/net/1_corinthians/3.htm">NET Bible</a> For whenever someone says, "I am with Paul," or "I am with Apollos," are you not merely human? <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not merely human? <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For when some one says, "I belong to Paul," and another says, "I belong to Apollos," is not this the way men of the world speak? <a href="/web/1_corinthians/3.htm">World English Bible</a> For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you fleshly? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For when one may say, “I, indeed, am of Paul,” and another, “I—of Apollos,” are you not fleshly? <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For when one might say, "I indeed am of Paul," but another, "I of Apollos," are you not fleshly? <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for when one may say, 'I, indeed, am of Paul;' and another, 'I -- of Apollos;' are ye not fleshly? <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For when a certain one should say, I truly am of Paul; and another, I of Apollos; are ye not carnal?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For while one saith, I indeed am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollo; are you not men ? What then is Apollo, and what is Paul? <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For if one says, “Certainly, I am of Paul,” while another says, “I am of Apollo,” are you not men? But what is Apollo, and what is Paul? <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Whenever someone says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not merely human? <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For when one says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not merely human?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For while one says, I am a follower of Paul; and another, I am a follower of Apollos; are you not worldly? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For whenever each of you says, “I am of Paulus”, and another says, “I am of Apollo”, behold, are you not carnal?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For when one says, I am of Paul, and another, I of Apollos, are you not carnal?<CM> <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For when one may say, I am indeed of Paul; another, I am of Apollos; are you not men? <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For when one saith, I am indeed of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> while one cries I am Paul's disciple, and another, I am Apollo's, are ye not vicious? <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For when some one says, "I belong to Paul," and another says, "I belong to Apollos," is not this the way men of the world speak? <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For, when one says, "I am of Paul;" and another, "I am of Apollos;" are ye not carnal? <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For when one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos, are ye not carnal? <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=453" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/3.htm">God's Fellow Workers</a> …3for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? 4<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3752.htm" title="3752: hotan (Conj) -- When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.">when</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">one of you</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legē (V-PSA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">says,</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: Egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">“I</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">follow</a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulou (N-GMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul,”</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/2087.htm" title="2087: heteros (Adj-NMS) -- (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.">another,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: Egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">“I</a> <a href="/greek/625.htm" title="625: Apollō (N-GMS) -- Apollos, a Jew of Alexandria. Probably from the same as Apollonia; Apollos, an Israelite.">follow Apollos,”</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: este (V-PIA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are you</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpoi (N-NMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">mere men?</a> 5What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12-13</a> What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” / Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? <a href="/1_corinthians/4-6.htm">1 Corinthians 4:6</a> Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10</a> I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-31.htm">1 Corinthians 1:31</a> Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” <a href="/1_corinthians/3-21.htm">1 Corinthians 3:21-23</a> Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours, / whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. All of them belong to you, / and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-18.htm">1 Corinthians 11:18-19</a> First of all, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. / And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-6</a> There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. <a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Romans 12:3-5</a> For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. / Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, / so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. <a href="/romans/1-11.htm">Romans 1:11-12</a> For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, / that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Romans 16:17</a> Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a> The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. <a href="/philippians/1-15.htm">Philippians 1:15-17</a> It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. / The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. / The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains. <a href="/philippians/2-2.htm">Philippians 2:2-3</a> then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. / Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. <a href="/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14-16</a> But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. / For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. <a href="/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8-10</a> But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. / And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. / Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For while one said, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal?<a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12</a> 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.<a href="/1_corinthians/4-6.htm">1 Corinthians 4:6</a> And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">Apollos</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">Apol'los</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Carnal</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Fleshly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-2.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-13.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-12.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Apollos</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Apol'los</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-21.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">Carnal</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">Fleshly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-1.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-8.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-8.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-14.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-5.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-18.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 3</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">Milk is fit for children.</a> 3. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind.</a> 7. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">He who plants and He who waters are nothing.</a> 9. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">The ministers are God's fellow workmen.</a> 11. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">Christ the only foundation.</a> 16. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy.</a> 19. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For when one of you says, This phrase introduces a situation of division within the Corinthian church. The context is Paul's address to the Corinthians about their spiritual immaturity and the resulting factions. The church in Corinth was struggling with unity, a common issue in early Christian communities. This division was not just a social issue but a spiritual one, reflecting a lack of understanding of the gospel's transformative power.“I follow Paul,” Paul was the founder of the Corinthian church and a significant figure in early Christianity. His teachings and missionary work were foundational for many Gentile believers. The allegiance to Paul likely stemmed from his role as the church's spiritual father and his emphasis on grace and faith. However, this allegiance became problematic when it led to division rather than unity in Christ.and another, “I follow Apollos,” Apollos was an eloquent speaker and a learned man from Alexandria, known for his powerful preaching and deep understanding of the Scriptures. His ministry in Corinth followed Paul's, and he was highly respected. The reference to Apollos highlights the diversity of leadership styles and gifts within the early church. However, the Corinthians' preference for Apollos over Paul or vice versa indicates a worldly mindset, valuing human leaders over Christ.are you not mere men? This rhetorical question challenges the Corinthians to recognize their spiritual immaturity. By aligning themselves with human leaders rather than Christ, they demonstrate a lack of spiritual discernment. The phrase "mere men" suggests a worldly perspective, contrasting with the spiritual wisdom that should characterize believers. This call to spiritual maturity is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12-14</a>, where believers are urged to move beyond elementary teachings and grow in their faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> An apostle of Jesus Christ, who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the first century. He founded the church in Corinth and wrote letters to address issues within the church. 2. <a href="/topical/a/apollos.htm">Apollos</a> A Jewish Christian from Alexandria, known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures. He was a prominent teacher in the early church and ministered in Corinth after Paul. 3. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and immorality, which Paul addresses in his letters. 4. <a href="/topical/d/divisions_in_the_church.htm">Divisions in the Church</a> The Corinthian church was experiencing divisions, with members aligning themselves with different leaders, such as Paul and Apollos, rather than uniting under Christ. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The first-century Christian community, which faced various challenges, including maintaining unity amidst diverse backgrounds and teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_christ.htm">Unity in Christ</a> Believers are called to unity in Christ, not division based on human leaders. Our allegiance should be to Christ alone, who is the head of the church. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_factionalism.htm">Avoiding Factionalism</a> Factionalism and aligning with specific leaders can lead to division and weaken the church's witness. We must focus on the message of the Gospel rather than the messenger. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity.htm">Spiritual Maturity</a> Spiritual maturity involves recognizing that all leaders are servants of Christ, and our ultimate loyalty is to Him. We should grow in our understanding and application of this truth. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leaders.htm">The Role of Leaders</a> Church leaders are important, but they are not the foundation of our faith. They are instruments used by God to build His church, and we should respect and learn from them without idolizing them. <a href="/topical/c/christ-centered_identity.htm">Christ-Centered Identity</a> Our identity as Christians is rooted in Christ, not in human leaders or affiliations. We should strive to reflect Christ in our interactions and relationships within the church.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 3</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_cliques.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian cliques?</a> <a href="/q/does_1_cor_3_19_oppose_biblical_wisdom.htm">Doesn’t 1 Corinthians 3:19, by labeling worldly wisdom as foolishness, promote anti-intellectualism and conflict with biblical passages that encourage knowledge?</a> <a href="/q/what_causes_and_cures_church_splits.htm">What causes and cures church splits?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_celeb_pastors.htm">What does the Bible say about celebrity pastors?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) One saith, I am of Paul.--These and the following words explain exactly what the Apostle means by their being "carnal," and walking after a merely human manner. Only two of the factions--those of Paul and of Apollos--are mentioned as types of the rest. The factious spirit was in each and all the "parties" the same, but the particular difference between the teaching of the higher wisdom and the simpler truths of the gospel was best illustrated by these two.The selection for rebuke of those who called them selves by the Apostle's own name was, no doubt, intended by him to show that it was no matter of personal jealousy on his part. He specially condemns those who magnified his name. It is for his Master alone that he is jealous.Are ye not carnal?--Better, are ye not only men? carrying on the idea expressed in <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm" title="For you are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men?">1Corinthians 3:3</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - For when one saith, I am of Paul. This is a proof that there were jealousies and partisanships among them. We again notice the generous courage of St. Paul in rebuking first those adherents who turned his own name into a party watchword. Are ye not carnal? The true reading is, "Are ye not men?" (א, A, B, C, and so the Revised Version); i.e. Are ye not swayed by mere human passions? The Spirit which you received at baptism ought to have lifted you above these mean rivalries. You ought to be something more than mere men. Religious partisanship is, in the eye of St. Paul, simply irreligious. He sets down party controversies as a distinct proof of carnality. Those who indulge in it are men devoid of the spiritual element. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. when ὅταν (hotan) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3752.htm">Strong's 3752: </a> When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as. one [of you] τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. says, λέγῃ (legē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “I Ἐγὼ (Egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. [follow] εἰμι (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. Paul,” Παύλου (Paulou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. and δέ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. another, ἕτερος (heteros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2087.htm">Strong's 2087: </a> (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different. “I Ἐγὼ (Egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. [follow] Apollos,” Ἀπολλῶ (Apollō) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_625.htm">Strong's 625: </a> Apollos, a Jew of Alexandria. Probably from the same as Apollonia; Apollos, an Israelite. are you ἐστε (este) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. mere men? ἄνθρωποί (anthrōpoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:4 For when one says I follow Paul (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>