1 Corinthians 3:4

is parl [486] to 1 Corinthians 3:3. The protasis, ὅταν γὰρ κ. τ. λ., restates in concreto the charge made in ὅπου γὰρ κ. τ. λ.; while the interr [487] apodosis, οὐκ ἄνθρωποί ἐστε; gathers into a word the reproach of the foregoing οὐχὶ σαρκικοί ἐστε κ. τ. λ.: where and when the Cor [488] act in the manner stated, they justify P. in treating them as “carnal”. To say “Are you not men ?” is at once to accuse and to excuse: see parls.; also 'adâm (mere man) as distinguished from 'îsh (Isaiah 2:9, etc.); cf. Xenoph., Anab., vi., 1. 26, Ἐγώ, ὦ ἄνδρες, ἥδομαι μὲν ὑπὸ ὑμῶν τιμώμενος, εἴπερ ἄνθρωπός εἰμι; Cyrop., vii., 2. 4; and the familiar saying, Humanum est errare. ὅταν γὰρ λέγῃ τις : “For whenever any one says” (pr [489] sbj [490] of recurring contingency); every such utterance shows you to be men. On Ἐγὼ … Παύλου, see note to 1 Corinthians 1:12. The Ap. refers to the Pauline and Apollonian parties only: (1) Because they suffice, by way of example, to make good his point; (2) the main cause of strife, viz., the craving for λόγος σοφίας, lay between these two parties; (3) P. avoided bringing Cephas' name into controversy, while he deals freely with that of his friend and disciple, Apollos, now with him (1 Corinthians 16:12).

[486] parallel.

[487]nterr. interrogative.

[488] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[489] present tense.

[490] subjunctive mood.