Creator, Father, King #275

It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.

WHEN THE APOSTLE PAUL started the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey, little did he know what it would take to shepherd those former pagans to godliness. With all their spiritual immaturities, they certainly gave the great missionary-pastor a run for his money!

In 1 Corinthians 3, we even see that they argued about which Christian leader of that day was the best to follow—Paul, Peter, or Apollos (who arrived in Corinth after Paul left to further teach the believers). Here’s a transcript of their debates:

Corinthian No. 1: I follow Apollos! He’s all the rage nowadays. The young, fiery Alexandrian really knows his Old Testament, and he’s a great public speaker. Did you hear how he talked gospel-filled circles around the Jews in Ephesus? Booyah!

Corinthian No. 2: Pffft! That’s nothing. Paul’s been doing that for years! He’s so old-school. Did Apollos see the risen Savior like Paul did on the road to Damascus? . . . All I hear are crickets, bro. Case closed. I follow Paul.

Corinthian No. 3: Puh-lease. This shouldn’t even be up for debate. I’ve barely heard of Apollos, and Paul seems unimpressive in person. Besides, were Apollos and Paul part of Jesus’ twelve disciples? Nope. But guess who was? My man, Cephas—‘the Rock’! It’s Peter for the win!

Okay, perhaps that’s a loose—very loose—paraphrase of the actual conversation the ancient Corinthians had. But you get the point.

Sadly, the church at Corinth had elevated man instead of God.

What’s It Mean?

God’s church isn’t about a small, elite group of super-Christians. The church is the worldwide “bride” (Revelation 19:7), and the focus should be on the “Bridegroom”—Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:1-13). He is the “Cornerstone” on which the entire church is built (Ephesians 2:19-21).

Paul knew this. That’s why instead of comparing himself to Apollos or Peter, he admonished the Corinthians with today’s verse and 1 Corinthians 3:21: “Don’t boast about following a particular human leader.”

There are many highly skilled pastors, authors, and other Christian leaders today. Learn from them. Gain godly wisdom from them. However, don’t build your hope on them.

Humans are apt to fail. But God never does. Put your hope in the Lord. Exalt him, not his servants. Follow Christ, the Great Shepherd, and he will never fail you.

Now What?

Whenever you hear a sermon, listen to a Christian podcast, read a spiritual book, etc., always test it against Scripture (1 John 4:1-6).

Did You Know?

You can learn more about Apollos in Acts 18:24-28.