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Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
(1Co_3:18 to 1Co_4:13)
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 1Co_3:1-23
A. In this chapter, Paul continues to develop the characterization of the Corinthian Christians as immature as in chapter 2.
B. The personality-focused factions that are mentioned in chapter 1 are mentioned again specifically in chapter 3. This shows that chapters 1-3 are a sustained argument about human wisdom and Christian leadership.
C. Note the three groups.
1. natural man, 1Co_2:1
2. spiritual man, 1Co_3:1
3. babes in Christ, 1Co_3:1
D. 1Co_3:10-17 have long been viewed as describing individual, carnal Christians. This is possible by comparing the larger context of 1Co_1:12 through 1Co_3:4-5. Another evidence for this view would be that Paul is addressing the church (plural "you") in 1Co_3:1; 1Co_3:16. The recurrent use of "each man," "no man," "any man" in 1Co_3:10-15; 1Co_3:17-18 also gives credence to this interpretation.
However, it is also possible to relate this text to church leaders (cf. 1Co_3:10). The factious groups do not refer to all Corinthian Christians (i.e., mature of 1Co_2:6), just some of them (i.e., "men of flesh," "infants in Christ," 1Co_3:1). It is the leaders of these factious groups that Paul is comparing to himself and Apollos in 1Co_3:6-9. The immediate context relates 1Co_3:10-15 to leaders, to how they use their spiritual gifts in serving the church. This is the thrust of the warning of 1Co_3:17.
It is difficult to decide between the two views: (1) the NT does not discuss the spiritual status and consequences of carnal Christians and (2) the "destruction" of 1Co_3:17 is not clarified. 1Co_3:15; 1Co_3:17 must be held in tension. All the "ifs" in this context are first class conditional sentences, which are assumed true for the purposes of the author. 1Co_3:14 assumes they are true believers, while 1Co_3:15 assumes some will suffer the loss of all reward. The term for "test" in 1Co_3:13 implies a test resulting in approval. However, the context implies that Paul is accusing them of not understanding the gospel, of being unspiritual, jealous, and factious.
It seems best to me not to relate this text to all Christians, but also, neither to restrict it to leaders. This text specifically relates to those who promote factions and divisions within the church. All believers will give an account to God of their service to or damage to His body, the church (cf. 2Co_5:10; Gal_5:10).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. What is the difference between milk and solid food as it relates to Christian preaching?
2. Will Christians stand before God in judgment? If so, why?
3. Who is being addressed in 1Co_3:10-15?
4. Does 1Co_3:16 refer to individual believers or the church corporate?
5. What does the term "destroy" mean in 1Co_3:17? How does it relate to 1Co_3:15?
6. Does Christ's subordination to the Father, which is clearly seen in 1Co_3:23; 1Co_15:28, mean He is not deity?