1 Corinthians 3:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 3:5
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 3 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, mercy, worship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 3:5
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
Analysis
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed (διάκονοι, diakonoi, 'servants')—Paul demolishes the personality cults by reducing himself and Apollos to diakonoi, table-servers or errand-runners. This term denoted the lowest-ranking household servants, not honored leaders. Even as the Lord gave to every man (ὡς ὁ κύριος ἔδωκεν, hōs ho kyrios edōken)—both Paul's apostolic calling and the Corinthians' faith originated with Christ, not human achievement.
Ministers are merely instruments through whom (δι' ὧν, di' hōn) belief occurs, not sources of salvation or objects of loyalty. The passive voice 'ye believed' emphasizes that faith itself is God's gift, not the preacher's accomplishment. Paul consistently deflects glory from himself to Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5, 'we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord'). This theology of ministry undermines all triumphalism—preachers are dispensable servants; Christ is the indispensable Lord. The Reformation principle sola gratia (grace alone) extends to ministers: we contribute nothing but obedience to the assignment God graciously grants.
Historical Context
Apollos was an Alexandrian Jew, 'eloquent' and 'mighty in the scriptures' (Acts 18:24), who ministered in Corinth after Paul's departure. His different style—refined rhetoric versus Paul's plain preaching—created factions. Paul's response demolishes such comparisons: both men were mere servants through whom the Lord worked. Neither deserved the cult following the Corinthians created.
Reflection
- Do you view pastors and teachers as 'servants through whom you believed' or as spiritual celebrities to be admired and followed?
- How does recognizing that 'the Lord gave' faith to each person prevent boasting in or about human ministers?
- What practical steps can you take to honor faithful teachers without creating the personality-driven factionalism Paul condemns?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: 2 Corinthians 4:5
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 3:10, 12:28, 2 Corinthians 3:3, 3:6, 4:7, 6:1