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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 1:12 What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/46_1Co_01_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 1:12 - Unity in the Church" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, I follow Paul, I follow Apollos, I follow Cephas, or I follow Christ." /><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'; 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another, &#8220I follow Apollos"; another, &#8220I follow Cephas"; still another, &#8220I follow Christ.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now I mean this, that each of you says, "I indeed am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am with Paul,” or “I am with Apollos,” or “I am with Cephas,” or “I am with Christ.” <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, &#8220I am of Paul,&#8221 and &#8220I of Apollos,&#8221 and &#8220I of Cephas,&#8221 and &#8220I of Christ.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now I mean this, that each one of you says, “I am [a disciple] of Paul,” or “I am [a disciple] of Apollos,” or “I am [a disciple] of Cephas (Peter),” or “I am [a disciple] of Christ.” <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> What I am saying is this: One of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> What I am saying is this: Each of you says, &#8220I&#8217m with Paul,&#8221 or &#8220I&#8217m with Apollos,&#8221 or &#8220I&#8217m with Cephas,&#8221 or &#8220I&#8217m with Christ.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They have said that some of you claim to follow me, while others claim to follow Apollos or Peter or Christ. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> This is what I mean: Each of you is saying, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Let me put it this way: each one of you says something different. One says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Peter"; and another, "I follow Christ." <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> This is what I mean: Each of you is saying, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to the Messiah." <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, ?I follow Paul,? ?I follow Apollos,? ?I follow Cephas,? or ?I follow Christ.? <a href="/net/1_corinthians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Now I mean this, that each of you is saying, "I am with Paul," or "I am with Apollos," or "I am with Cephas," or "I am with Christ." <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now I mean this, that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and, "I follow Christ." <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</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="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> What I mean is that each of you is a partisan. One man says "I belong to Paul;" another "I belong to Apollos;" a third "I belong to Peter;" a fourth "I belong to Christ." <a href="/web/1_corinthians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Now I mean this, that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” and, “I follow Christ.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and I say this, that each one of you says, “I, indeed, am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now I mean this, that each of you says, "I indeed am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and I say this, that each one of you saith, 'I, indeed, am of Paul' -- 'and I of Apollos,' -- 'and I of Cephas,' -- 'and I of Christ.' <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And this I say, that each of you says, I truly am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now this I say, that every one of you saith: I indeed am of Paul; and I am of Apollo; and I am of Cephas; and I of Christ. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now I say this because each of you is saying: “Certainly, I am of Paul;” “But I am of Apollo;” “Truly, I am of Cephas;” as well as: “I am of Christ.” <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now this I say, because there are some among you who say, I am a follower of Paul; and some who say, I am a follower of Apol’los; and some who say, I am a follower of Ce’phas; and some who say, I am a follower of Christ. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But I say this: there is one of you who says, “I am of Paulus”, and one who says, “I am of Apollo”, and one who says, “I am of Kaypha”, and one who says, “I am of The Messiah.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I mean this: that each one of you says, I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ.<CM> <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And I say this, that each one says, I indeed am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now this I observe, that one and another of you saith, I am indeed of Paul; but I of Apollos; but I of Cephas; but I am of Christ. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I mean that one or other of you cries out "I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> What I mean is that each of you is a partisan. One man says "I belong to Paul;" another "I belong to Apollos;" a third "I belong to Peter;" a fourth "I belong to Christ." <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now I mean this: that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul;" and "I of Apollos;" and "I of Cephas:" and "I of Christ!" <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> I mean, that each of you saith, as if of different parties, I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, I of Cephas, and I of Christ. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/1-12.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=96" 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/1.htm">Unity in the Church</a> …11My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">What I mean</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">is this:</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/1538.htm" title="1538: hekastos (Adj-NMS) -- Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.">Individuals</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">among you</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">are saying,</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/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/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."></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/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></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/2786.htm" title="2786: Kēpha (N-GMS) -- Of Chaldee origin; the Rock; Cephas, a surname of Peter.">follow Cephas,”</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">or</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/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">follow Christ.”</a> 13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?…<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="/acts/18-24.htm">Acts 18:24-28</a> Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures. / He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. / And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4-6</a> For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men? / What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. / I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. <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/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="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-14</a> The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. / For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. / For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-25.htm">1 Corinthians 12:25-27</a> so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. / If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. / Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-7.htm">2 Corinthians 10:7</a> You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-4.htm">2 Corinthians 11:4</a> For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it very easily. <a href="/galatians/1-6.htm">Galatians 1:6-7</a> I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— / which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a> There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. <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="/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="/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>Now this I say, that every one of you said, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.this.<a href="/1_corinthians/7-29.htm">1 Corinthians 7:29</a> But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;<a href="/1_corinthians/15-50.htm">1 Corinthians 15:50</a> Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.<a href="/2_corinthians/9-6.htm">2 Corinthians 9:6</a> But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.I am.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4-6,21-23</a> For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? … <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.Apollos.<a href="/1_corinthians/16-12.htm">1 Corinthians 16:12</a> As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.<a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Acts 18:24-28</a> And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus… <a href="/acts/19-1.htm">Acts 19:1</a> And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,Cephas.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm">1 Corinthians 9:5</a> Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?<a href="/1_corinthians/15-5.htm">1 Corinthians 15:5</a> And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:<a href="/john/1-42.htm">John 1:42</a> And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/19-1.htm">Apollos</a> <a href="/acts/19-1.htm">Apol'los</a> <a href="/romans/16-11.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/john/1-42.htm">Cephas</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/romans/15-5.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/mark/6-48.htm">Fourth</a> <a href="/romans/16-2.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/romans/11-15.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/15-7.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/acts/27-19.htm">Third</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">Apollos</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">Apol'los</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">Belong</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-22.htm">Cephas</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-13.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-16.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/revelation/4-7.htm">Fourth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-6.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-13.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-22.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-9.htm">Third</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 1</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,</a> 10. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity,</a> 12. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">and reproves their dissensions.</a> 18. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">God destroys the wisdom of the wise,</a> 21. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">by the foolishness of preaching;</a> 26. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,</a> 28. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">but the foolish, weak, and men of no account.</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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>What I mean is this: Paul is clarifying his previous statement about divisions within the Corinthian church. The phrase indicates a transition from a general observation to a specific example. This approach is typical of Paul's epistolary style, where he often begins with a broad principle before addressing particular issues. The context is the early church's struggle with unity, a recurring theme in Paul's letters.Individuals among you are saying, This phrase highlights the presence of factions within the Corinthian church. The use of "individuals" suggests that the divisions were not just theoretical but involved real people taking sides. This reflects the human tendency to align with charismatic leaders, a challenge in maintaining unity in the body of Christ. The early church, like many communities, faced internal conflicts that threatened its cohesion.“I follow Paul,” Paul was the founder of the Corinthian church, and his teachings and leadership naturally attracted followers. This allegiance to Paul may have been based on his role as an apostle to the Gentiles and his foundational work in establishing the church. However, Paul himself discouraged such divisions, emphasizing that he was merely a servant of Christ (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">1 Corinthians 3:5-7</a>).“I follow Apollos,” Apollos was an eloquent speaker and a learned man, known for his knowledge of the Scriptures (<a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Acts 18:24-28</a>). His ministry in Corinth likely appealed to those who valued rhetorical skill and intellectual depth. The mention of Apollos indicates the diversity of gifts and personalities within the early church, which, while beneficial, also posed challenges for unity.“I follow Cephas,” Cephas, or Peter, was one of the original apostles and a prominent leader in the early church. His Jewish background and close association with Jesus may have attracted Jewish Christians or those who valued apostolic authority. This reference underscores the tension between Jewish and Gentile believers, a significant issue in the early church (<a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Galatians 2:11-14</a>).“I follow Christ.” While this statement seems theologically correct, in the context of the passage, it may indicate a group claiming a superior spirituality or direct connection to Christ, bypassing apostolic teaching. This highlights the danger of spiritual elitism and the need for humility and unity in the church. Paul later emphasizes that all believers are united in Christ, who is not divided (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-13.htm">1 Corinthians 1:13</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who founded the church in Corinth and wrote this letter to address issues within the church, including divisions. 2. <a href="/topical/a/apollos.htm">Apollos</a> A learned Jew from Alexandria, known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures. He was a prominent teacher in the early church and had a significant following in Corinth. 3. <a href="/topical/c/cephas.htm">Cephas (Peter)</a> One of Jesus' original disciples and a leading figure in the early church. His Aramaic name, Cephas, means "rock." 4. <a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ</a> The central figure of Christianity, whose teachings and sacrifice are the foundation of the faith. Some in Corinth claimed direct allegiance to Christ, possibly to assert spiritual superiority. 5. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges. The church in Corinth faced issues of division, immorality, and confusion over spiritual gifts.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_christ.htm">Unity in Christ</a> The church should be united under Christ, not divided by allegiance to human leaders. Our identity is in Christ, not in any particular teacher or denomination. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_factionalism.htm">Avoiding Factionalism</a> Division weakens the church's witness. Believers should focus on the core message of the Gospel rather than personal preferences or personalities. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_leaders.htm">Role of Leaders</a> Church leaders are servants of Christ, not figures to be idolized. Their role is to point others to Jesus, not to themselves. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity.htm">Spiritual Maturity</a> True spiritual maturity is demonstrated by unity and love within the body of Christ, not by aligning with particular leaders or groups. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_foundation.htm">Christ as the Foundation</a> Our faith should be built on Christ alone, who is the cornerstone of the church. All teachings and practices should align with His teachings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_sectarianism.htm">What defines sectarianism?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_apollonius.htm">Who is Apollonius?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_apollos_in_historical_context.htm">Who is Apollos in historical context?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_church_in_corinth_important.htm">What is the significance of the Church in Corinth?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Now this I say.--Better, What I mean is, that, &c. The following words, "every one of you saith," show how party-spirit pervaded the whole Christian community. It may be well to mention here briefly what we may consider to have been the distinctive characteristics of the factions which called themselves respectively the party of Paul, of Cephas, of Apollos, and of Christ.1. ST. PAUL places first that section of the Church which called themselves by his name--thus at the outset showing that it is not for the sole purpose of silencing opponents, or from a jealousy of the influence of other teachers, that he writes so strenuously against the disturbances in the Corinthian community. It is the spirit of separation and of faction which he condemns--rebuking it as strongly when it has led to the undue exaltation of his own name, as when it attempted to depreciate his gifts and ministry as compared with those of Apollos or of Cephas. He thus wins at once the attention and confidence of every candid reader. The Pauline party would no doubt have consisted chiefly of those who were the personal converts of the Apostle. Their esteem for him who had been the means of their conversion, seems to have been carried to excess in the manner in which it displayed itself. This would be increased by the hostility which their opponents' disparagement of the Apostle naturally excited in them. They allowed St. Paul's teaching of the liberty wherewith Christ made them free, to develop in them an unchristian license and a mode of treatment of others essentially illiberal, thus denying by their actions the very principles which they professed to hold dear. They "judged" and "set at nought" (<a href="/romans/14-10.htm" title="But why do you judge your brother? or why do you set at nothing your brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.">Romans 14:10</a>) brethren who could not take so essentially spiritual a view of Christianity, but who still clung to some of the outward forms of Judaism.2. APOLLOS was a Jew of Alexandria--"an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures." He came to Ephesus during St. Paul's absence from that city, and taught what he knew of the "things of the Lord." While here, he was instructed further in "the way of God" by Aquila and Priscilla, he having previously only the inadequate knowledge which was possessed by disciples of John (<a href="/context/acts/18-24.htm" title="And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.">Acts 18:24-28</a>). Having preached in parts of Achaia, he came to Corinth. That he came there after St. Paul we may conclude from the Apostle's reference to himself as having "planted," and Apollos having "watered" (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm" title="I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.">1Corinthians 3:6</a>), and again to himself as having "laid the foundation" (<a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm" title="But God has revealed them to us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.">1Corinthians 2:10</a>). To Corinth Apollos brought with him the arts of the rhetorician, and the culture of a Greek philosopher; and while preaching Christ crucified, these gifts and knowledge rendered him more acceptable than St. Paul had been, with his studied simplicity of style, to a certain class of intellectual and rationalising hearers in Corinth. When Apollos left, a section of the Church unduly magnified the importance of his gifts and of his manner of teaching. They did so to the depreciation of the simplicity of the gospel. This all led to the development of evils which we shall see more in detail in our examination of <a href="/context/1_corinthians/1-18.htm" title="For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are saved it is the power of God.">1Corinthians 1:18-31</a> and 1 Corinthians 2. It ought to be remembered that Apollos was in no sense "the founder of a party." It was the exaggeration and perversion of Apollos' teaching, by some of the converts, that really founded the party. To the end he and Paul remained friends. He was probably with the Apostle while the Epistle was being written, and (<a href="/1_corinthians/16-12.htm" title="As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come to you with the brothers: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.">1Corinthians 16:12</a>) refused, even when St. Paul suggested it, to go so soon again to Corinth, lest his presence should in the least tend to keep that party-spirit alive; and when, ten years (A.D. 67) later, the Apostle writes to Titus, he exhorts him "to bring Apollos on his journey diligently, that nothing be wanting to him" (<a href="/titus/3-13.htm" title="Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting to them.">Titus 3:13</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - Now this I mean; in other words, "what I mean is this." Their "contentions" are defined to be equivalent to "religious partisanships; "antagonistic adoption of the names and views of special teachers. Each one of you saith. That party spirit ran so high that they were all listed on one side or another. None of them were wise enough and spiritual minded enough to hold aloof from parties altogether. They prided themselves on being "uncompromising" and "party men." Saith; in a self-assertive way (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-21.htm">1 Corinthians 3:21</a>). I am of Paul. He shows his indignation at their partisanship by first rebuking those who had used his own name as a party watchward. He disliked Paulinism as much as Petrinism (Bengel). All the Corinthians would probably have been in this sense Paulinists but for the visits of subsequent teachers. At present the Paul party consisted of those who adhered to his views about Gentile freedom, and who liked the simple spirituality of his teaching. St. Paul rose above the temptation of considering that party spirit is excusable in our own partisans. He reproves factiousness even in the party of freedom. And I of Apollos. Apollos personally was absolutely loyal and honourable, but his visit to Corinth had done mischief. His impassioned oratory, his Alexandrian refinements, his allegorizing exegesis, the culture and polish of his style, had charmed the fickle Corinthians. The Apollonians were the party of culture. They had, as we see from later parts of the Epistle, exaggerated St. Paul's views, as expounded by Apollos, into extravagance. Puffed up with the conceit of knowledge, they had fallen into moral inconsistency. The egotism of oratorical rivals, the contemptuous tone to wards weaker brethren, the sophistical condonations of vice, were probably due to them. Apollos, as we see by his noble refusal to visit Corinth under present circumstances (<a href="/1_corinthians/16-12.htm">1 Corinthians 16:12</a>), was as indignant as St. Paul himself at the perversion of his name into an engine of party warfare. (On Apollos, see <a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Acts 18:24-28</a>; <a href="/acts/19-1.htm">Acts 19:1</a> <a href="/titus/3-13.htm">Titus 3:13</a>.) Nothing further is known respecting him, but he is the almost undoubted author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, which proves that he was of the school of St. Paul, while at the same time he showed a splendid originality in his way of arriving at the same conclusion as his teacher. I of Cephas. The use of the Aramaic name (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-22.htm">1 Corinthians 3:22</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm">1 Corinthians 9:5</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-6.htm">1 Corinthians 15:6</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-9.htm">Galatians 2:9</a>), perhaps, shows that these Petrinists were Judaizers (though it should be added that St. Paul only uses the name "Peter" in <a href="/galatians/2-7.htm">Galatians 2:7, 8</a>). They personally disliked St. Paul, and questioned his apostolical authority. Perhaps the extravagances of the "speaking with tongues" arose in this party, who recalled the effects of the outpouring of the Spirit after Peter's great sermon on the day of Pentecost. And I of Christ. We trace the origin of this party to one man in particular (<a href="/2_corinthians/2-7.htm">2 Corinthians 2:7</a>), who was, or professed to be, an adherent of James, and therefore one of the more rigid Judaizers. He may have been one from the circle of Christ's earthly relatives - one of the Desposyni (see <a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm">1 Corinthians 9:5</a>), and, like St. James, may have had views resembling those of the Essenes and Ebionites. If so, he was probably the author of the questions about celibacy and marriage; and perhaps he prided himself on having seen "Christ in the flesh." This party at any rate, like some modern sects, was not ashamed to degrade into a party watchword even the sacred name of Christ, and to claim for a miserable clique an exclusive interest in the Lord of the whole Church. It is the privilege of every Christian to say, "Christianus sum;" but if he says it in a haughty, loveless, and exclusive spirit, he forfeits his own claim to the title. This exclusive Christ party is, perhaps, specially alluded to in <a href="/2_corinthians/10-7.htm">2 Corinthians 10:7-11</a>. The view of Chrysostom, which takes these words to be St. Paul's remark - "But I belong to Christ," is untenable, and would make trim guilty of the very self-assertiveness which he is reprobating. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>What I mean λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st 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. [is] this: τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. Individuals ἕκαστος (hekastos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1538.htm">Strong's 1538: </a> Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. among you ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are saying, λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative 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. “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. “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] Cephas,” Κηφᾶ (Kēpha) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2786.htm">Strong's 2786: </a> Of Chaldee origin; the Rock; Cephas, a surname of Peter. [or] δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. “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] Christ.” Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:12 Now I mean this that each one (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:13" /></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>