Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 3:4
For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation while confronting their active factionalism over apostolic leadership. He speaks at the precise moment they are drawing internal divisions by publicly aligning with specific human teachers.
The words — The Greek ὅταν (hotan) means "when," and λέγῃ (legē) translates to "may say," structuring the factional claims as observable conditions. These terms frame the believers' declarations as the direct trigger for Paul's rhetorical challenge.
The thread — The identical claim of following Paul, Apollos, or Cephas appears in 1 Corinthians 1:12 and is immediately tied to the worldly jealousy described in 1 Corinthians 3:3. Paul later references this same dynamic when applying the lesson to himself and Apollos in 1 Corinthians 4:6.
Why it lands — The text states that dividing over human leaders reduces spiritual authority to mere human preference. It requires readers to abandon factional loyalty and recognize that following any teacher apart from Christ reflects worldly conduct.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
Cross-references
- 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.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:3 for 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?
- 1 Corinthians 4:6 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.