Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:12

What does 1 Corinthians 1:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 1:12 means

Paul exposes the party slogans: some claim “I am of Paul,” others “of Apollos,” others “of Cephas,” and others “of Christ.” Attaching to different teachers can seem spiritual, but it fractures the body when loyalty to a leader replaces loyalty to the Lord. Even the “of Christ” group can be divisive if it uses Jesus’ name to disdain fellow believers. The problem is not esteem for faithful servants, but elevating them as banners of identity. Paul spotlights how personal preference and cultural admiration for rhetoric or pedigree can displace the unity that comes from belonging to one Savior, under one gospel, within one church.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

That is, that some of you say, I am of Paul; some say, I am of Apollos; some say, I am of Cephas; and some say, I am Christ's.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I say this, that each one of you saith, `I, indeed, am of Paul' --`and I of Apollos,' --`and I of Cephas,' --`and I of Christ.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now this I say, that every one of you saith: I indeed am of Paul; and I am of Apollo; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I speak of this, that each of you says, I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ.

Context

This follows the report of quarrels (verse 11) by naming the factions. Next, Paul will dismantle the logic of such divisions with sharp questions (verse 13). He will then minimize his own role as a baptizer (verses 14–16) and emphasize his commission to preach the cross without dependence on rhetorical show (verse 17). This paves the way for the larger theological argument that God’s wisdom is displayed in the crucified Christ, not in human leaders or styles (verses 18–25).

v.11For it hath been signified unto me concerning you, my brethren, by them that are of the household of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

v.12This passage

v.13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized into the name of Paul?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6

    But thisI say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:50

    Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

  • Acts 18:24

    Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the scriptures.

  • John 1:42

    He brought him unto Jesus. Jesus looked upon him, and said, Thou art Simon the son of John: thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation, Peter).

  • 1 Corinthians 15:5

    and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve;

  • 1 Corinthians 16:12

    But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not at all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.

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