John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. For while one saith, I am of Paul , etc.] This shows what their envying and strife, and divisions were about, and from whence they sprung; and which serve, to strengthen the proof, and support the charge of carnality brought against them; for when one sort made a party for Paul, and set up him as their minister above all others; and said another, I am of Apollos , preferring him for his eloquence above Paul, or any other preacher, as appears from ( 1 Corinthians 1:12) there was a third sort for Cephas, whom they cried up as superior to the other two, or any other man; and a fourth were for Christ, and despised all ministers whatever: are ye not carnal ? all this was a demonstration of it: they could never clear themselves from it, they must be convicted in their own consciences of it; to which the apostle appeals: the Alexandrian copy and the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read, are ye not men?
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-4 - The most simple truths of the gospel, as to man's sinfulness and God' mercy, repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ stated in the plainest language, suit the people better than deepe mysteries. Men may have much doctrinal knowledge, yet be mere beginner in the life of faith and experience. Contentions and quarrels abou religion are sad evidences of carnality. True religion makes me peaceable, not contentious. But it is to be lamented, that many wh should walk as Christians, live and act too much like other men. Man professors, and preachers also, show themselves to be yet carnal, by vain-glorious strife, eagerness for dispute, and readiness to despis and speak evil of others.
Greek Textus Receptus
οταν 3752 CONJ γαρ 1063 CONJ λεγη 3004 5725 V-PAS-3S τις 5100 X-NSM εγω 1473 P-1NS μεν 3303 PRT ειμι 1510 5748 V-PXI-1S παυλου 3972 N-GSM ετερος 2087 A-NSM δε 1161 CONJ εγω 1473 P-1NS απολλω 625 N-GSM ουχι 3780 PRT-I σαρκικοι 4559 A-NPM εστε 2075 5748 V-PXI-2P
Vincent's NT Word Studies
4. Another (eterov). See on Matt. vi. 24. Not merely another, numerically, but another of different affinities and prepossessions.Carnal. The best texts read anqrwpoi men. Are ye not mere men? But ministers. Omit but, and place the interrogations after Paul and Apollos, respectively, as Rev. For ministers see on Matt. xx. 26; Mark ix. 35. Servants, not heads of parties.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
3:4 {For when one saith} (hotan gar legei tis). Indefinite temporal clause with the present subjunctive of repetition (Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 972). Each instance is a case in point and proof abundant of the strife. {Of Paul} (paulou). Predicate genitive, belong to Paul, on Paul's side. {Of Apollos} (apollw). Same genitive, but the form is the so-called Attic second declension. See the nominative apollws in verse #5. {Men} (anqrwpoi). Just mere human creatures (anqrwpoi, generic term for mankind), in the flesh (sarkinoi), acting like the flesh (sarkikoi), not pneumatikoi, as if still yucikoi. It was a home-thrust. Paul would not even defend his own partisans.
