Barnes New Testament Notes

Verse 21. Therefore, etc. Paul here proceeds to apply the principles which he had stated above. Since all were ministers or servants of God; since God was the Source of all good influences; since, whatever might be the pretensions to wisdom among men, it was all foolishness in the sight of God, the inference was clear, that no man should glory in man. They were all alike poor, frail, ignorant, erring, dependent beings. And hence, also, as all wisdom came from God, and as Christians partook alike of the benefits of the instruction of the most eminent apostles, they ought to regard this as belonging to them in common, and not to form parties with these names at the head.

Let no man glory in men.1 Co 1:29. Comp. Jer 9:23,24. It was common among the Jews to range themselves under different leaders -- as Hillel and Shammai; and for the Greeks, also, to boast themselves to be the followers of Pythagoras, Zeno, Plato, etc. The same thing began to be manifest in the Christian church; and Paul here rebukes and opposes it.

For all things are your's. This is a reason why they should not range themselves in parties or factions under different leaders. Paul specifies what he means by "all things" in the following verses. The sense is, that since they had an interest in all that could go to promote their welfare; as they were common partakers of the benefits of the talents and labours of the apostles; and as they belonged to Christ, and all to God, it was improper to be split up into factions, as if they derived any peculiar benefit from one set of men, or one set of objects. In Paul, in Apollos, in life, death, etc., they had a common interest, and no one should boast that he had any special proprietorship in any of these things.

{c} "let no man glory" Jer 9:23,24