3:1 brothers The Greek word used here, adelphoi, collectively refers to both male and female believers.

as to spiritual people Paul’s inability to address the Corinthian believers as spiritual people does not mean they do not have the Spirit; rather, they are conducting themselves like people who do not have the Spirit. Paul must address them accordingly so that they will understand and repent.

to fleshly people The Corinthian believers are immature in their faith; Paul must address them as though they are still led by their own nature (choices) rather than the Spirit. Compare 2:14 and note.

to infants Implies immaturity. The Corinthian believers demonstrated their immaturity through divisiveness and failure to grasp the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross. Paul asserts that such behavior is inappropriate for those in Christ (see note on 2:6).

3:2 milk Probably refers to the original gospel message that the Corinthian believers accepted (2:6–16)—God’s salvation revealed through the crucified messiah, Jesus.

solid food Involves the same basic content as “milk” (i.e., the gospel message), but with a more full and descriptive treatment (1 Cor 2:6–13).

3:3 fleshly Emphasizes the Corinthian believers’ immoral behavior, first mentioned in 1:11. The Greek word used here, sarkikos, refers to what is physical or earthly in contrast to what is spiritual; here, it refers specifically to the Corinthians’ behavior. Paul does not fault them for being human, but he does fault them for their unethical conduct. As people who assume they are wise, they should have known to behave better.

Spirit and Flesh in Paul’s Letters

there is jealousy and strife Two actions that harm the unity of the Church (compare 2 Cor 12:20; Gal 5:20); both are characteristic of sophists.

3:4 I am with Paul See note on 1 Cor 1:12.

3:5 Apollos See note on 1:12.

Servants See note on Rom 1:1; compare note on 1 Tim 4:6.

through whom you believed The Corinthian believers heard and received the gospel message from both Paul and Apollos (see Acts 18:11, 27–28).

3:6 I planted Paul uses an agricultural metaphor to explain that different leaders have different roles in the growth of the church. Paul was responsible for founding the Corinthian church (2 Cor 10:14). Since these ministries are interdependent, each one is important.

watered Refers to the instruction of the church community (Acts 18:27–28).

God was causing it to grow Identifies God as the source of maturity in the faith. Paul directs the Corinthian believers to God, the source of life and unity. In doing so, he casts himself and Apollos as servants of God.

3:8 are one Paul and Apollos share a unity of purpose in their work among the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:10).

reward God will reward Paul and Apollos for strengthening the faith of the church community. Their reward may include sharing in the joy of their master or receiving praise from God (Matt 25:21; 1 Cor 4:5).

3:9 field Represents the people of God, among whom His servants labor (compare 2 Cor 10:13–16). The church community also displays the Holy Spirit’s power to give life and bring growth (1 Cor 3:16).

God’s building Presents a unified picture of the church community. In vv. 16–17, Paul describes the Corinthian believers as the temple of God.

3:10 the grace of God given to me Refers to God enabling the Apostle Paul to plant new churches, especially the one in Corinth.

master builder Refers to the person who directs a construction project.

a foundation Figuratively refers to Jesus Christ (2:2; 3:11), who is essential to the stability of the church community.

how he is building upon it Refers to instruction for the believers’ growth in being Christlike (see Acts 18:27–28).

3:12 gold, silver, precious stones, wood, grass, straw The six items listed here collectively represent building materials that are compatible with the foundation of the building—Jesus Christ. The ot lists gold, silver, and precious stones as building materials of the temple, which Paul mentions in 1 Cor 3:16–17 (e.g., 1 Chr 22:14–16; 29:2; 2 Chr 3:6).

3:13 day See note on 1 Cor 1:8; note on 1 Thess 5:2.

with fire Symbolizes testing and judgment. This judgment does not refer to a person’s salvation, but to the quality of work done by those who labor on the foundation of Jesus Christ.

the fire itself will test Fire consumes combustible and worthless materials such as wood, grass, and straw (1 Cor 3:12). Though “fire” may purify or refine the quality of something, in this context it tests and exposes the quality of the builder’s materials.

3:14 receive a reward A builder only received payment upon the completion of a project. Although Paul does not specify the reward here, it may include greater responsibility (Matt 25:21), praise from God (1 Cor 4:5), and the satisfaction of having one’s work endure testing by fire.

3:15 he will suffer loss Implies that the builders (leaders or teachers) will not receive payment because their work was consumed. These builders didn’t use sound instruction. Instead, they used their own wisdom, which resulted in the weakening of believers rather than their strengthening and growth (compare v. 12 and note).

but so as through fire As in v. 13, the nature of this fire is evaluative, not punitive.

3:16 God’s temple Extending his metaphor from v. 9, Paul now calls the Corinthian congregation “God’s temple”—the location of His presence in the Spirit in that city.

in you Paul uses the plural form of a Greek term to emphasize that the entire Church community is God’s temple (His dwelling place on earth), not just select individuals.

3:17 destroys A result of disputes and poor teaching. See note on 1 Cor 3:15.

God’s temple See note on v. 16.

God will destroy this one God’s wrath will come upon those who attempt to destroy His metaphorical temple—the Corinthian church. Specifically, Paul is likely thinking of those who caused divisions within congregation (1:11–13; 3:4).

3:18 a fool See note on 1:18.

3:19 wisdom of this world See note on 1:20.

one who catches Paul is asserting that the “wise” are really without understanding, a point he makes similarly in 2:8. Compare Job 5:13.

3:20 they are futile Paul quotes Psalm 94:11 to disparage human wisdom.

3:21 let no one boast Paul’s instruction echoes Jer 9:24 (see note on 1 Cor 1:31). The Corinthian believers must no longer identify themselves by the ministers they prefer, because it is causing rivalry and strife in the community.

all things are yours Paul reminds them that the ministers actually belong to the people being taught, not the other way around (v. 22). Paul subverts the Corinthians’ allegiance to individual leaders (being “of” a particular leader) by reminding them that they are all “of Christ” (v. 23).

3:22 Paul or Apollos or Cephas See note on 1:12.