1 Corinthians 3:1
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual - This is a continuation of the preceding discourse. See the notes on Co1 2:14, Co1 2:15 (note), and Co1 2:16 (note). But as unto carnal - Σαρκικοις, Persons under the influence of fleshly appetites; coveting and living for the things of this life. Babes in Christ - Just beginning to acquire some notion of the Christian religion, hut as yet very incapable of judging what is most suitable to yourselves, and consequently utterly unqualified to discern between one teacher and another; so that your making the distinctions which you do make, so far from being a proof of mature judgment, is on the contrary a proof that you have no right judgment at all; and this springs from your want of knowledge in Divine things.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you,.... Though the apostle was a spiritual man himself, had spiritual gifts, even the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, could judge all things, had the mind of Christ, and was able to speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, yet could not speak it to them, as unto spiritual; not but that they had the Spirit of God in them, and a work of grace upon them; for they were, as the apostle afterwards says, the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelt in them; they were washed, sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God; but had not that spiritual discerning, or judgment in spiritual things, which some believers had, at least when the apostle was first with them; and now they were under great spiritual declensions, and had not those spiritual frames, nor that spiritual experience and conversation, which some other Christians had: but as unto carnal: not that they were in a carnal state, as unregenerate men are; but had carnal conceptions of things, were in carnal frames of soul, and walked in a carnal conversation with each other; though they were not in the flesh, in a state of nature, yet the flesh was in them, and not only lusted against the Spirit, but was very predominant in them, and carried them captive, so that they are denominated from it: even as unto babes in Christ; they were in Christ, and so were new creatures; they were, as the Arabic version reads it, "in the faith of Christ"; though babes and weaklings in it, they were believers in Christ, converted persons, yet children in understanding, knowledge, and experience; had but little judgment in spiritual things, and were unskilful in the word of righteousness; at least this was the case of many of them, though others were enriched in all utterance and knowledge, and in no gift came behind members of other churches.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, I. Paul blames the Corinthians for their weakness and nonproficiency. Those who are sanctified are so only in part: there is still room for growth and increase both in grace and knowledge, Pe2 3:18. Those who through divine grace are renewed to a spiritual life may yet in many things be defective. The apostle tells them he could not speak to them as unto spiritual men, but as unto carnal men, as to babes in Christ, Co1 3:1. They were so far from forming their maxims and measures upon the ground of divine revelation, and entering into the spirit of the gospel, that is was but too evident they were much under the command of carnal and corrupt affections. They were still mere babes in Christ. They had received some of the first principles of Christianity, but had not grown up to maturity of understanding in them, or of faith and holiness; and yet it is plain, from several passages in this epistle, that the Corinthians were very proud of their wisdom and knowledge. Note, It is but too common for persons of very moderate knowledge and understanding to have a great measure of self-conceit. The apostle assigns their little proficiency in the knowledge of Christianity as a reason why he had communicated no more of the deep things of it to them. They could not bear such food, they needed to be fed with milk, not with meat, Co1 3:2. Note, It is the duty of a faithful minister of Christ to consult the capacities of his hearers and teach them as they can bear. And yet it is natural for babes to grow up to men; and babes in Christ should endeavour to grow in Stature, and become men in Christ. It is expected that their advances in knowledge should be in proportion to their means and opportunities, and their time of professing religion, that they may be able to bear discourses on the mysteries of our religion, and not always rest in plain things. It was a reproach to the Corinthians that they had so long sat under the ministry of Paul and had made no more improvement in Christian knowledge. Note, Christians are utterly to blame who do not endeavour to grow in grace and knowledge. II. He blames them for their carnality, and mentions their contention and discord about their ministers as evidence of it: For you are yet carnal; for whereas there are among you envyings, and strifes, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men? Co1 3:3. They had mutual emulations, and quarrels, and factions among them, upon the account of their ministers, while one said, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos, Co1 3:4. These were proofs of their being carnal, that fleshly interests and affections too much swayed them. Note, Contentions and quarrels about religion are sad evidences of remaining carnality. True religion makes men peaceable and not contentious. Factious spirits act upon human principles, not upon principles of true religion; they are guided by their own pride and passions, and not by the rules of Christianity: Do you not walk as men? Note, It is to be lamented that many who should walk as Christians, that is, above the common rate of men, do indeed walk as men, live and act too much like other men.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:1–4:7 Having contrasted human and spiritual wisdom, Paul now returns to the divisiveness in the Corinthian church (see 1:10-12), particularly their misplaced devotion to himself and Apollos. 3:1-4 Paul rebukes the Christians in Corinth for their spiritual immaturity. 3:1 The Corinthians’ behavior was not that of the spiritual people whom Paul described in 2:15, but like that of unbelievers who are attracted to the wisdom and values of this world. • infants in Christ: Though they were converted, their lives and thinking did not reflect maturity in Christ and the transforming perspective of his Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:1
God’s Fellow Workers
1Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ.2I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Everyone's Work Will Be Tried by Fire
By Carter Conlon4.2K52:38Judgment Seat Of Christ1CO 3:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for the congregation to focus on God and not on any human vessel. He then references 1 Corinthians 3:1-15, where the Apostle Paul warns about building on the foundation of Christ. The speaker emphasizes that not only ministers, but everyone who influences others, must be careful how they build upon this foundation. They caution against taking glory for oneself and not redirecting the focus to Christ, as only what is hidden in Christ and has His purity will stand the testing of God's truth.
The Real Cost
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K1:31:441CO 3:1This sermon focuses on spiritual maturity and the importance of growing in faith, highlighting the need to move from being spiritual infants to mature believers who can handle deeper truths of the faith. It emphasizes the dangers of remaining stagnant in one's faith and the consequences of spiritual immaturity, urging listeners to seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit and surrender all aspects of their lives to God.
(2 Corinthians) ch.1:20-3:4
By Zac Poonen2.9K44:17MAT 6:331CO 3:12CO 1:242CO 2:172CO 3:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the inner life of the Apostle Paul and his ministry. Paul emphasizes the importance of working together with others and not ministering alone. He acknowledges that God leads him in triumph in Christ, regardless of the circumstances he faces. The speaker also highlights the need for a ministry of the spirit, where the truth of God is not just intellectually understood but also burns in the hearts of believers. Additionally, the sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and welcoming back those who have repented, drawing parallels to the story of the prodigal son.
Is That Old Man Dead
By Leonard Ravenhill2.9K1:22:12Old Man1CO 3:1In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about two women discussing the upcoming birth of a baby. He then transitions to talking about how the world holds no attraction for him, comparing it to a disemboweled man. He challenges the audience to examine their own relationship with the world and how much it pulls at them in this materialistic age. The speaker also shares stories about his experiences speaking to soldiers during World War II and visiting the mansion of missionary C.T. Studd. He concludes by discussing the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus and how even though a feather falls, heavier objects like jets can keep going.
The Cross
By Leonard Ravenhill2.2K1:18:24Cross of Christ1CO 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of God's calling and purpose in a person's life. He uses the example of the apostle Paul, who was chosen by God and had a divine purpose to preach the gospel and establish churches. The speaker also mentions the story of Professor James, who sought healing from a simple laboring man instead of relying on his own knowledge and expertise. The sermon highlights the importance of being spiritually engaged and receptive to God's calling, rather than relying solely on physical or intellectual abilities.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 6
By Leonard Ravenhill1.8K08:251CO 3:1This sermon emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity and discernment in the church, highlighting the danger of remaining spiritual infants despite having abundant resources like gospel materials and teachings. It challenges believers to move beyond emotional faith and material blessings, focusing on the true offense of the cross and the importance of carrying spiritual burdens with God's strength. The speaker addresses the prevalence of false doctrines, the love of God based on receiving gifts, and the current spiritual warfare faced by the church.
(John) Christ's Confessed Deity
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:01:57Christ's DeityMAT 27:46LUK 2:49JHN 1:1JHN 10:281CO 1:21CO 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God manifesting in flesh. He refers to the verse "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God" and explains that Christ is contesting his deity by stating that he and the Father are one in purpose and power. The preacher also mentions that God manifests in flesh can die, as seen in the crucifixion of Jesus. He emphasizes the sacrifice of Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Savior of all who believe. The sermon includes references to biblical verses such as John 10:28 and 1 Corinthians 2:8.
Houston Colonial Hills Conference 1995-02 Marks of a Carnal Christian
By William MacDonald1.6K37:33Carnal Christian1CO 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of not being entangled in the affairs of the world. He emphasizes the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly distractions. The preacher also highlights the significance of every action and service done in the name of God, stating that even mundane tasks will be rewarded in the future. He encourages listeners to make faith-based judgments and to dedicate their lives to God, putting away worldly toys and focusing on the things of eternal value.
The Cross and the Flesh, 2 of 3
By Stephen Kaung1.3K1:17:00FleshROM 7:14ROM 7:181CO 3:1GAL 5:24EPH 4:18In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of living according to the flesh versus living according to the spirit. He uses the illustration of grafting to explain how our sinful nature can be transformed through faith in Jesus. By believing in Jesus, our sins are washed away by his shed blood, and our dead spirit is quickened into new life. We are born again and receive the life of God, with Christ dwelling in our new spirit. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the symptoms of living according to the flesh, such as unbelief and disobedience, and the need to walk in the spirit to please God.
The Carnal & Spiritual Man
By Tony Sargent1.3K39:35Relationship with GodSpiritual MaturityCarnality1CO 3:1Tony Sargent explores the contrast between the carnal and spiritual man through the stories of Abraham and Lot in Genesis. He emphasizes that while both men are saved, their spiritual maturity and relationship with God differ significantly. Abraham is portrayed as a friend of God, demonstrating hospitality and a deep connection with the Lord, while Lot, despite being righteous, lives in a way that embarrasses God and lacks spiritual depth. Sargent challenges the congregation to reflect on their own spiritual lives, asking whether they make God feel at home and how they conduct their affairs in light of their faith. The sermon concludes with a call to avoid the fate of Lot, who, though saved, has little to show for his life in Christ.
The Missionary When He Is Alone
By Bud Elford1.2K55:13Reliance on GodMissionsSolitudeGEN 2:18PSA 105:17PSA 110:7PSA 114:1ISA 63:3MRK 1:12LUK 4:1JHN 8:291CO 3:1JAS 4:7Bud Elford emphasizes the significance of solitude in a missionary's life, drawing from Isaiah 63:3 where Jesus speaks of treading the winepress alone. He explains that being alone is a time for personal growth, reliance on God, and preparation for spiritual battles, as exemplified by biblical figures like David and Joseph. Elford encourages listeners to develop a strong relationship with Jesus, ensuring that they are never truly alone, and to learn to stand firm in their faith even when isolated. He highlights the importance of understanding one's weaknesses and relying on God's strength to overcome challenges. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep commitment to God, enabling believers to face life's trials with confidence.
The Spirit of God Pt3
By Ralph Shallis1.1K1:04:10Spirit Of GodMAT 6:33ROM 12:21CO 3:1EPH 4:14HEB 5:11JAS 4:61PE 2:2In this sermon, the speaker addresses the Corinthians, a church that has failed to mature spiritually. The apostle Paul writes to them with a broken heart, expressing his disappointment that they are still behaving like carnal and immature believers. He compares their spiritual growth to infants who can only handle milk instead of solid food. The speaker emphasizes the need for God's grace and the teaching of the Holy Spirit to help believers endure future challenges and sufferings. The sermon also references the story of Elijah being sustained by God's provision of bread for forty days and nights, highlighting the importance of relying on God's strength in difficult times.
Jesus Christ: The Foundation
By Bryan Anthony1.1K1:06:29Foundation1CO 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the apostles' calling to spread the true wisdom of God to nations where other wisdoms prevail. He highlights the negative influence of worldly wisdoms, such as lust, addiction, and greed, and how they manipulate and control people's lives. The speaker also discusses the power of Jesus' name and the authority it holds over demons. He concludes by emphasizing the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, where he bore the sins of the world, and how this wisdom leads to resurrection in the church.
Corinthians: Christ the Foundation
By Stephen Kaung9991:19:32MAT 6:33ROM 12:51CO 1:101CO 3:11CO 3:16EPH 4:41JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the destructive nature of divisions among God's people in the church. He highlights how the Corinthians believers were more interested in various topics like marriage, spiritual gifts, and idols, rather than addressing the issue of divisions. The speaker points out that Paul extensively addresses this problem in the first four chapters of Corinthians, emphasizing the seriousness and importance of unity among believers. He also reminds the audience that everything in life, including adversity and prosperity, is meant for the building of the church and should be seen as part of God's work.
The Natural, Carnal and Spiritual
By Mary Peckham99231:24Spiritual1CO 3:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the aggression and strife that can exist in homes and encounters with young people. They share their personal experience of how God brought peace and transformed their worship. The speaker then uses the analogy of a lamb following its mother to illustrate the importance of knowing where to go for spiritual nourishment. They emphasize the need for discernment in the church and express concern about the reliance on entertainment rather than deep spiritual feeding. The sermon concludes with a powerful example of young people in South Africa who found assurance and rest in the Word of God.
The Carnal Christian - Part 1
By Bob Phillips6641:26:35Carnal ChristianMAT 6:331CO 3:11CO 3:151TI 4:72TI 4:3TIT 1:14HEB 5:12In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the dangers of false teachings and the importance of sound doctrine. He warns that in the last days, people will be exploited by those driven by greed. The speaker emphasizes the need to follow the teachings of the Bible rather than relying on traditions or wrong teachings. He also highlights the significance of godliness, stating that it is profitable for all things. The sermon encourages listeners to be discerning and to nourish themselves with the words of faith and sound doctrine.
Servant to All
By Thaddeus Barnum18227:40ServanthoodMAT 6:33JHN 14:8ROM 12:101CO 1:101CO 3:11CO 9:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's Spirit and the need for believers to rise up and take the world by force. He emphasizes the importance of compassion, mercy, and love, and encourages the congregation to go out and love others. The preacher shares a personal story about his father's final moments and how it reminded him of the calling to serve others. He then delves into the passage from 1 Corinthians 9, highlighting the contrast between the self-centeredness of the world and the selflessness of the kingdom of God. The preacher urges the congregation to reject the worldly principle of "me" and instead embrace the servant-hearted nature of Jesus.
Dying to Self
By Leonard Ravenhill1231:47:16Death To SelfCrucifixion of SelfSpiritual Maturity1CO 3:1Leonard Ravenhill delivers a powerful sermon on 'Dying to Self,' emphasizing the necessity of crucifying our carnal desires to fully embrace the life of Christ. He reflects on the struggles of spiritual immaturity within the church, urging believers to seek a deeper relationship with God through surrender and sacrifice. Ravenhill draws parallels between the Apostle Paul's transformation and the need for Christians today to abandon worldly attachments and live a life wholly devoted to Christ. He challenges the congregation to confront their own pride and selfishness, encouraging them to seek a genuine encounter with God that leads to true spiritual growth.
Don't Give Up - Keep Watering!
By Shane Idleman1644:39Spiritual GrowthPerseverance in Faith1CO 3:1Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of perseverance in faith and parenting, urging both men and women not to give up but to keep nurturing their spiritual lives and families. He draws parallels between the nurturing role of mothers and the need for spiritual growth, highlighting that just as a mother provides essential nourishment, believers must continually seek deeper understanding and connection with God. Idleman uses the metaphor of the Chinese bamboo tree, which requires years of watering before it shoots up, to illustrate the necessity of patience and faith in seeing spiritual growth. He encourages the congregation to contend for their families and communities through prayer and to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God will bring the increase. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to spiritual maturity and a rejection of carnality within the church.
The Filling of the Spirit, or True Spirituality
By Lewis Sperry Chafer1JHN 15:4ACT 1:8ROM 8:51CO 3:1GAL 5:16EPH 5:181JN 1:7Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the distinctions between two classes of Christians as outlined in the Bible: those who abide in Christ and those who do not, those who walk in the light and those who walk in darkness, those who walk by the Spirit and those who walk as men, those who walk in newness of life and those who walk after the flesh, those who have the Spirit 'in' and 'upon' them and those who have the Spirit 'in' them but not 'upon' them, those who are spiritual and those who are carnal, and those who are filled with the Spirit and those who are not. He emphasizes that these distinctions are related to the quality of daily life of saved people and are not a contrast between the saved and the unsaved. Chafer highlights the possibility of transitioning from a carnal state to a spiritual state, which is extensively discussed in the Bible, and the importance of understanding the doctrine of sanctification and perfection through the exact words of revelation.
The Church in the Spiritual Realm
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Role of the Holy SpiritSpirituality in the ChurchACT 18:101CO 2:151CO 3:11CO 12:121CO 13:1GAL 5:6EPH 1:4EPH 2:6COL 1:18HEB 11:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in understanding the Church's spiritual nature, asserting that true spirituality is only possible through His guidance. He discusses the Church as a corporate entity that stands between individual believers and the spiritual forces at work in the universe, highlighting the need for a revelation of God's mind about the Church to achieve spiritual effectiveness. Sparks warns against equating the current state of churches with the New Testament ideal, urging believers to seek a deeper understanding of the Church's timelessness, heavenliness, and universality. He concludes that true spirituality involves recognizing the interconnectedness of all believers and the importance of spiritual discernment in overcoming divisions within the Church.
(Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Introduction
By Leonard Verduin0MAT 7:21ROM 3:281CO 1:101CO 3:1GAL 2:16EPH 2:8JAS 2:241PE 2:91JN 2:4Leonard Verduin discusses the emergence of deep-seated differences within the dissenters against the medieval order, leading to the Reformers facing opposition on a 'Second Front' from the Radicals. This Second Front significantly impacted the course of the Reformation, causing the Reformers to shift their focus and theology. The Radicals, also known as the Stepchildren of the Reformation, challenged Luther's emphasis on justification by faith alone and the role of good works in salvation, standing to the right of Luther on crucial theological points. The conflict at the Second Front centered around differing views of the Church of Christ, with the Stepchildren advocating for a Church based solely on personal faith, leading to their departure from the Reformers.
Spiritual Diseases and the Biblical Cure
By Peter Hammond0PRO 3:5ISA 59:1ACT 3:191CO 3:1EPH 6:10HEB 3:15HEB 12:1JAS 4:41PE 3:151JN 1:5REV 3:15Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly, emphasizing the need to acknowledge Him in all aspects of our lives to receive His guidance. He highlights various spiritual diseases that hinder believers, such as sleeping sickness, lockjaw, amnesia, deafness, blindness, lameness, spinelessness, and scurvy, urging for repentance and a return to God's Word for spiritual health. Hammond warns against lukewarm faith, the dangers of sin, and the necessity of thorough repentance to restore fellowship with God.
(Knowing God's Way) 5. Three Marks of a Spiritual Man
By Zac Poonen0PSA 73:25MAT 5:23MAT 7:15MAT 7:22LUK 10:30ACT 10:38ACT 24:161CO 3:12CO 4:10REV 12:9Zac Poonen preaches on the distinction between being gifted and being truly spiritual, emphasizing that spiritual maturity is not measured by eloquence, knowledge, or miraculous gifts, but by one's devotion to God, repentance of unChristlikeness, and selfless service to others. He warns against false prophets who may have supernatural abilities but lack genuine fruit in their character, as Jesus Himself warned that many who perform miracles in His name may not truly belong to Him. A spiritual man constantly looks upward in worship, inward in repentance and self-examination, and outward in compassion and service to others, seeking to bless and help those in need without expecting anything in return.
Deliverance
By William Kelly0JHN 14:6ROM 8:11CO 2:141CO 3:1GAL 5:16William Kelly preaches on Romans 8:1-4, emphasizing the three stages of deliverance for the soul: initial spiritual freedom, practical freedom in daily life, and ultimate deliverance in resurrection. He clarifies the distinction between being quickened and being delivered, highlighting the importance of recognizing one's spiritual freedom in Christ. Kelly addresses the common misconceptions about the different classes of men described in Romans 7 and 1 Corinthians, stressing the need for believers to understand their position in Christ and the power of His resurrection life. He explains how God condemned sin in the flesh through Christ's death, enabling believers to fulfill the righteousness of the law by walking in the Spirit.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual - This is a continuation of the preceding discourse. See the notes on Co1 2:14, Co1 2:15 (note), and Co1 2:16 (note). But as unto carnal - Σαρκικοις, Persons under the influence of fleshly appetites; coveting and living for the things of this life. Babes in Christ - Just beginning to acquire some notion of the Christian religion, hut as yet very incapable of judging what is most suitable to yourselves, and consequently utterly unqualified to discern between one teacher and another; so that your making the distinctions which you do make, so far from being a proof of mature judgment, is on the contrary a proof that you have no right judgment at all; and this springs from your want of knowledge in Divine things.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you,.... Though the apostle was a spiritual man himself, had spiritual gifts, even the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, could judge all things, had the mind of Christ, and was able to speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, yet could not speak it to them, as unto spiritual; not but that they had the Spirit of God in them, and a work of grace upon them; for they were, as the apostle afterwards says, the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelt in them; they were washed, sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God; but had not that spiritual discerning, or judgment in spiritual things, which some believers had, at least when the apostle was first with them; and now they were under great spiritual declensions, and had not those spiritual frames, nor that spiritual experience and conversation, which some other Christians had: but as unto carnal: not that they were in a carnal state, as unregenerate men are; but had carnal conceptions of things, were in carnal frames of soul, and walked in a carnal conversation with each other; though they were not in the flesh, in a state of nature, yet the flesh was in them, and not only lusted against the Spirit, but was very predominant in them, and carried them captive, so that they are denominated from it: even as unto babes in Christ; they were in Christ, and so were new creatures; they were, as the Arabic version reads it, "in the faith of Christ"; though babes and weaklings in it, they were believers in Christ, converted persons, yet children in understanding, knowledge, and experience; had but little judgment in spiritual things, and were unskilful in the word of righteousness; at least this was the case of many of them, though others were enriched in all utterance and knowledge, and in no gift came behind members of other churches.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, I. Paul blames the Corinthians for their weakness and nonproficiency. Those who are sanctified are so only in part: there is still room for growth and increase both in grace and knowledge, Pe2 3:18. Those who through divine grace are renewed to a spiritual life may yet in many things be defective. The apostle tells them he could not speak to them as unto spiritual men, but as unto carnal men, as to babes in Christ, Co1 3:1. They were so far from forming their maxims and measures upon the ground of divine revelation, and entering into the spirit of the gospel, that is was but too evident they were much under the command of carnal and corrupt affections. They were still mere babes in Christ. They had received some of the first principles of Christianity, but had not grown up to maturity of understanding in them, or of faith and holiness; and yet it is plain, from several passages in this epistle, that the Corinthians were very proud of their wisdom and knowledge. Note, It is but too common for persons of very moderate knowledge and understanding to have a great measure of self-conceit. The apostle assigns their little proficiency in the knowledge of Christianity as a reason why he had communicated no more of the deep things of it to them. They could not bear such food, they needed to be fed with milk, not with meat, Co1 3:2. Note, It is the duty of a faithful minister of Christ to consult the capacities of his hearers and teach them as they can bear. And yet it is natural for babes to grow up to men; and babes in Christ should endeavour to grow in Stature, and become men in Christ. It is expected that their advances in knowledge should be in proportion to their means and opportunities, and their time of professing religion, that they may be able to bear discourses on the mysteries of our religion, and not always rest in plain things. It was a reproach to the Corinthians that they had so long sat under the ministry of Paul and had made no more improvement in Christian knowledge. Note, Christians are utterly to blame who do not endeavour to grow in grace and knowledge. II. He blames them for their carnality, and mentions their contention and discord about their ministers as evidence of it: For you are yet carnal; for whereas there are among you envyings, and strifes, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men? Co1 3:3. They had mutual emulations, and quarrels, and factions among them, upon the account of their ministers, while one said, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos, Co1 3:4. These were proofs of their being carnal, that fleshly interests and affections too much swayed them. Note, Contentions and quarrels about religion are sad evidences of remaining carnality. True religion makes men peaceable and not contentious. Factious spirits act upon human principles, not upon principles of true religion; they are guided by their own pride and passions, and not by the rules of Christianity: Do you not walk as men? Note, It is to be lamented that many who should walk as Christians, that is, above the common rate of men, do indeed walk as men, live and act too much like other men.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:1–4:7 Having contrasted human and spiritual wisdom, Paul now returns to the divisiveness in the Corinthian church (see 1:10-12), particularly their misplaced devotion to himself and Apollos. 3:1-4 Paul rebukes the Christians in Corinth for their spiritual immaturity. 3:1 The Corinthians’ behavior was not that of the spiritual people whom Paul described in 2:15, but like that of unbelievers who are attracted to the wisdom and values of this world. • infants in Christ: Though they were converted, their lives and thinking did not reflect maturity in Christ and the transforming perspective of his Spirit.