1 Corinthians 3:5

What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.

Study Bible

What then is Apollos?
The name "Apollos" refers to a Jewish Christian from Alexandria, known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). The rhetorical question here diminishes the focus on human leaders, emphasizing that Apollos, despite his talents, is merely a vessel for God's work. The Greek root for "Apollos" (Ἀπολλώς) reminds us of his role as a teacher and preacher, yet Paul is redirecting the Corinthian church's attention from human leaders to God.

What is Paul?
Similarly, Paul, the apostle and author of this letter, is presented not as a figure of division but as a servant. The Greek word for "Paul" (Παῦλος) is used here to remind the readers of his humility and dedication to Christ's mission. Paul is emphasizing that he, like Apollos, is not the source of their faith but a conduit through which God works.

They are servants
The term "servants" (διάκονοι) in Greek highlights the role of both Apollos and Paul as ministers or deacons. This word underscores their function as humble workers in God's field, not as figures to be idolized. In the historical context of the early church, this was a radical redefinition of leadership, focusing on service rather than authority.

through whom you believed
This phrase indicates the instrumental role of Apollos and Paul in the faith journey of the Corinthians. The Greek preposition "through" (δι’) suggests that they were channels of God's grace, not the originators of faith. This aligns with the scriptural teaching that faith comes from hearing the message of Christ (Romans 10:17).

as the Lord has assigned
The word "assigned" (ἔδωκεν) in Greek implies a divine appointment or distribution. This reflects the sovereignty of God in determining the roles and functions within the church. It is a reminder that each person's ministry is a gift from God, tailored to His divine plan and purpose.

to each his role
The phrase "his role" (ἑκάστῳ) emphasizes individuality within the unity of the church. Each believer has a unique function, as determined by God. This concept is further explored in Paul's teachings on spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12), where diversity in roles is celebrated as part of the body of Christ. Historically, this teaching would have been crucial for maintaining unity in the diverse and often divided Corinthian church.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul
An apostle of Jesus Christ, who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the first century. He is the author of the letter to the Corinthians.

2. Apollos
A Jewish Christian from Alexandria, known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures. He was a prominent teacher in the early church and worked alongside Paul in Corinth.

3. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. It was a significant center for early Christian evangelism and the recipient of Paul's letters.

4. The Corinthian Church
A diverse group of believers in Corinth, struggling with divisions and immaturity in their faith, which Paul addresses in his letters.

5. Servants
The term used by Paul to describe himself and Apollos, emphasizing their roles as humble workers for God, rather than leaders to be idolized.

Teaching Points

Unity in Diversity
The church is made up of diverse individuals with different roles, but all are united in purpose. We should celebrate and respect the different gifts and roles within the body of Christ.

Servanthood Over Celebrity
Paul and Apollos are described as servants, not celebrities. In our churches today, we should focus on serving God and others rather than seeking personal recognition or following human leaders.

God's Sovereignty in Assignments
God assigns roles and responsibilities according to His will. We should seek to understand and fulfill the role God has given us, trusting in His perfect plan.

Avoiding Division
Division arises when we elevate human leaders above their God-given roles. We must keep our focus on Christ, who is the head of the church, to maintain unity.

Faithful Stewardship
As servants of God, we are called to be faithful stewards of the roles and responsibilities He has entrusted to us, working diligently for His glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Paul and Apollos as "servants" change your perspective on leadership within the church?

2. In what ways can you contribute to unity within your local church, considering the diverse roles and gifts present?

3. Reflect on a time when you may have placed too much emphasis on a human leader rather than on Christ. How can you shift your focus back to Jesus?

4. What role or responsibility has God assigned to you in your current season of life, and how can you faithfully steward it?

5. How can the principles of servanthood and unity in 1 Corinthians 3:5 be applied to other areas of your life, such as work or family?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Corinthians 1:12-13
Paul addresses the divisions in the Corinthian church, where members were aligning themselves with different leaders, including Paul and Apollos.

Acts 18:24-28
Provides background on Apollos, describing his arrival in Ephesus, his teaching, and his subsequent journey to Corinth, where he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.

Romans 12:3-8
Discusses the diversity of gifts and roles within the body of Christ, emphasizing that each person has a unique function assigned by God.

Ephesians 4:11-13
Highlights the various roles within the church, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, all working together to build up the body of Christ.