Why did some Corinthians side with Paul in the church division?
Their allegiance to Paul stemmed from the fact that he was the one who brought them out of idolatry and immorality, so they naturally felt a personal adherence to him. The division was not doctrinal but based on personalities, as Paul's converts were gained through the Holy Spirit rather than his own physical presence or oratory.
Les explains that the Corinthian church was divided not over doctrine—Paul's Gospel was in agreement—but over personalities. Paul was not a man who naturally drew people by his appearance or speech; he gained converts strictly through the working of the Holy Spirit. Some in Corinth naturally adhered to Paul because he was the one who had brought them out of their idolatry and immorality. Along came Apollos with magnetism and charisma, and he took a group that wanted little to do with Paul. Les notes this same pattern still happens when churches fall apart after a pastor leaves, showing that loyalty must be to the Word of God and to Christ, not to a man.