While Apollos was in the city of Corinth, Paul was visiting some places on the way to the city of Ephesus. In Ephesus Paul found some followers \{of the Lord\}.
Crispus was the leader of that synagogue. Crispus and all the people living in his house believed in the Lord (Jesus). Many other people in Corinth also listened to Paul. They too believed and were baptized. {\cf2\super [365]}
All the people in Ephesus, Jews and Greeks (non-Jews), learned about this. They all began to have great respect \{for God\}. And the people gave great honor to the name of the Lord Jesus.
But look at what this man Paul is doing! Listen to what he is saying! Paul has influenced and changed many people. He has done this in Ephesus and all over the country of Asia. {\cf2\super [391]} Paul says the gods that men make are not real.
Paul had already decided not to stop at Ephesus. He did not want to stay too long in Asia. {\cf2\super [399]} He was hurrying because he wanted to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost {\cf2\super [400]} if possible.
When the elders came, Paul said to them, “You know about my life from the first day I came to Asia. {\cf2\super [402]} You know the way I lived all the time I was with you.
(The Jews said this because they had seen Trophimus with Paul in Jerusalem. Trophimus was a \{Greek\} man from Ephesus. The Jews thought that Paul had taken him into the holy area of the temple.)
This is what I mean: One of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another person says, “I follow Apollos.” Another person says, “I follow Cephas (Peter),” and another person says, “I follow Christ.”
I fought wild animals in Ephesus. If I did that only for human reasons, to satisfy my own pride, then I have gained nothing. If people are not raised from death, “Let us eat and drink, because tomorrow we die.” {\cf2\super [115]}
Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers. But he was sure that he did not want to go now. But when he has the opportunity, he will go to you.
Brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself as examples for you in these things. I did this so that you could learn from us the meaning of the words, “Follow only what the Scriptures {\cf2\super [24]} say.” Then you will not be proud of one man and hate another.