1 Corinthians 1:12

Every one of you. The party spirit had seemingly affected all. The various members of the church registered their support for one party or another. Of Paul. Paul mentions first the party that claimed to be followers of him. He shows favor to no party, least of all to his “own.” All come in for condemnation. Party spirit of any form is wrong. Comparison of one spiritual leader with another is contrary to the spirit of Christ. Apollos. An Alexandrian Jew, a follower of the teachings of John the Baptist, a man “eloquent” and “mighty in the scriptures” (Acts 18:24, 25). He received his instruction in the tenets of the Christian faith at Ephesus from Aquila and Priscilla. From there he journeyed to Achaia, and for a time labored in the church at Corinth (Acts 18:27, 28; cf. 1 Cor. 3:5–7). His learning and eloquence led certain in the church to exalt him above Paul. When Paul first preached the gospel in that metropolis his labors had been adapted to meet the minds of those ignorant of spiritual truth (1 Cor. 2:1-4; 3:1,2). Privileged to build upon this foundation, Apollos had been able to give instruction beyond the rudiments of the faith (ch. 3:6-11). His personality, manner of labor, and the type of message he bore appealed to a certain class, who began to show preference for him. Others refused to swerve from a loyalty they felt toward Paul, the one who had first brought the gospel to them. As far as Paul and Apollos were concerned there was perfect harmony between them (see vs. 5-10). When dissensions arose, Apollos left Corinth and returned to Ephesus. Paul urged him to return, but Apollos resolutely refused. Cephas. That is, Peter. “Cephas” is a transliteration of the Aramaic Kepha’, meaning “stone” (see John 1:42). “Peter” is the transliteration of the Gr. Petros, also meaning “stone” (see on Matt. 16:18). Doubtless those belonging to this party believed that there was special merit in claiming attachment to one of the original Twelve. Peter had been intimately associated with Jesus and had been one of the leaders of the twelve apostles. This fact, they believed, ranked him above either Paul or Apollos. There are those who believe that the presence of this party indicates that Peter at some time must have visited Corinth. However, such a conclusion is not required, nor is there evidence elsewhere that such a visit ever occurred. Of Christ. Those belonging to this party refused to follow any human leader. They were independent in their attitudes and claimed to be taught directly by Christ (see AA 278,279).