Chapter 3

2 Milk is fit for children. 3 Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind. 7 He that planteth, and he that watereth, is nothing. 9 The ministers are God’s fellowworkmen. 11 Christ the only foundation. 16 Men the temples of God, which 17 must be kept holy. 19 The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

1. Could not speak. See below under “as unto babes.”

Carnal. Gr. sarkikos, “fleshly,” “with the nature and characteristics of flesh.” Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading sarkinos, “fleshy,” “of flesh,” “rooted in the flesh.” This distinction should probably not be pressed too far. The two words may here and in v. 3 have been used with identical meaning.

As unto babes. In his labors in Corinth, Paul had adapted his methods of labor to local circumstances. He was obliged to present the gospel in a simple way because of the incapacity of the Corinthians to understand the deeper features of Christianity. He had to treat the people of Corinth as spiritual babes and to confine his teaching to the more elementary features of religion. He could not treat them as spiritually mature, qualified to grasp the fuller and deeper truths of the gospel, nor could he consider them to be free from the feelings and ambitions that control and motivate men of the world. Among them were factions and quarreling, distressing evidences that they were still responding to the promptings of the natural heart.

2. Fed. Gr. potizoµ, “to give to drink.” Compare Heb. 5:12–14; 1 Peter 2:2.

Milk. The natural food of babes. “Milk” represents the elementary principles of the gospel.

Meat. Gr. broµma, food in general, here solid food contrasted with milk. “Meat” represents the fuller and deeper truths of the gospel (see Heb. 6:1, 2).

Neither yet now. Not only were they unable to comprehend the higher mysteries of the gospel when Paul first visited Corinth, but even now as he writes this epistle they are not far enough advanced in Christian knowledge to do so.

3. Carnal. Gr. sarkikos (see on v. 1). By this term Paul did not necessarily imply that the Corinthians were wholly given over to the flesh, as were the unregenerate, but rather that they were still partly under its influence.

Envying, and strife. Gr. zeµlos kai eris, “jealousy and contention,” listed among the works of the flesh (translated “emulations” and “variance,” Gal. 5:20). The former gives rise to the latter. The spirit of jealousy and evil imaginings prevented the Holy Spirit from having full access to the hearts of the Corinthians (see AA 271; 5T 241). The desires and feelings that dominate the natural heart must be subdued by the power of Jesus before man is able to understand and appreciate the plan of salvation.

Divisions. Gr. dichostasiai (see on Rom. 16:17). Textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the omission of this word. Dichostasiai are also mentioned in Gal. 5:20 as among the works of the flesh.

4. I am of Paul. See on ch. 1:12.

Carnal. Gr.sarkikoi, “fleshly.” Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading anthroµpoi, “men,” that is, mere men.

5. Who then is Paul? Textual evidence (cf. p. 10) is divided between this and the reading, “What then is Paul?” that is, What is his peculiar position? The same division of evidence applies to “who is Apollos?” Paul is seeking to set before the people the true position of the minister of Christ. He is not called to be the leader of a schismatic party; he is simply a minister (diakonos, “servant”; see on Mark 9:35) seeking to lead his fellow men to salvation.

As the Lord gave. Probably to be understood in the light of Rom. 12:3, “according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (see comment there). It would thus refer to the Corinthians who believed as a result of the ministry of Paul and Apollos. Or Paul may have been thinking particularly about himself, Apollos, and other ministers of Christ, who, in carrying out their commission, were simply doing what was expected of them (cf. on Luke 17:10).

6. I have planted. Every one of God’s servants has his allotted task to perform. Some ministers do pioneer work, sowing the seed of the Word; others gather in the harvest. Several different instruments may be used to lead a sinner to Christ, as in the work done by a carpenter many different tools may be used to construct an article.

Gave. Literally, “was giving.” The continued blessing of God is being emphasized.

Increase. Men are only the means employed by God in His soul-winning work, and all the credit for the conversion of sinners must be given to Him (see 7T 298). Those who believe through their ministry should center their affections on Jesus and not on those through whom the gospel was imparted to them.

7. Any thing. Here is the answer to the questions raised in v. 5, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos?” (see comment there).

But God. He is everything. All success is due to His blessing. Men must not ascribe to themselves the glory for their success.

8. Are one. He who plants and he who waters are not working at cross-purposes. They are united in their aims and objectives. It is ridiculous to set them up as rival leaders.

His own reward. Each one will receive compensation that is fitting for the service he has performed in the cause of God. All the redeemed receive the basic reward of eternal life, but beyond that the blessing bestowed on the redeemed in the kingdom of glory is related to the nature of their service in this life. That there are degrees of reward in the kingdom of glory for services rendered seems to be a reasonable deduction from the parable of the Pounds (Luke 19:16–26; cf. 2T 284, 285; COL 330, 331, 363; DA 314). As stewards of God’s goods, His children are expected to use their abilities faithfully in His service. Money expended in the work of God, and talents used to witness for Him, will result in the saving of men and women eternally (see 9T 58, 59).

9. Labourers together with God. The Greek places the emphasis on “God.” The work is God’s. Men are merely the hands of the heavenly agencies. As workers in association with the great Master Workman, men must be willing to labor in His way even though that may be altogether contrary to their natural ideas (Col. 3:23). They will endeavor to cooperate fully with the Lord in carrying out His instructions. The child of God knows that his Father will never require him to do anything that is not for his best interests. This relationship of joyful cooperation is based on simple trust in the great love of the Omniscient Father. Confidence in the wisdom and love of God results in willing submission to divine guidance. Those who thus submit will be used by God as His colaborers (see 8T 172). A vision of the exalted nature of being co-workers, not with the great men of this world, but with the Creator of this world, the One by whose power the universe is maintained, makes the highest honors and greatest rewards the world can offer seem insignificant. If all would catch this vision of their exalted privilege, and act unitedly for the carrying out of God’s plans, they would move the world (see 9T 221; cf. 2T 443).

Husbandry. Gr. geoµrgion, “tilled land,” “a cultivated field.” The word does not appear elsewhere in the NT. Paul is continuing the figure begun in v. 7. The church at Corinth is represented as a field that God cultivates in order to produce fruit for His kingdom. God is the Master Husbandman.

Building. Gr. oikodomeµ from oikos, “house”, and demoµ, “to build.” Paul introduces a new metaphor. God is the Master Architect of the spiritual building of the church. Compare the use of this metaphor in Rom. 15:20; Eph. 2:20–22.

10. Grace of God. Paul acknowledged that everything he had accomplished in founding the church in Corinth had been by the favor of God. God appointed him to his work as the apostle to the Gentiles (see Acts 9:15, 16; 26:16–18; 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:1). A special feature of his work was the founding of new churches (see Rom. 15:20).

Wise. Gr. sophos, here meaning “skilled.”

Masterbuilder. Gr. architektoµn, from which our English word “architect” is derived. Architektoµn comes from the word archi, meaning “chief” (compare the term archaggelos, “archangel”), and tektoµn, “a craftsman,” derived from tiktoµ, “to beget,” “to produce.” Architektoµn occurs nowhere else in the NT, but the phrase sophos architektoµn occurs in the LXX of Isa 3:3, where the KJV reads “cunning artificer.” Paul had proceeded with the work of establishing the church by laying a firm foundation, as would a skillful architect in the erection of a building. On such a foundation other gospel workers could continue the work of building, knowing that the believers were firmly grounded in the fundamental principles of truth.

How he buildeth. Paul’s successors were to be careful how they built upon the foundation the apostle had laid. There is an implied warning also against false teachers. Paul’s work was frequently interfered with by those whose teaching was not based upon the simple truths of the gospel (see Acts 15:1, 2, 24; 2 Cor. 11:26; Gal. 1:8, 9; 2:4, 5). Not only is it essential that new converts be faithfully instructed in the basic doctrines of the church, but also that they be carefully protected against erroneous teachings of misguided fanatics who might arise.

11. Other. Gr. allos, “another [of the same kind],” “one more” (see on Gal. 1:6). There is only one Saviour. Others whom men proclaim as saviors are not “another of the same kind.” They are not saviors at all (see John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Is laid. Or, “is lying.”

12. If any man build. Paul’s primary reference is to the leaders of the church at Corinth, not all of whom were carrying on their work commendably (see on v. 10).

Gold, silver. The figure of building materials described in this verse may be understood as representing (1) the spiritual instruction of the leaders, or (2) the persons composing the building of God’s spiritual house. These two ideas are closely related and were perhaps both in the mind of Paul when he used this metaphor. Proper spiritual instruction leads to the formation of healthy Christian characters; inferior instruction, to defective characters. For the picture of church members represented as “lively stones” of a “spiritual house” see 1 Peter 2:5.

Precious stones. Durable building materials, such as granite and marble, or perhaps simply ornamental stones. If Paul meant the former, he was emphasizing durability; if the latter, preciousness. These building materials represent either sound instruction or church members of vigorous spiritual life (see above under “gold, silver”).

Wood, hay, stubble. These represent defective instruction or church members of defective experience (see above under “gold, silver”). There are many erroneous beliefs and doctrines that will not endure the searching test of God’s Word and will not contribute to the formation of characters that will endure in the judgment. There is much fanaticism, bigotry, affected humility, exaggerated attention to outward form and ceremony, frothy enthusiasm and excitement in religion, which will stand exposed in the great day of God.

13. Made manifest. The real nature of a man’s work is not always apparent in this life, but it will be revealed in its true light “when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ” (Rom. 2:16). The character of the spiritual instruction imparted will then be fully revealed in the results the teaching has produced in the lives of those who have received it. Some will be weighed and found wanting. Others will receive the crown of immortality.

The day. That is, the day of final judgment, the day of the Lord, referred to as “that day” in 1 Thess. 5:4.

Revealed by fire. Only fireproof materials are left when a building is burned down. The fire represents times of crisis, including the “hour of temptation,” that will come upon all the world “to try them that dwell upon the earth” (Rev. 3:10). The literal fires of the last day are apparently not referred to here, for the fire represents a testing work and men may be saved who pass through it (see 1 Cor. 3:14, 15. In times of trouble the real nature of the faith of God’s professed children will be made manifest. If they are truly converted and have been thoroughly indoctrinated with the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, the fires of persecution and trial will only cause their faith to grow stronger and their love for the Lord to shine out more brightly. If, on the other hand, they have received faulty instruction, composed of a mixture of human philosophy and worldly compromise, their faith will not stand the test of trouble, and they will fall away from Christ and His church. Only those who have built faithfully on the true foundation, Jesus Christ, and have used durable materials will see their work endure to the end.

14. Work abide. See on v. 13.

Receive a reward. See on v. 8.

15. Shall be burned. He who does not build wisely by following closely the instruction of the Master Builder will see his work destroyed (see Matt. 7:26, 27). He may repent of his poor workmanship and be accepted by God, but the results of his faulty work will not be changed. They will remain, an eternal loss to the unfaithful builder. By his words and deeds a man may misrepresent the teachings of Jesus and thereby sow seeds of doubt, evil surmising, and love of the world. By his influence he may cause many souls to turn away from the pure gospel and accept error. He may later recognize the wrong he has done and repent sincerely. God will forgive him and save him. But because of his faulty building, souls will be outside the kingdom. Thus even though he is saved, others will be eternally lost (see Gal. 6:7; 5T 429).

Himself shall be saved. A superficial reading of vs. 12–15 has led some to the erroneous conclusion that Paul here teaches the individual predestination, irrespective of personal choice. That such is not the case becomes evident upon a careful reading of the context (vs. 3–15). The apostle here discusses his labors as an apostle and those of other “ministers” (v. 5) who had served the church at Corinth. The “reward” here spoken of (v. 8) is a reward for service rendered in the gospel ministry, not for one’s personal life as a Christian. For comment on Bible predestination see on John 3:17–20; Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:4–6.

By fire. Literally, “through fire,” here apparently a figure representing a narrow escape. The man who builds on the foundation of wood, hay, stubble, may at the last moment of probation repent and be saved, but how tragic his wasted life The eleventh-hour repentance of the lifelong blunderer may be accepted but what a poor, maimed offering he has to present (see 3T 165)

16. Temple. Gr. naos, a word used by the ancient Greeks to describe the innermost cell or shrine in the temple, where the image of the heathen god was placed. In the NT naos, distinguishes the Temple building from the Temple complex—the Temple and related structures—the hieron (cf. on Matt. 4:5).

Paul turns his attention to those who constitute the spiritual building. Collectively they make up the spiritual temple of God in which resides the Spirit of God. Paul is here speaking primarily of the church and is warning his successors at Corinth against bringing injury to the church in any way (1 Cor. 3:17). It is true, of course, that the individual Christian is also the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, but this thought is given primary emphasis in ch. 6:19, 20 (see comment there).

17. Defile. Gr. phtheiroµ, the word translated “destroy” later in this verse. This word play in the Greek is preserved in the English by translating both occurrences of phtheiroµ by “destroy”: “If any man destroy the temple of God, him shall God destroy.” Paul’s warning is primarily directed toward those who by their schismatic policy were destroying the Corinthian church. In a secondary sense Paul’s warning may be understood as applying to the individual believer who himself is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, although this feature is more directly dealt with in ch. 6:19 (see comment there). It is a fearful thing to bring injury to the church of God. Those who by word or example tear down that which God has built up are denounced as worthy of the most severe punishment.

Which temple. The word “temple” has been supplied, and probably correctly so, although grammatically “which” may refer to “holy,” so as to make the clause read, “of which holy character ye are.” The idea would then be that, even as the building in which the presence of God was manifested was holy, so are believers in whom the Holy Spirit dwells.

18. Deceive himself. The Greek implies that deceived persons, such as are here described, were parading their wisdom in the Corinthian church. Paul urged these self-deluded, self-styled “wise” members to practice humility and to cease relying upon their supposed wisdom (cf. Prov. 3:5, 6). Their dependence upon their own learning and knowledge had led to the confusion that existed in the church. Those who have the reputation among men of being wise are in particular danger of self-exaltation, and need to humble themselves before God in grateful acknowledgment that all true wisdom comes from Him.

Seemeth to be wise. Rather, “thinks that he is wise.”

Become a fool. Both in his own eyes and in the eyes of the world. Let him realize that his opinion of himself as a wise man is a deception, and that his so-called wisdom is valueless in relation to salvation. Let him humbly submit himself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, even though he may be regarded by the world as a fool. If he does this, then he will obtain true wisdom, that which comes from God alone.

19. Wisdom of this world. All the efforts of men to find peace and happiness apart from God are doomed to failure. The study of human philosophy does not lead to God, but to the exaltation of the creature. The vain, self-confident opinions of the Greeks regarding religion are looked upon by God as folly (see ch. 1:19–21). God sees the imperfection of all human wisdom, for He sees everything as it really is. Anything that men seek to add to the simple gospel of Jesus is naturally marked by their own imperfect appreciation of the mind of God. The false teachers who had troubled the church at Corinth doubtless mixed their own speculations with the Scriptures.

It is written. A quotation from Job 5:13 (see comment there).

Their own craftiness. However cunning, clever, or skillful men may consider themselves to be, they cannot improve upon the Word of God. They cannot deceive God, nor can they produce a better plan than the divine plan. God can defeat their purposes and bring their plans to nothing. He does this by permitting them to demonstrate their folly and become entangled or ensnared by it (cf. Job 5:12; Isa. 8:10). The many different theological systems and religious philosophies found in the Christian world today illustrate the force of this statement.

20. Again. A quotation from Ps. 94:11.

They are vain. By contrast the man who gladly recognizes his insufficiency and submits to the guidance of the Holy Spirit has true wisdom (see Ps. 94:12; Prov. 3:5–8).

21. Therefore. Paul now proceeds to state the conclusion drawn from the preceding arguments. Because true wisdom does not come from any man, whoever he may be, but from God, there is no reason why any believer should exalt the human agent whom God uses to impart truth.

22. All are your’s. The line of argument used here is based on the truth that the believer, by virtue of creation as well as of salvation, belongs, through Christ, to God (see Ps. 100:2–4; Acts 20:28; Rom. 14:8; Eph. 1:14; 1 Peter 2:9). God is owner of all things whether animate or inanimate, and the things that He has made are intended to be for the blessing of His redeemed people (see MB 110, 111). All apostles, prophets, ministers, or any other type of messenger whom He uses, serves the entire church, not merely one section of it. Therefore it is wrong to claim allegiance to any particular leader or agent such as Paul or Apollos. They are only the instruments whom God uses to accomplish His purposes on earth. The attention of believers must be fixed upon God and upon Jesus, from whom, as God, all wisdom comes (see Col. 2:2, 3). In the beginning of this world’s history God placed man in a perfect earth, where everything was planned for his welfare, happiness, and enjoyment. But sin entered, bringing with it death and suffering. God overruled the efforts of Satan to destroy the human race. All has been marred by sin, but the things of earth are provided by the Father for the benefit of His children (cf. Rom. 8:28).

23. Ye are Christ’s. This is the grand climax to which Paul has been directing his argument. If all the believers belong to Christ, there must be only one great party in the church, not many groups. It is the statement of the grand unity that our Saviour desires to see in His church and which will ultimately exist (see John 17:9–11, 21, 23; Eph. 4:13).

Christ is God’s. Compare chs. 11:3; 15:28. See on John 1:1; see Additional Note on John 1.

Ellen G. White comments

1, 2 AA 271; Ev 369

1–23TM 483

3     3T 343; 5T 241

3–99T 197

4–7AA 274

6     AA 272; ChS 260; Ev 150; GW 252; TM 54, 404; 1T 75, 380; 4T 529; 5T 381; 7T 298

8, 9AA 275; 1T 432

9     AA 56; AH 212, 259; CD 303; CE 70; CH 372; ChS 9, 21, 84, 179, 234, 253; CM 154; COL 82, 146, 402; CS 23, 52, 300; CSW 106, 120, 176; CT 22, 210, 409, 451, 452; Ed 138; Ev 95, 106, 159, 291, 685; FE 161, 194, 214, 218, 262, 325, 397, 463, 527; GW 73; ML 304, 305; MM 9, 125, 192, 217, 297; MYP 47, 211; PP 595; Te 65; TM 122, 145, 187, 209, 254, 312, 347, 379, 406, 493, 495; 1T 381; 4T 536; 5T 515, 726, 731; 6T 49, 51, 187, 232, 335, 374, 420, 423; 7T 39, 67, 94, 184, 191, 236, 272; 8T 170, 172, 197, 240; 9T 86, 103, 109, 152, 220, 221; WM 120, 223, 244, 309

9, 10    AA 303

9–138T 173

10, 11  GC 56

10–13AA 596; EW 27

11   AA 475; CT 62; DA 413; Ed 30; GW 307; MB 149; 2T 145; 5T 270; 8T 297

11–13PK 409; 3T 444; 4T 318; WM 155

11–15AA 599; CT 222; 1T 125

12   AH 417; CW 17, 47; Ev 213; FE 168, 169, 446, 452; ML 89; MM 319; MYP 44, 318; PK 36; 5T 32

12, 13  Ev 256; 4T 656; 5T 352; 8T 206

13   1T 98, 383; 5T 466

14   5T 467; 9T 285

15   CT 392; Ev 213; FE 397; MYP 419; 8T 102

16   DA 100; FE 466; MH 271; ML 88, 137

16, 17  CG 448; CH 41, 622; DA 161; Ed 36; MH 281, 288; Te 142; 2T 353; 3T 372

17   CD 131, 414; Ed 201; FE 427; MYP 242; PP 362, 462; Te 62, 64, 65, 79; 4T 33, 570

18   FE 449

18, 19  FE 130

19   COL 258; CW 102; FE 406, 414; ML 111; 2T 129; 4T 560; 6T 318; 7T 257

21   MB 110

21–23AA 280

22, 23DA 288

23   AA 306; MB 110