What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. What then is Apollos?Apollos was a Jewish Christian from Alexandria, known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures (Acts 18:24-28). His ministry in Corinth followed Paul's, and he was instrumental in watering the seeds Paul had planted. The question posed by Paul emphasizes the insignificance of human leaders compared to God's work. This reflects the early church's struggle with factionalism, as some believers aligned themselves with different leaders, creating divisions. Act 18:24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria,… And what is Paul? Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, was the founder of the Corinthian church. His rhetorical question here serves to downplay his own role, emphasizing that he, like Apollos, is merely a servant of God. This humility is consistent with Paul's teachings elsewhere, such as in Philippians 2:3-4, where he encourages believers to consider others better than themselves. Act 9:15 “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument… They are servants The term "servants" (Greek: diakonoi) highlights the role of Paul and Apollos as ministers or deacons, emphasizing service rather than authority. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in Mark 10:43-45, where greatness in God's kingdom is equated with servanthood. It underscores the idea that leaders in the church are to serve the body of Christ, not to seek personal glory. 2Co 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord… through whom you believed, Paul acknowledges that both he and Apollos were instruments used by God to bring the Corinthians to faith. This reflects the biblical principle that faith comes through hearing the message of Christ (Romans 10:17). It also highlights the cooperative nature of ministry, where different individuals contribute to the spiritual growth of believers. Act 18:8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, believed in the Lord.… as the Lord has assigned to each his role. This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty in assigning roles and tasks within the church. It reflects the teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, where Paul explains that the Holy Spirit distributes gifts and roles according to His will. This understanding fosters unity, as it reminds believers that all roles are important and divinely appointed, reducing competition and division. 1Co 12:11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit… Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulAn 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 DiversityThe 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 1:12-13Paul 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. People Apollos, Cephas, Corinthians, Paul, PeterPlaces CorinthTopics Accepted, Apollos, Apol'los, Assigned, Believe, Believed, Efforts, Faith, God's, Granted, Ministering, Ministers, Ministrants, News, Opportunity, Paul, Power, Servants, TaskDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Corinthians 3:5 7708 apostles, function Library Twenty-Third Day. Holiness and the Body. The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. The body is for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you; therefore glorify God in your body.'--1 Cor. iii. 16, vi. 13, 19. 'She that is unmarried is careful for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit.'--1 Cor. vii. 34. 'Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.'--Rom. xii. 1. Coming into the world, our Blessed … Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ November the Ninth the Holy Spirit as Emancipator Temples of God God's Fellow-Workers Death, the Friend Servants and Lords Sanctified for Service. On the Wisdom of this World On the Interpretation of Scripture The Existence of Merit The Objects of Merit The Christian Church Carnal Christians. The Indwelling Spirit Fully and Forever Satisfying. Dedicatory Letter. Alcuin on True Missionary Labours. Certain it Is, Albeit all this Disputation Go from Side to Side... It Follows after Commendation of the Trinity, "The Holy Church. ... Now it Has Been My Wish on this Account to Say Something on This... Homilies on the Statues. Epistle Xlvi. To Isacius, Bishop of Jerusalem . Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch . How the Wise and the Dull are to be Admonished. First Sunday in Lent Links 1 Corinthians 3:5 NIV1 Corinthians 3:5 NLT 1 Corinthians 3:5 ESV 1 Corinthians 3:5 NASB 1 Corinthians 3:5 KJV 1 Corinthians 3:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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