1 Corinthians 1:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} this {G5124} I say {G3004}, that {G3754} every one {G1538} of you {G5216} saith {G3004}, I {G1473}{G3303} am {G1510} of Paul {G3972}; and {G1161} I {G1473} of Apollos {G625}; and {G1161} I {G1473} of Cephas {G2786}; and {G1161} I {G1473} of Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I say this because one of you says, “I follow Sha’ul”; another says, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Kefa”; while still another says, “I follow the Messiah!”

Berean Standard Bible

What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”

American Standard Version

Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 1:12, the Apostle Paul confronts the Corinthian church's severe problem of internal divisions, where believers were fragmenting into factions based on allegiance to various prominent leaders like Paul himself, Apollos, or Cephas, and even a group claiming exclusive loyalty to Christ. This verse vividly exposes the spiritual immaturity and disunity that arose from elevating human personalities above the singular, unifying headship of Jesus Christ, thereby undermining the very nature of the church as one body.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, immediately following his initial greetings and a brief thanksgiving. Paul wastes no time in addressing the core issue plaguing the church: its profound disunity. In [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Paul's Appeal for Unity"), he makes an urgent appeal for them to "agree, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." Verse 12 then provides the concrete evidence and specific manifestation of these divisions, detailing the partisan slogans adopted by various groups within the community. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent arguments throughout the initial chapters, where he systematically dismantles the wisdom of the world, the folly of human boasting, and the necessity of focusing solely on Christ crucified as the foundation for true unity and spiritual maturity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a prominent and wealthy Roman colony, a bustling port city known for its diverse population, commercial activity, and unfortunately, its moral laxity and philosophical schools. The city's culture often emphasized rhetoric, wisdom, and the following of influential teachers or philosophers. This cultural backdrop likely contributed to the Corinthians' tendency to elevate human leaders and their oratorical skills, treating Christian teachers like philosophical masters whose followers would proudly declare their allegiance. Such a mindset, while common in the Greco-Roman world, was antithetical to the unity and humility required within the body of Christ. The church itself was likely composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts, bringing diverse backgrounds and potentially pre-existing social hierarchies or intellectual biases into the Christian community.
* **Key Themes:** The factions described in [1 Corinthians 1:12](/1_corinthians/1-12 "1 Corinthians 1:12 - Divisions in Corinth") are central to several overarching themes in the letter. The most prominent is **Church Divisions and Unity**, as Paul consistently calls the Corinthians back to the singular focus on Christ and the unity of the Spirit. This verse also highlights the danger of **Elevating Human Leaders Above Christ**, a theme Paul elaborates upon by asserting that ministers are merely servants through whom people believe ([1 Corinthians 3:5](/1_corinthians/3-5 "1 Corinthians 3:5 - Ministers as Servants")) and that Christ alone is the foundation ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")). Furthermore, the divisions reveal **Spiritual Immaturity**, which Paul directly addresses in [1 Corinthians 3:1-4](/1_corinthians/3-1-4 "1 Corinthians 3:1-4 - Carnal Christians"), likening their behavior to that of "carnal" or "infant" believers, unable to handle solid spiritual food. The verse also implicitly introduces the theme of **The Supremacy of Christ and the Cross**, as Paul will argue that the wisdom of God is found not in human eloquence or worldly power but in the crucified Christ, which stands in stark contrast to the worldly wisdom that fueled their divisions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Greek, _légō'_):** This word, derived from G3004, means "to lay forth" or "relate in words," often implying a systematic or set discourse. In this context, it suggests a deliberate declaration or proclamation of allegiance, indicating that the factions were not merely informal preferences but vocal, asserted identities within the community. The repetition of "saith" emphasizes the pervasive and active nature of these divisive declarations.
* **every one (Greek, _hékastos'_):** From G1538, meaning "each or every." This term highlights the widespread nature of the problem, indicating that the divisions were not limited to a few individuals but permeated the entire Corinthian congregation. It underscores the severity of the disunity, suggesting that nearly every member had adopted a partisan identity.
* **Cephas (Greek, _Kēphâs'_):** Derived from G2786, this is the Aramaic equivalent of the Greek name "Peter," both meaning "rock." The inclusion of Cephas (Peter) alongside Paul and Apollos demonstrates the breadth of the factions, extending even to the most prominent apostles. It also subtly reinforces the idea that these divisions were based on human personalities, regardless of their apostolic authority or spiritual stature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now this I say, that every one of you saith":** Paul introduces his direct confrontation of the problem, emphasizing that he is speaking with authority and that the issue is a widespread, vocal declaration among the Corinthians. The repetition of "saith" underscores the active and public nature of their partisan allegiances.
* **"I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas":** This clause reveals the specific nature of the divisions. Believers were identifying themselves by the names of prominent Christian leaders, treating them as figureheads for distinct groups or schools of thought. This indicates a misplaced loyalty, shifting focus from Christ to human personalities and their ministries.
* **"and I of Christ":** This final phrase is particularly striking and ironic. While claiming allegiance to Christ seems righteous, in this context, it functions as another divisive slogan. It suggests a group that believed they possessed a superior or more direct connection to Christ, using this claim to distinguish themselves from and implicitly judge other believers, thereby contributing to the very disunity Paul condemns.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse to powerfully convey the gravity of the Corinthian divisions. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "I am of..." (implied by the structure), which is reiterated for each leader, underscoring the pervasive and formulaic nature of their partisan declarations. This creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like effect, highlighting the ingrained nature of their factionalism. There is a strong element of **Irony**, particularly in the final declaration, "and I of Christ." What should be a unifying statement is presented as another divisive slogan, revealing the perverse way in which even spiritual truths can be weaponized for sectarian purposes. This also serves as a form of **Antithesis**, contrasting the ideal of unity in Christ with the reality of division, even under the guise of Christ's name. The verse also uses **Metonymy**, where the names of the leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas) stand in for the groups of followers who aligned themselves with those figures, effectively personifying the factions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound disunity exposed in 1 Corinthians 1:12 strikes at the very heart of Christian theology regarding the nature of the church. The church is envisioned as the unified body of Christ, with Christ as its sole head, and all members are to be bound together by their common faith in Him, not by allegiance to human leaders or theological schools. These divisions betray a fundamental misunderstanding of the gospel, which calls believers to humility, self-sacrifice, and mutual love, rather than prideful boasting in human wisdom or personality. Paul's subsequent arguments emphasize that Christ was not divided, nor was anyone baptized in the name of a human leader, thereby dismantling the very foundation of their sectarianism and redirecting their focus to the unifying power of the cross.

* [Ephesians 4:3-6](/ephesians/4-3-6 "Ephesians 4:3-6 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - One Body in Christ")
* [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of 1 Corinthians 1:12 resonates powerfully with the contemporary church, serving as a timeless warning against the insidious nature of division. It challenges us to examine our own loyalties: are we more devoted to a particular preacher, denomination, theological tradition, or worship style than we are to Christ Himself and the unity of His body? This verse calls for a radical reorientation of our affections, reminding us that our primary allegiance must always be to Jesus Christ alone, who died for all believers and is the sole foundation of the church. True spiritual maturity is evidenced not by intellectual superiority or adherence to a specific leader, but by a humble commitment to the unity of the Spirit, a willingness to overlook minor differences for the sake of the gospel, and a fervent love for all who name the name of Christ. We are to celebrate our diversity within the framework of our shared identity in Christ, rather than allowing it to become a source of strife or exclusion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my church community, be susceptible to forming factions based on human leaders, theological preferences, or cultural styles?**
* **How does my personal allegiance to Christ alone impact my relationships with believers from different church backgrounds or traditions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to promote unity within my local church and the broader body of Christ, rather than contributing to division?**
* **How can I ensure that my zeal for truth does not inadvertently lead to a spirit of exclusivity or judgment towards other believers?**

### FAQ

**What was the problem with the group that claimed "I am of Christ" in 1 Corinthians 1:12?**

Answer: While proclaiming allegiance to Christ is inherently good and necessary, in the context of [1 Corinthians 1:12](/1_corinthians/1-12 "1 Corinthians 1:12 - Divisions in Corinth"), this statement was presented by Paul as another manifestation of division, not of genuine unity. It likely indicated a group that claimed exclusive spiritual superiority or a more direct, perhaps even mystical, connection to Christ, thereby using this claim to differentiate themselves from and look down upon those who followed Paul, Apollos, or Cephas. This attitude fostered pride and exclusivity, undermining the very unity that Christ embodies. Paul's point is that even a correct theological statement can be used in an unchristlike and divisive manner when applied with a spirit of judgment or elitism rather than humility and love for the entire body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 1:12, though highlighting the tragic reality of division, ultimately points to the profound Christ-centered fulfillment found in the New Covenant. The very problem Paul addresses—the fragmentation of the church around human personalities—underscores the absolute necessity of Christ as the singular, unifying head of the church. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the one in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")), the cornerstone upon which the entire spiritual edifice is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")), and the one in whom there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Him ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")). The cross, far from being a symbol of division, is the ultimate act of reconciliation, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) and bringing all believers into one body through His sacrifice ([Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciled in One Body")). Thus, the solution to Corinthian-like divisions is not a better human leader or a more refined philosophy, but a deeper, unwavering commitment to the crucified and risen Christ, who alone is the source and sustainer of true unity within His church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 3:21

¶ Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

1 Corinthians 3:23

And ye are Christ's; and Christ [is] God's.

John 1:42

And 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.

Matthew 23:9

And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Matthew 23:10

Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, [even] Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:4

For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I [am] of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

1 Corinthians 3:6

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.