1 Corinthians 3:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} while {G3752} one {G5100} saith {G3004}, I {G1473}{G3303} am {G1510} of Paul {G3972}; and {G1161} another {G2087}, I {G1473} am of Apollos {G625}; are {G2075} ye not {G3780} carnal {G4559}?

Complete Jewish Bible

For when one says, “I follow Sha’ul” and another, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you being merely human?

Berean Standard Bible

For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?

American Standard Version

For when one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not men?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 3:4, the Apostle Paul directly confronts the divisive spirit within the Corinthian church, highlighting the spiritual immaturity that manifests as allegiance to human leaders like himself or Apollos rather than to Christ alone. This verse serves as a rhetorical question, challenging the Corinthians to recognize that such factionalism is not a mark of spiritual maturity but rather a clear indication of their continued "carnal" or worldly mindset, hindering the unity and progress of God's work among them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation of Paul's argument against division and spiritual immaturity, which begins in [1 Corinthians 1](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians 1 - Divisions in the Church"). Paul addresses the reports of factions (e.g., "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ" in [1 Corinthians 1:12](/1_corinthians/1-12 "1 Corinthians 1:12 - Divisions and Allegiances")) by emphasizing that the message of the cross transcends human wisdom and eloquence. In [1 Corinthians 2](/1_corinthians/2 "1 Corinthians 2 - The Spirit's Wisdom"), he contrasts human wisdom with the Spirit's wisdom, setting the stage for his rebuke of their "carnal" state. Immediately preceding [1 Corinthians 3:4](/1_corinthians/3-4 "1 Corinthians 3:4 - Carnality and Division"), Paul states in [1 Corinthians 3:1-3](/1_corinthians/3-1-3 "1 Corinthians 3:1-3 - Spiritual Immaturity") that he could not speak to them as spiritual people but as "carnal" and "babes in Christ," because their conduct exhibited "envy, and strife, and divisions." Verse 4 then provides a concrete example of this carnal behavior, making the rhetorical question "are ye not carnal?" a logical and powerful conclusion to his observation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and a culture that prized rhetoric, philosophy, and social status. The city hosted the Isthmian Games and was a center for various philosophical schools, each with its own esteemed teachers and loyal followers. This cultural backdrop likely influenced the Corinthian believers, leading them to apply secular models of allegiance to their spiritual leaders, treating them like revered philosophers or charismatic orators whose followers would boast of their association. This hero-worship and competitive spirit, common in the broader Greco-Roman world, infiltrated the church, causing divisions based on personal preferences for particular preachers rather than a unified focus on the gospel message and its divine source.

* **Key Themes:** The central themes in this passage and the broader epistle include **Church Unity** versus **Factionalism**. Paul consistently champions the idea of the church as one body in Christ, where divisions based on human leaders are antithetical to its nature, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Call for Unity"). Another crucial theme is **Spiritual Maturity versus Carnality**. Paul's distinction between the "spiritual" person and the "carnal" person, as seen in [1 Corinthians 2:15](/1_corinthians/2-15 "1 Corinthians 2:15 - The Spiritual Person") and [1 Corinthians 3:1-3](/1_corinthians/3-1-3 "1 Corinthians 3:1-3 - Spiritual Immaturity"), underscores that worldly behavior and internal strife are signs of an immature, flesh-driven faith. Finally, the passage addresses the **Proper Role of Ministry**. Paul clarifies that ministers like himself and Apollos are merely servants through whom the Corinthians believed, emphasizing that "God gave the increase" ([1 Corinthians 3:6](/1_corinthians/3-6 "1 Corinthians 3:6 - God Gives the Increase")), thereby redirecting ultimate allegiance from human instruments to the divine source of all growth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **carnal (Greek, _sarkikós'_):** Derived from _sarx_ (flesh), this term (G4559) in Pauline theology refers not merely to the physical body but to the fallen, unregenerate human nature, which is inherently hostile to God and driven by worldly desires, pride, and selfish impulses. To be _sarkikós_ means to be operating according to human wisdom and natural inclinations rather than being fully guided by the Holy Spirit. In this context, it describes believers who, despite having received the Spirit, are still largely influenced by their old nature, manifesting behaviors like jealousy, strife, and division.
* **saith (Greek, _légō'_):** This verb (G3004) means to "lay forth" or relate in words, often implying a systematic or set discourse. Here, it signifies a deliberate declaration or assertion of allegiance, indicating that the Corinthians were actively stating their loyalty to specific human leaders, thereby creating distinct factions within the community.
* **another (Greek, _héteros'_):** This word (G2087) specifically denotes "another of a different kind." Its use here emphasizes that the two factions ("I am of Paul" and "I am of Apollos") represented distinct, differing parties, highlighting the divisive nature of their allegiances rather than merely indicating a second person.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For while one saith, I am of Paul;":** This clause describes the first manifestation of the Corinthian church's division. Some believers were aligning themselves exclusively with Paul, perhaps admiring his apostolic authority, his foundational work in Corinth, or his theological emphasis. This declaration of allegiance indicated a partisan spirit, elevating a human leader to a position that fostered division rather than unity.
* **"and another, I [am] of Apollos;":** This clause presents the opposing faction. Apollos, known for his eloquence and scriptural knowledge ([Acts 18:24-28](/acts/18-24-28 "Acts 18:24-28 - Apollos' Ministry")), attracted his own following. The "and another" (G1161 _dé_ and G2087 _héteros_) highlights the existence of a distinct, rival group. These declarations, though seemingly benign, were symptomatic of a deeper problem: a misplaced focus on human personalities over the unifying work of Christ.
* **"are ye not carnal?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, designed to elicit an obvious affirmative answer. Paul uses it to expose the true nature of their divisive behavior. By aligning themselves with human leaders and forming factions, the Corinthians were demonstrating that they were still operating from a "carnal" (fleshly, worldly) mindset, rather than being fully transformed and led by the Holy Spirit. It implies that such behavior is inconsistent with true spiritual maturity and the nature of the church as Christ's body.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **Literary Devices** to underscore his point. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("are ye not carnal?"), which is designed not to solicit information but to make a forceful assertion. It challenges the Corinthians to confront the logical conclusion of their actions, leaving no room for denial. The repetition of the phrase "I am of..." (an example of **Epanaphora** or **Anaphora** if it were at the beginning of clauses, but here it's a repeated structure within the clauses) highlights the uniformity of their divisive declarations, emphasizing the widespread nature of the problem. Furthermore, Paul uses **Metaphor** when he describes their state as "carnal." This isn't a literal description of their physical bodies but a spiritual assessment, using the imagery of "flesh" to represent their unredeemed, worldly nature that is prone to strife and division, contrasting it with the spiritual nature that should characterize believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of 1 Corinthians 3:4 are profound, asserting that Christian unity is not merely a desirable outcome but a fundamental characteristic of the church, rooted in its identity as God's building and God's field. When believers align themselves with human leaders rather than with Christ, they undermine the very foundation of the church and demonstrate a failure to grasp the true nature of God's work. This carnal behavior indicates a spiritual immaturity that prioritizes human wisdom, charisma, or loyalty over the unifying power of the Holy Spirit and the singular lordship of Jesus Christ. The church is meant to be a unified body, where diverse gifts and ministries serve a common purpose under the one Head, rather than splintering into competing factions.

* [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - One Body, Many Members")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of 1 Corinthians 3:4 resonates deeply with the contemporary church, serving as a timeless warning against the dangers of division and spiritual immaturity. In an age where personalities often overshadow principles, and denominational or theological distinctions can lead to sectarianism, Paul's rebuke reminds us that our ultimate allegiance must be to Jesus Christ alone. We are called to appreciate and learn from gifted leaders, but never to elevate them to a status that creates factions or diminishes the unifying reality of the body of Christ. True spiritual maturity is evidenced not by intellectual prowess or loyalty to a particular "brand" of Christianity, but by a humble spirit that seeks unity, practices love, and prioritizes the mission of Christ above personal preferences or group affiliations. When we observe envy, strife, or a "my-group-is-better" mentality within Christian circles, it should prompt a sober self-assessment, recognizing these as potential indicators of a carnal mindset that needs to yield more fully to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **To whom or what do I primarily give my allegiance within the Christian faith? Is it to a particular leader, denomination, or theological tradition, or is it unequivocally to Christ?**
* **What signs of "carnal" behavior (like envy, strife, or division) might be present in my own life or in the Christian communities I am part of?**
* **How can I actively contribute to the unity of the body of Christ, rather than inadvertently fostering division or partisanship?**
* **How do I balance appreciation for gifted spiritual leaders with the understanding that they are merely servants, and Christ alone is the foundation?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "carnal" in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "carnal" (Greek: _sarkikós_) refers to a spiritual state where believers, though regenerated, are still largely influenced by their fallen, unredeemed human nature, or "flesh" (_sarx_). It doesn't mean they are unsaved, but that their behavior, attitudes, and decisions are driven by worldly wisdom, pride, and selfish desires rather than being fully yielded to and guided by the Holy Spirit. The evidence of this carnality in Corinth was their jealousy, strife, and divisions, particularly their allegiance to human leaders like Paul or Apollos, which undermined the unity of the church.

**Why was it a problem for the Corinthians to say "I am of Paul" or "I am of Apollos"?**

Answer: Paul viewed such declarations as a significant problem because they indicated a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of the church and the role of its leaders. Firstly, it fostered division within the body of Christ, creating factions based on human personalities rather than the unifying truth of the gospel. The church is one body, with Christ as its head, and believers are united in Him, not in human teachers ([1 Corinthians 1:13](/1_corinthians/1-13 "1 Corinthians 1:13 - Is Christ Divided?")). Secondly, it elevated human instruments above God, who is the true source of all spiritual growth and increase ([1 Corinthians 3:6-7](/1_corinthians/3-6-7 "1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - God Gives the Increase")). Paul and Apollos were merely servants, co-laborers with God, not figures to whom ultimate allegiance should be given. Such hero-worship demonstrated spiritual immaturity and a worldly mindset, rather than a focus on Christ, the sole foundation ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divisions Paul confronts in 1 Corinthians 3:4 find their ultimate resolution and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very reason for factionalism—the elevation of human leaders and human wisdom—is antithetical to the truth that Christ alone is the head of the church and its sole foundation. He is the one who breaks down "the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), reconciling all believers into "one new man" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Man")) through His cross. Our identity is not "of Paul" or "of Apollos," but "in Christ" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - All One in Christ Jesus")). He is the "chief cornerstone" upon whom the entire spiritual temple is built ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")), ensuring that all growth and unity flow from Him. The call to move beyond carnal divisions is a call to fix our eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus")), recognizing that in Him, "all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Sustains All Things")) and true unity is found.

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 1:12

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.

1 Corinthians 3:3

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

1 Corinthians 4:6

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and [to] Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think [of men] above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.