Which group of people at Corinth made up the 'I follow Peter' faction?
The group at Corinth that made up the 'I follow Peter' faction was the Jewish element. These were believing Jews who had an affinity for Peter because he was steeped in Judaism, located at Jerusalem, and connected to their background, temple worship, and Jewish heritage. They clung to Peter rather than Paul or Apollos, causing division.
Les explains that the 'I follow Peter' faction at Corinth was likely the Jewish element. He notes there were believing Jews in all these early congregations, and since Peter had been steeped in Judaism, was located at Jerusalem, and was connected to their background, they felt an affinity for him. They clung to Peter rather than Paul or Apollos because Peter was more connected to the Judaism of Jerusalem and temple worship. This caused a stark division, which Paul considered a problem.