Introduction and background to the letter. Paul first addresses factionalism within the church. Paul had planted the church earlier (Acts 18) and guided it for 18 months before moving on. Apollos had then come along and continued to teach there. Apparently, some new Christians had come to believe that there was some conflict between the two. Paul denies that, comparing himself to a foundation builder and Apollos to the one who erects an edifice on the prepared foundation.