Footnotes:
3:1-4 - Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their spiritual immaturity, revealed by divisions and rivalry among followers of different leaders. True wisdom comes from God, not from human leaders (see also Hebrews 5:12-14 and 1 Peter 2:2).
3:5-9 - Paul and Apollos are simply God's servants, working together to build up the church. The real work of building the church is done by God, and human servants are instruments in His hands (see also Matthew 13:23 and John 4:37-38).
3:10-15 - The quality of every believer's work will be tested by fire on the Day of the Lord. The foundation is Christ, and all believers must build on this foundation with materials that stand up to judgment (see also 1 Peter 1:7 and Luke 6:48-49).
3:16-17 - The body of believers is God's temple, and the Holy Spirit dwells in it. Care and respect for this temple are fundamental to the holiness and purity of the church (see also 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and 2 Corinthians 6:16).
Verses related to I Coríntios, 3:
1 Corinthians chapter 3 addresses spiritual immaturity and true ministry. How to grow in Christ? Paul criticizes divisions in the church, comparing believers to spiritual babies. He uses agricultural and architectural metaphors to illustrate ministry, emphasizing that God gives growth. The text also warns about the responsibility of leaders and the importance of building on the correct foundation: Christ. Consider with us five biblical passages that elucidate the key principles of this instructive chapter.
Hebrews 5:12-13: "Although you should be teachers by now, you need someone to teach you again the elementary principles of God's word. They ended up needing milk, not solid food!" - It relates to 1 Corinthians 3:1-2, about spiritual immaturity and the need for spiritual "milk."
1 Peter 2:5: "You also, like living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." - Complements 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, about believers as God's building.
James 3:1: "My brothers, do not let too many of you be teachers, for you know that we who teach will be judged more rigorously." - It relates to 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, about the responsibility of spiritual leaders.
Ephesians 2:20-22: "Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, in whom the entire building is fitted together and grows to become a holy sanctuary in the Lord." - Expands the concept of 1 Corinthians 3:11 about Christ as the only foundation.
Romans 8:9: "But you are not under the dominion of the flesh, but of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." - It relates to 1 Corinthians 3:16, about believers as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
FAQ:
How does Paul explain the division among Christians in 1 Corinthians 3?
Paul laments divisions and teaches that instead of following human leaders, Christians should focus on Christ, who is the true basis of faith. (1 Corinthians 3:3-7)
What does "each one will build on the foundation" mean?
The foundation is Christ, and each Christian is responsible for building his or her faith wisely, as if it were a house, using materials worthy of God. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)
How does Paul describe the Church as the temple of God?
He teaches that the Church is the temple of God and that anyone who destroys the Church will suffer severe consequences, because the Church is holy. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)
What does Paul say about human wisdom versus divine wisdom?
Human wisdom is futile in God's sight; believers must turn away from worldly wisdom and seek divine wisdom in Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)
What does it mean that Christians are "co-workers with God"?
Paul teaches that spiritual leaders are not the owners of faith, but co-workers with God in building up the body of Christ, which is the church. (1 Corinthians 3:9)
