Why did some Corinthians say they followed Christ rather than Paul or Apollos?
Some in Corinth claimed to follow Christ because they believed Jesus was the one who had brought all this to pass and instituted the work of the cross. They formed another faction, thinking allegiance to Christ was warranted, yet Paul says you cannot have these divisions.
Les explains that the Corinthian situation included factions: those who followed Paul, those who followed Apollos, and those who said, "We follow Christ." He suggests they did this for much the same reason others were going to stay with Peter: they felt Jesus was the one who had more or less brought all this to pass, and it was Jesus who had instituted the work of the cross. Even so, Paul says you cannot have these divisions. The true work is that Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase; God is the final cause and gives the increase. This same pattern applies today: a witness may sow the seed, another may add understanding, and God brings salvation.
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.
More Questions
What were the different factions causing division in the Corinthian church?
In the Corinthian divisions there were three factions — those who followed Paul, those who followed Apollos, and those who said 'we follow Christ' — and the 'Christ' group was simply another faction.
What did the Corinthians who claimed 'I am of Paul' mean?
Those who said 'I am of Paul' meant that Paul was the only one who really had the truth, and they would not have anything to do with anyone else.
What arguments did the Corinthians use against Paul's apostolic authority?
The Corinthians undercut Paul's authority by arguing that Paul was all right but Peter had more authority since Peter was the big wheel in Jerusalem, that they went by what Jesus said rather than by any man, and some even appealed to Apollos.