1 Corinthians 3:5

“Who then is Paul? and who is Apollos? etc.] The apostle’s name being used, and he a party concerned, could speak the more freely upon this head, and ask what they thought of himself, and other preachers, whether they were more than men? what authority and power they had, whether they looked upon them as the authors of a new religion, or the founders of a new sect, that were to go by their names? and directs them what light to consider them in, how that they were but ministers by whom ye believed: they were servants to Christ and to his churches, and not lords; they did not assume any dominion over men, or pretend to lord it over God’s heritage; there is but one Lord and master, and that is…”

“Who then--Seeing then that ye severally strive so for your favorite teachers, "Who is (of what intrinsic power and dignity) Paul?" If so great an apostle reasons so of himself, how much more does humility, rather than self-seeking, become ordinary ministers! Paul . . . Apollos--The oldest manuscripts read in the reverse order, "Apollos," &c. Paul." He puts Apollos before himself in humility. but ministers, &c.--The oldest manuscripts have no "but." "Who is Apollos . . . Paul? (mere) ministers (a lowly word appropriate here, servants), by whom (not "in whom"; by whose ministrations) ye believed." as . . . Lord gave to every man--that is, to the several hearers, for it was GOD that "gave the…”

“Who then is Paul ... - See the notes at 1 Corinthians 1:13. Why should a party be formed which should be named after Paul? What has he done or taught that should lead to this? What eminence has he that should induce any to call themselves by his name? He is on a level with the other apostles; and all are but ministers, or servants, and have no claim to the honor of giving names to sects and parties. God is the fountain of all your blessings, and whoever may have been the “instrument” by whom you have believed, it is improper to regard them as, in any sense the fountain of your blessings, or to arrange yourselves under their name. But ministers - Our word minister, as now used, does not…”

“Ministers - Or servants. By whom ye believed, as the Lord, the Master of those servants, gave to every man. 1 Corinthians 3:7”

“3:5-9 To identify oneself proudly as a follower of a human teacher is wrong because God does the real work of redemption, so he deserves the honor. • We are only God’s servants: Cp. 2 Cor 4:5.”

“ministers: Co1 3:7, Co1 4:1, Co1 4:2; Luk 1:2; Rom 10:14, Rom 10:15; Co2 3:6, Co2 4:5, Co2 4:7, Co2 6:1, Co2 6:4, Co2 11:23 even: Co1 3:10, Co1 9:17, Co1 12:4-11, Co1 12:28; Mat 25:15; Joh 3:27; Rom 12:3-6; Pe1 4:10 1 Corinthians 3:6”