Definition: Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from 1 Corinthians 3:5. It’s a really clever and profound statement about how we should understand our relationship with God and with each other. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Paul is saying that we are acting as intermediaries between God and the people he’s teaching. He’s emphasizing that his role isn't to be the ultimate authority or solution, but rather to serve as a conduit – a bridge – for God’s grace to those who believe. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Who then is Paul…” - This refers to Paul himself. “…and who [is] Apollos…” - This refers to Apollos, the apostle who was sent to preach the gospel in cities. "...but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?” – This is the crucial part. What does it mean? Paul is saying: “We are serving you , the people who believe in Jesus, by helping you to believe! We are providing a way for you to connect with God and experience His grace.” “ministers by whom ye believed…” – This means that you – those who have faith in Jesus – are the ones who were given the opportunity to believe. We’re offering a path, a way to start your journey towards faith. "...even as the Lord gave to every man?" - This is a slightly more poetic phrase. It means that God gave this opportunity to everyone, and we are fulfilling that role by helping them to believe. In essence: Paul isn't claiming to be God. He’s acknowledging that you , through your faith in Jesus, have been given the chance to receive His love and grace. He's saying our job is to help you realize that grace is available to everyone. Why is this important? This verse highlights several key theological ideas: Responsibility: We are responsible for helping others believe. Faith as a Catalyst: Faith, in itself, is a powerful thing – it opens the door to God's blessings and helps us connect with Him. Serving Others: Our primary purpose isn’t to be the answer, but to provide a pathway for people to find their own way of connecting with the divine. Does this mean we shouldn't do anything? Absolutely not! It means that we should always strive to be helpful and supportive to those who are seeking faith. It encourages us to act as bridges, offering encouragement and guidance – but ultimately, it’s you who are the ones experiencing God's grace. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with an analogy? Discuss its significance within a specific biblical context (e.g., the early church)?