Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on 1 Corinthians 3:5
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1 Corinthians3:5
5. Who then--Seeing then that ye severally strive so for your favorite teachers, "Who is (of what intrinsic power and dignity) Paul?" If so great an apostle reasons so of himself, how much more does humility, rather than self-seeking, become ordinary ministers!
Paul ... Apollos--The oldest manuscripts read in the reverse order, "Apollos," &c. Paul." He puts Apollos before himself in humility.
but ministers, &c.--The oldest manuscripts have no "but." "Who is Apollos ... Paul? (mere) ministers (a lowly word appropriate here, servants), by whom (not "in whom"; by whose ministrations) ye believed."
as ... Lord gave to every man--that is, to the several hearers, for it was God that "gave the increase" (1Co 3:6).
Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, 1 Corinthians 3:5. Public domain.
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