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Verse Takeaways
1
Ministers are Servants, Not Stars
Commentators unanimously highlight that Paul uses the word "ministers" (diakonoi) to mean "servants." Paul and Apollos are not party leaders or celebrities to be followed, but humble instruments God uses. Some scholars note Paul asks "what," not "who," they are, emphasizing their function over their personality to discourage idolization.
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Book Overview
1 Corinthians
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Commentaries
10
Albert Barnes
On 1 Corinthians 3:5
18th Century
Theologian
Who then is Paul, and so on. (See 1 Corinthians 1:13).
Why should a party be formed that would be named after Paul? Wha…
AT Robertson
On 1 Corinthians 3:5
What then? (τ ουν; ). He does not say τις (who), but τ (what), neuter singular interrogative pronoun.
Ministers
Charles Ellicott
On 1 Corinthians 3:5
19th Century
Bishop
The Apostle now proceeds to explain (1 Corinthians 3:5–9) the true position and work of Christian ministers. He asserts that all alike—…
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Charles Spurgeon
On 1 Corinthians 3:5–9
19th Century
Preacher
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; b…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 1 Corinthians 3:5
Paul now answers the question of how Paul and Apollos should be viewed. They are simply servants, as are any other workers. No Christian worker is …
John Calvin
On 1 Corinthians 3:5
16th Century
Theologian
Who then is Paul? Here he begins to address the regard in which ministers should be held, and the purpose for which they have been set apa…
John Gill
On 1 Corinthians 3:5
17th Century
Pastor
Who then is Paul? and who is Apollos?
&c.] The apostle's name being used, and he a party concerned, could speak the …
Matthew Henry
On 1 Corinthians 3:5–9
17th Century
Minister
The ministers about whom the Corinthians contended were only instruments used by God. We should not put ministers into the place of God.