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1 Corinthians 3

BSB·23 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, IΚἀγώKagō — And I; I also; even IG2504 — Full Word Study → could notἠδυνήθηνēdynēthēn — To be able; to have power or capacityG1410 — Full Word Study → addressλαλῆσαιlalēsai — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → spiritualπνευματικοῖςpneumatikois — Spiritual; of or pertaining to the SpiritG4152 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλ’all’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → worldlyσαρκίνοιςsarkinois — Made of flesh; fleshly or carnalG4560 — Full Word Study →asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → infantsνηπίοιςnēpiois — infant, small child, or one who is spiritually immatureG3516 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστῷChristō — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →. 2I gave youἐπότισαepotisa — to give drink to; to water or irrigateG4222 — Full Word Study → milkγάλαgala — milk; sustenance for infantsG1051 — Full Word Study →, notοὐou — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → solid foodβρῶμαbrōma — Food; solid nourishment; sustenanceG1033 — Full Word Study →, forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → you were not yet ready for solid food. In factἈλλ’All’ — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study →, you are still not readyδύνασθεdynasthe — To be able; to have power or capacityG1410 — Full Word Study →, 3forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → you areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → stillἔτιeti — Still, yet, furthermore; continuation or additionG2089 — Full Word Study → worldlyσαρκικοίsarkikoi — fleshly, carnal, worldlyG4559 — Full Word Study →. Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → since there is jealousyζῆλοςzēlos — Zealous devotion or passionate intensityG2205 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → dissensionἔριςeris — Quarreling, contention, strifeG2054 — Full Word Study → amongἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, are youἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐχὶouchi — A strong emphatic negation; 'not!' or 'no!'G3780 — Full Word Study → worldlyσαρκικοίsarkikoi — fleshly, carnal, worldlyG4559 — Full Word Study →? Are you not walkingπεριπατεῖτεperipateite — to walk, to conduct oneself, to liveG4043 — Full Word Study → in the way ofκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → manἄνθρωπονanthrōpon — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study →? 4Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → whenὅτανhotan — whenever, at the time when, as soon asG3752 — Full Word Study → one of you saysλέγῃlegē — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study →, “IἘγὼEgō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → follow PaulΠαύλουPaulou — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study →,” andδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → anotherἕτεροςheteros — another, different, otherG2087 — Full Word Study →, “IἘγὼEgō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → follow Apollos,” are youἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → notοὐκouk — No, not, negation particleG3756 — Full Word Study → mere menἄνθρωποίanthrōpoi — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study →? 5WhatΤίTi — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → thenοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → ApollosἈπολλῶςApollōs — Mighty man; destroyerG625 — Full Word Study →? Andδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → whatτίti — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → PaulΠαῦλοςPaulos — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study →? They are servants throughδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → whomὧνhōn — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → you believedἐπιστεύσατεepisteusate — to believe, trust, have faith inG4100 — Full Word Study →, asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → LordΚύριοςKyrios — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → has assignedἔδωκενedōken — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → to each his role. 6Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → planted the seed and Apollos watered it, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → made it grow. 7Soὥστεhōste — so that, with the result that, thereforeG5620 — Full Word Study → neitherοὔτεoute — neither; nor; not evenG3777 — Full Word Study → he whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → plantsφυτεύωνphyteuōn — to plant or establishG5452 — Full Word Study → norοὔτεoute — neither; nor; not evenG3777 — Full Word Study → he whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → watersποτίζωνpotizōn — to give drink to; to water or irrigateG4222 — Full Word Study → isἐστίνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → anythingτιti — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study →, but only GodΘεόςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → makes things grow. 8He whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → plantsφυτεύωνphyteuōn — to plant or establishG5452 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → he whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → watersποτίζωνpotizōn — to give drink to; to water or irrigateG4222 — Full Word Study → areεἰσινeisin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → one in purpose, andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → eachἕκαστοςhekastos — eachG1538 — Full Word Study → will be rewardedλήμψεταιlēmpsetai — to take, receive, or obtainG2983 — Full Word Study → according toκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → his ownἴδιονidion — one's own; private; personalG2398 — Full Word Study → laborκόπονkopon — Physical or spiritual labor; strenuous work and effortG2873 — Full Word Study →. 9Forγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → we areἐσμενesmen — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → fellow workersσυνεργοίsynergoi — Fellow worker; collaborative laborer in ministryG4904 — Full Word Study →; you areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → fieldγεώργιονgeōrgion — farm, field, or cultivated landG1091 — Full Word Study →, God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → buildingοἰκοδομήoikodomē — Building, edification, constructionG3619 — Full Word Study →. 10ByΚατὰKata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → graceχάρινcharin — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study → GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → has givenδοθεῖσάνdotheisan — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, I laidἔθηκαethēka — To place, set, or lay downG5087 — Full Word Study → a foundation asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → an expertσοφὸςsophos — wise, possessing wisdom or prudenceG4680 — Full Word Study → builderἀρχιτέκτωνarchitektōn — Master builder or chief architectG753 — Full Word Study →, andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → someone elseἄλλοςallos — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study → is building on it. Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → each oneἕκαστοςhekastos — eachG1538 — Full Word Study → must be carefulβλεπέτωblepetō — to see, look at, perceive, bewareG991 — Full Word Study → howπῶςpōs — how? in what manner? by what means?G4459 — Full Word Study → he buildsἐποικοδομεῖepoikodomei — to build upon; to construct on a foundationG2026 — Full Word Study →. 11Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → no oneοὐδεὶςoudeis — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study → canδύναταιdynatai — To be able; to have power or capacityG1410 — Full Word Study → layθεῖναιtheinai — To place, set, or lay downG5087 — Full Word Study → aἄλλονallon — another, other, different oneG243 — Full Word Study → foundationθεμέλιονthemelion — Foundation; foundational basis or groundG2310 — Full Word Study → other thanπαρὰpara — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study → the one already laidκείμενονkeimenon — to lie, be laid, be appointedG2749 — Full Word Study →, whichὅςhos — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦςIēsous — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστόςChristos — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →. 12IfΕἰEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → buildsἐποικοδομεῖepoikodomei — to build upon; to construct on a foundationG2026 — Full Word Study → onἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → this foundationθεμέλιονthemelion — Foundation; foundational basis or groundG2310 — Full Word Study → using gold, silverἄργυρονargyron — silver; precious metal or moneyG696 — Full Word Study →, preciousτιμίουςtimious — of great value; precious; highly esteemedG5093 — Full Word Study → stonesλίθουςlithous — Stone; rock; precious stoneG3037 — Full Word Study →, woodξύλαxyla — wood; wooden object; treeG3586 — Full Word Study →, hayχόρτονchorton — grass, vegetation, herbageG5528 — Full Word Study →, or straw, 13hisἑκάστουhekastou — eachG1538 — Full Word Study → workmanshipἔργονergon — Work, deed, or action; labor or taskG2041 — Full Word Study → will beγενήσεταιgenēsetai — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → evidentφανερὸνphaneron — visible, evident, manifest, openly knownG5318 — Full Word Study →, becauseγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Dayἡμέραhēmera — A 24-hour period; time; eraG2250 — Full Word Study → will bring it to lightδηλώσειdēlōsei — To make clear, reveal, or declare plainlyG1213 — Full Word Study →. It will be revealedἀποκαλύπτεταιapokalyptetai — to uncover, reveal, or disclose hidden thingsG601 — Full Word Study → withἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → fireπυρὶpyri — Fire; flame; burningG4442 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → fireπῦρpyr — Fire; flame; burningG4442 — Full Word Study → will proveδοκιμάσειdokimasei — To test, examine, or approve after scrutinyG1381 — Full Word Study → the qualityὁποῖόνhopoion — What kind of; what sort of; such asG3697 — Full Word Study → of eachἑκάστουhekastou — eachG1538 — Full Word Study → man’s workἔργονergon — Work, deed, or action; labor or taskG2041 — Full Word Study →. 14Ifεἴei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → what he has builtἐποικοδόμησενepoikodomēsen — to build upon; to construct on a foundationG2026 — Full Word Study → survivesμενεῖmenei — to remain, stay, abide, endureG3306 — Full Word Study →, he will receiveλήμψεταιlēmpsetai — to take, receive, or obtainG2983 — Full Word Study → a rewardμισθὸνmisthon — Wages, reward, or payment for laborG3408 — Full Word Study →. 15Ifεἴei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → it is burned upκατακαήσεταιkatakaēsetai — to burn up, consume by fireG2618 — Full Word Study →, he will suffer lossζημιωθήσεταιzēmiōthēsetai — to suffer loss, be forfeited, or ruinedG2210 — Full Word Study →. He himselfαὐτὸςautos — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → will be savedσωθήσεταιsōthēsetai — To save, rescue, or deliver from danger or harmG4982 — Full Word Study →, but onlyδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → as ifὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → the flames. 16Do you not knowοἴδατεoidate — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → you yourselves areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → templeναὸςnaos — inner sanctuary of a temple; holy of holiesG3485 — Full Word Study →, and thatκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → SpiritΠνεῦμαPneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → dwellsοἰκεῖoikei — to inhabit, dwell, or reside in a placeG3611 — Full Word Study → in«ἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖν»hymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →? 17Ifεἴei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → anyoneτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → destroysφθείρειphtheirei — To corrupt, destroy, or ruinG5351 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → templeναὸνnaon — inner sanctuary of a temple; holy of holiesG3485 — Full Word Study →, GodΘεόςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → will destroyφθερεῖphtherei — To corrupt, destroy, or ruinG5351 — Full Word Study → himτοῦτονtouton — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study →; forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → templeναὸςnaos — inner sanctuary of a temple; holy of holiesG3485 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → holyἅγιόςhagios — Set apart for God; morally pure and sacredG40 — Full Word Study →, and you areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → that temple. 18Let no one deceiveἐξαπατάτωexapatatō — to deceive thoroughly; to beguile or lead astrayG1818 — Full Word Study → himselfἑαυτὸνheauton — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study →. Ifεἴei — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → anyτιςtis — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → ofἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → thinksδοκεῖdokei — to seem, appear, or think; to suppose or judgeG1380 — Full Word Study → he isεἶναιeinai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → wiseσοφὸςsophos — wise, possessing wisdom or prudenceG4680 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → thisτούτῳtoutō — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → ageαἰῶνιaiōni — An age, era, or eternal period of timeG165 — Full Word Study →, he should becomeγενέσθωgenesthō — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → a foolμωρὸςmōros — foolish, senseless, lacking wisdomG3474 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → he may becomeγένηταιgenētai — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → wiseσοφόςsophos — wise, possessing wisdom or prudenceG4680 — Full Word Study →. 19Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → thehē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wisdomσοφίαsophia — Wisdom; divine insight and practical understandingG4678 — Full Word Study → of thisτούτουtoutou — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → worldκόσμουkosmou — The world; the cosmos; the system of humanity opposed to GodG2889 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → foolishnessμωρίαmōria — foolishness, senselessness, lack of wisdomG3472 — Full Word Study → in God’s sightπαρὰpara — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study →. As it is writtenγέγραπταιgegraptai — to write or compose in written formG1125 — Full Word Study →: “HeHo — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → catchesδρασσόμενοςdrassomenos — to seize, grasp, or catch hold ofG1405 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wiseσοφοὺςsophous — wise, possessing wisdom or prudenceG4680 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theirαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → craftinessπανουργίᾳpanourgia — cunning craftiness or deceitful schemingG3834 — Full Word Study →.” 20Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → againπάλινpalin — again; once more; in returnG3825 — Full Word Study →, “The Lord knowsγινώσκειginōskei — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → thoughtsδιαλογισμοὺςdialogismous — internal reasoning, doubt, or mental deliberationG1261 — Full Word Study → of theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wiseσοφῶνsophōn — wise, possessing wisdom or prudenceG4680 — Full Word Study → areεἰσὶνeisin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → futileμάταιοιmataioi — futile, empty, worthlessG3152 — Full Word Study →.” 21ThereforeὭστεHōste — so that, with the result that, thereforeG5620 — Full Word Study →, stopμηδεὶςmēdeis — no one, nothing, not anyG3367 — Full Word Study → boastingκαυχάσθωkauchasthō — to boast, glory, or take pride in somethingG2744 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → menἀνθρώποιςanthrōpois — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study →. All thingsπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → areἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → yoursὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, 22whetherεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → PaulΠαῦλοςPaulos — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study → orεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → ApollosἈπολλῶςApollōs — Mighty man; destroyerG625 — Full Word Study → orεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → CephasΚηφᾶςKēphas — A stone or rockG2786 — Full Word Study → orεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → the worεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study →ld or lifeζωὴzōē — Life, living existence, vitalityG2222 — Full Word Study → orεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → deathθάνατοςthanatos — Death; the state or condition of being deadG2288 — Full Word Study → orεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → the presentἐνεστῶταenestōta — to be present; to stand by or at handG1764 — Full Word Study → orεἴτεeite — whether; if; or (disjunctive conjunction)G1535 — Full Word Study → the futureμέλλονταmellonta — to be about to, intend, be destinedG3195 — Full Word Study →. All of them belong to you, 23andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → belong to Christ, andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστὸςChristos — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → belongs to God.
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Chapter Commentary — 1 Corinthians 3
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul addresses a serious spiritual problem in the Corinthian church: believers are divided into competing factions based on their favorite teachers. Rather than growing in spiritual maturity, the church remains carnal (fleshly) and worldly, marked by envy, strife, and divisiveness. Paul uses two powerful metaphors—the agricultural image of planting and watering, and the construction image of building on a foundation—to help the Corinthians understand that all Christian workers are merely servants of God, that only Christ is the lasting foundation, and that believers themselves are God's temple. The chapter calls us to unity in Christ, spiritual maturity, and faithful service that will endure God's judgment.

Verses 1-4: Spiritual Immaturity and Carnal Division

Paul opens by expressing disappointment that he cannot address the Corinthians as "spiritual" believers but must treat them as "carnal" (literally, "fleshly") and immature—like infants in Christ. He had nourished them with spiritual milk rather than solid food because they were not yet ready for deeper teaching. The proof of their carnality is evident: they are marked by envying, strife, and divisions (verse 3). Most tellingly, they have divided into factions, with some claiming allegiance to Paul and others to Apollos (verse 4). This sectarianism reveals hearts still governed by worldly ambition and human pride rather than the Holy Spirit.

Application: Church divisions based on personality cults around leaders are a warning sign of spiritual immaturity. We must ask ourselves: are we following Christ, or are we unconsciously elevating particular teachers or leaders above others?

Verses 5-9: All Workers Are God's Servants

Paul reframes the entire discussion by asking a simple but profound question: "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos?" (verse 5). They are merely ministers by whom ye believed—servants through whom God works. Paul uses the metaphor of agriculture: he planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase (verse 6). Neither the planter nor the waterer deserves ultimate credit; only God grants growth. Paul emphasizes this truth again in verse 7, declaring that the workers are nothing, but God who gives the increase is everything. Yet verses 8-9 add an important nuance: while God is supreme, faithful labor matters. Each worker will receive a reward according to his own labour. We are labourers together with God, and the Corinthians themselves are both God's husbandry (field) and God's building (construction project).

Application: Christian leaders and teachers must remember they are merely tools in God's hands. Likewise, church members should value faithful ministry without elevating any human leader above Christ. All of us are co-workers with God in His kingdom purpose.

Verses 10-15: Building on Christ the Foundation

Paul now shifts to a construction metaphor. As a "wise masterbuilder," Paul laid the foundation—but that foundation is Jesus Christ (verse 11), and no other foundation can be laid. Others may build upon this foundation, but they must be careful how they build (verse 10). Some will use durable materials—gold, silver, precious stones—while others use wood, hay, and stubble (verse 12). The difference will be revealed at the judgment, when fire tests every worker's work (verse 13). Works built with quality materials will abide, earning reward (verse 14), while inferior work will be burned away. Importantly, the worker himself will still be saved, "yet so as by fire" (verse 15)—his salvation is secure in Christ, but his eternal reward is affected by the quality of his service.

Application: Our foundational faith in Christ secures our salvation, but our daily choices and faithful service determine our eternal reward. We should build our lives and ministries on Christ with materials that will endure eternity's judgment.

Verses 16-23: You Are God's Temple; Reject Worldly Wisdom

Paul reminds the Corinthians that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you (verse 16). Therefore, anyone who defiles this temple will face God's judgment (verse 17). He warns them not to be deceived by worldly wisdom (verses 18-20), quoting Scripture to show that God regards earthly wisdom as foolishness. Instead, they must cease glorying in men (verse 21). In fact, all things belong to believers—Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world itself, life and death—all are yours (verse 22). Yet the chain of ownership is clear: ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's (verse 23).

Application: As God's temple, we must guard against spiritual defilement and worldly thinking. Our true wealth is Christ Himself, and our identity is in Him alone.

Application for Today

This chapter speaks powerfully to modern churches prone to personality-driven followings and carnal divisions. We must remember that all Christian leaders—pastors, teachers, authors—are merely servants of Christ. Our allegiance belongs to Him alone

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