1 Corinthians 3:4

“For while one saith, I am of Paul, etc.] This shows what their envying and strife, and divisions were about, and from whence they sprung; and which serve, to strengthen the proof, and support the charge of carnality brought against them; for when one sort made a party for Paul, and set up him as their minister above all others; and said another, I am of Apollos, preferring him for his eloquence above Paul, or any other preacher, as appears from (<460112>1 Corinthians 1:12) there was a third sort for Cephas, whom they cried up as superior to the other two, or any other man; and a fourth were for Christ, and despised all ministers whatever: are ye not carnal? all this was a demonstration of…”

“(Co1 1:12). are ye not carnal--The oldest manuscripts read, "Are ye not men?" that is, "walking as men" unregenerate (Co1 3:3).”

“For while one saith ...; - See the note at 1 Corinthians 1:12. return to 'Top of Page'”

“I am of Apollos - St. Paul named himself and Apollos, to show that he would condemn any division among them, even though it were in favour of himself, or the dearest friend he had in the world. Are ye not carnal - For the Spirit of God allows no party zeal. 1 Corinthians 3:5”

“3:4 Proudly identifying oneself with a preferred teacher (see 1:12) was common in Greek culture, but it is not in keeping with the mind of Christ (3:5-9; cp. Matt 23:8-10).”

“Co1 1:12, Co1 4:6 1 Corinthians 3:5”