1 Corinthians 4:6 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

I have in a figure transferred, &c.— Mr. Locke and some others [see on ch. 1 Corinthians 3:4.] have hence inferred, that not Paul and Apollos, but some other persons were set up among the Corinthians for heads of parties, for whose names the Apostle substituted his own, and that of his most intimate friend. But Witsius observes, that it is probable their names were used, among some others omitted, and the figure was only this, that the names of St. Paul and Apollos were used to signify themselves, or anyothers so extolled; and when the Apostle would say, how little ministers were in themselves, he chose, out of humility and prudence, rather to take such freedom with himself, and his most particular friend, than with any others. See Witsius's Meletem. p. 104 and Elsner.