1 Corinthians 1:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
I say
G3004
λέγει
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
λέγει
I say
G3004
λέγει
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μέν
G3303
μέν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
Παύλου
of Paul
G3972
Παύλου
of Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
11 of 20
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
Cross References
John 1:42And 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.1 Corinthians 4:6And 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.1 Corinthians 7:29But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;1 Corinthians 9:5Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?1 Corinthians 15:5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:1 Corinthians 15:50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.1 Corinthians 16:12As 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.2 Corinthians 9:6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.Galatians 3:17And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Historical Context
Apollos arrived in Corinth after Paul's departure (Acts 19:1) and impressed many with his rhetorical skill and scriptural knowledge. This unintentionally created comparison and competition. Cephas (Peter) may have visited Corinth or had followers there who valued Jewish tradition and apostolic precedent. These were godly men, but their admirers turned them into factional mascots. Paul later insists he and Apollos are merely servants through whom they believed (3:5).
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern Christians form personality cults around favorite preachers, authors, or theological traditions?
- Can you claim to follow "Christ alone" while actually being devoted to a particular teacher or movement?
- How does competition over eloquence, theological sophistication, or spiritual credentials mirror the Corinthian factions today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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—Paul identifies four factions centered on human personalities. The Paul party likely boasted of their founder's apostolic authority. The Apollos party (Acts 18:24-28) probably preferred his eloquence and philosophical sophistication—Apollos was "mighty in the scriptures" and "an eloquent man." The Cephas party (Peter's Aramaic name) may have claimed superiority through connection to Jesus' original disciples or favored a more Jewish Christianity. The Christ party sounds pious but may have been the most divisive, claiming direct spiritual insight that bypassed human teachers—a form of super-spirituality Paul will critique throughout the letter.
Each slogan—I am of Paul, I am of Apollos (ego men eimi Paulou, ego de Apollō, ἐγὼ μέν εἰμι Παύλου, ἐγὼ δὲ Ἀπολλῶ)—mirrors the factional rhetoric of Greek philosophical schools, where students pledged loyalty to a master. Paul rejects this entirely: Christian identity is in Christ alone, not human teachers.