Paul warns the Corinthians against judging their leaders according to human wisdom instead of God’s wisdom. He also reminds them that it is God who feeds and grows the church, not human leaders (vv. 4–9). Paul reminds the church that there is no room for rivalries. All leaders build on a single foundation—Jesus Christ—to help build up God’s temple—His people (vv. 16–17).

Paul chastises the Corinthian Christians because of their divisiveness that evidences the fact that they have not understood the wisdom that comes from God. They are following worldly or “fleshly” ambitions and not spiritual ones, and as a result, Paul must speak to them as he would a child, that is, those who are not spiritually mature. The foundation that Paul has laid through the proclamation of Christ was built upon by others, but he urges the Christians to be cautious about how they build upon it. The foundation of which he speaks is Christ himself and no inappropriate materials such as divisiveness will be able to be placed upon it. He concludes with a warning that anyone who destroys the building of God, the holy temple which is the church, God will destroy.

Paul warns the Corinthians against judging their leaders according to human wisdom instead of God’s wisdom. He also reminds them that it is God who feeds and grows the church, not human leaders (vv. 4–9). Paul reminds the church that there is no room for rivalries. All leaders build on a single foundation—Jesus Christ—to help build up God’s temple—His people (vv. 16–17).

Paul returns to the “spiritual” and “carnal” or “fleshly” categories in his discussion of the failures of the Corinthian Christians to urge them to set aside their differences. In the process, he accuses them of immaturity, that is, of being “babes” in Christ.

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

Paul’s aim was to preach the gospel in places where the message of Christ had not been heard

Paul’s aim was to preach the gospel in places where the message of Christ had not been heard

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).

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.

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

Paul turns to a second metaphor to describe his ministry among the Corinthian Christians and how they are to live. This time he uses another familiar example from building. Jesus likewise made use of a builder’s foundation to communicate his message about the kingdom of God (Matt. 7:24–27; cf. Heb. 6:1). At Qumran, the people were urged to “lay a foundation of truth for Israel, for the Community of the eternal covenant” (1QS [Rule of the Community] 5.5–6). While Paul indicated that he had laid the foundation for their faith, he also made it clear that he was not the foundation (2 Cor. 4:5). That God or Christ is the foundation or foundation stone of faith, see Isa. 28:16; Ps. 118:22; Mark 12:10; Matt. 21:42; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:4–8.

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,

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.

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