1 Corinthians 3:16
Verse
Context
God’s Temple and God’s Wisdom
15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames. 16Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?17If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye are the temple of God - The apostle resumes here what he had asserted in Co1 3:9 : Ye are God's building. As the whole congregation of Israel were formerly considered as the temple and habitation of God, because God dwelt among them, so here the whole Church of Corinth is called the temple of God, because all genuine believers have the Spirit of God to dwell in them; and Christ has promised to be always in the midst even of two or three who are gathered together in his name. Therefore where God is, there is his temple.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Know ye not--It is no new thing I tell you, in calling you "God's building"; ye know and ought to remember, ye are the noblest kind of building, "the temple of God." ye--all Christians form together one vast temple. The expression is not, "ye are temples," but "ye are the temple" collectively, and "lively stones" (Pe1 2:5) individually. God . . . Spirit--God's indwelling, and that of the Holy Spirit, are one; therefore the Holy Spirit is God. No literal "temple" is recognized by the New Testament in the Christian Church. The only one is the spiritual temple, the whole body of believing worshippers in which the Holy Spirit dwells (Co1 6:19; Joh 4:23-24). The synagogue, not the temple, was the model of the Christian house of worship. The temple was the house of sacrifice, rather than of prayer. Prayers in the temple were silent and individual (Luk 1:10; Luk 18:10-13), not joint and public, nor with reading of Scripture, as in the synagogue. The temple, as the name means (from a Greek root "to dwell"), was the earthly dwelling-place of God, where alone He put His name. The synagogue (as the name means an assembly) was the place for assembling men. God now too has His earthly temple, not one of wood and stone, but the congregation of believers, the "living stones" on the "spiritual house." Believers are all spiritual priests in it. Jesus Christ, our High Priest, has the only literal priesthood (Mal 1:11; Mat 18:20; Pe1 2:5) [VITRINGA].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,.... The apostle having spoken of the saints as God's building, of himself as a wise master builder, of Christ as the only foundation, and of various doctrines as the materials laid thereon, proceeds to observe to this church, and the members of it, that they being incorporated together in a Gospel church state, were the temple of God; and which was what they could not, or at least ought not, to be ignorant of: and they are so called, in allusion to Solomon's temple; which as it was a type of the natural, so of the mystical body of Christ. There is an agreement between that and the church of Christ, in its maker, matter, situation, magnificence, and holiness; and the church is said to be the temple of God, because it is of his building, and in which he dwells: what the apostle here says of the saints at Corinth, the Jewish doctors say of the Israelites (n), , "the temple of the Lord are ye"; and which being usually said of them in the apostle's time, he may refer unto; and much better apply to the persons he does, of which the indwelling of the Spirit was the evidence: and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you: in particular members, as a spirit of regeneration, sanctification, faith, and adoption, and as the earnest and pledge of their future glory; in their ministers to fit and qualify them for their work, and carry them through it; and in the whole church, to bless the word and ordinances, for their growth, comfort, and establishment. This furnishes out a considerable proof of the deity and distinct personality of the Spirit, since this is mentioned as an evidence of the saints being the temple of God, which would not be one, if the Spirit was not God, who dwells therein; and since a temple is sacred to deity, and therefore if he dwells here as in a temple, he must dwell here as God; and since he is mentioned as distinct from God, whose Spirit he is, and dwelling, a personal action is ascribed to him, he must be a distinct divine person. (n) R. Alshech in Hag. ii. 5.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle resumes his argument and exhortation, founding it on his former allusion, You are God's building, Co1 3:9, and here, Know you not that you are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile (corrupt and destroy) the temple of God, him shall God destroy (the same word is in the original in both clauses); for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. It looks from other parts of the epistle, where the apostle argues to the very same purport (see Co1 6:13-20), as if the false teachers among the Corinthians were not only loose livers, but taught licentious doctrines, and what was particularly fitted to the taste of this lewd city, on the head of fornication. Such doctrine was not to be reckoned among hay and stubble, which would be consumed while the person who laid them on the foundation escaped the burning; for it tended to corrupt, to pollute, and destroy the church, which was a building erected for God, and consecrated to him, and therefore should be kept pure and holy. Those who spread principles of this sort would provoke God to destroy them. Note, Those who spread loose principles, that have a direct tendency to pollute the church of God, and render it unholy and unclean, are likely to bring destruction on themselves. It may be understood also as an argument against their discord and factious strifes, division being the way to destruction. But what I have been mentioning seems to be the proper meaning of the passage: Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? It may be understood of the church of Corinth collectively, or of every single believer among them; Christian churches are temples of God. He dwells among them by his Holy Spirit. They are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph 2:22. Every Christian is a living temple of the living God. God dwelt in the Jewish temple, took possession of it, and resided in it, by that glorious cloud that was the token of his presence with that people. So Christ by his Spirit dwells in all true believers. The temple was devoted and consecrated to God, and set apart from every common to a holy use, to the immediate service of God. So all Christians are separated from common uses, and set apart for God and his service. They are sacred to him - a very good argument this against all fleshly lusts, and all doctrines that give countenance to them. If we are the temples of God, we must do nothing that shall alienate ourselves from him, or corrupt and pollute ourselves, and thereby unfit ourselves for his use; and we must hearken to no doctrine nor doctor that would seduce us to any such practices. Note, Christians are holy by profession, and should be pure and clean both in heart and conversation. We should heartily abhor, and carefully avoid, what will defile God's temple, and prostitute what ought to be sacred to him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16-17 Christians must be very careful, both in what they teach and in how they relate to one another, because the body of believers is the temple of God, the home of the Spirit of God who lives in them (cp. Eph 2:21-22), and God’s temple is holy (see 1 Cor 1:2). There are terrible consequences for anyone who destroys God’s temple by such things as jealousy, argumentativeness, and divisiveness (see 3:3-4).
1 Corinthians 3:16
God’s Temple and God’s Wisdom
15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames. 16Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?17If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Touch From God (Full)
By David Wilkerson12K45:28EXO 33:72CH 7:14PSA 27:8PSA 51:10PSA 65:4ISA 40:31ISA 55:61CO 3:16HEB 10:22JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and being willing to fully surrender to Him, leaving behind defilement and busyness. It highlights the need for a deep hunger for God, a willingness to go to the mountain in prayer, and a call to come out of places of defilement to experience God's touch and presence in a transformative way.
Called to Be Christ-Like
By David Wilkerson5.5K49:20Christ Likeness1KI 19:18MAL 2:14MAT 22:37ROM 8:28ROM 11:21CO 3:16EPH 4:22In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who becomes jealous and angry when he sees others prospering financially while he struggles. The man declares that it is his turn to be prosperous and believes that it is his right according to the Bible. However, the preacher warns that God does not accept the man's ministry or worship because he has dealt treacherously with his wife. The preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and encourages those who feel convicted to come forward for prayer and seek Christ-likeness in their lives.
Revelation and Reason
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones5.0K55:00Revelation1CO 1:301CO 2:21CO 2:161CO 3:111CO 3:161CO 3:181CO 6:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inadequacy of human reason and scientific knowledge when it comes to understanding the message of the Gospel. He highlights the vast difference between the eternal, holy Trinity and the limited abilities of mankind. The message of the Gospel is that despite humanity's rebellion and the chaos it has brought upon itself, God had a plan from the beginning to bring glory to believers. The preacher urges the audience to consider the character of God and the subject matter of the Gospel, which is beyond the realm of science and human understanding.
Why Church? God's Purpose
By Francis Chan3.7K47:21ChurchEXO 25:22MAT 5:141CO 3:161CO 12:27EPH 4:16HEB 10:241PE 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible beyond individual salvation. He uses the illustration of playing blackjack to highlight how often we focus only on our own relationship with God, rather than working collectively as a body of believers. The preacher also mentions the work of Children's Hunger Fund and their mercy networks, where supplies are sent to churches in need. He shares his admiration for a student who preached about the issue of isolation and the importance of community in helping those in need.
(1 Corinthians) Building the Church
By Brian Brodersen3.0K47:52MAT 6:331CO 3:16EPH 2:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need to adapt to the modern culture and use multimedia presentations to teach the Bible effectively. He criticizes the idea of dressing up Jesus and using fancy clothes to appeal to the modern audience. The speaker argues against the infiltration of human wisdom into the church, emphasizing the importance of sticking to the basic principles given in the Scripture. He also criticizes the practice of building churches based on public opinion and adapting marketing principles, stating that these approaches have brought the church down.
The Local Church 1 - Part 4
By William MacDonald2.6K08:44JHN 10:111CO 3:16EPH 2:21REV 1:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of the local church reflecting the spiritual basis and conduct of the universal church. Each church is meant to be autonomous, self-ruling, self-financing, and self-propagating, directly responsible to the Lord Jesus Christ. While independent, there is also a call for inter-assembly fellowship among believers. The true measure of a church is not its size but the holiness of its members, highlighting that God values purity over numbers.
Christ in Us - Part 1
By Norman Grubb2.0K48:27GEN 1:26JHN 8:12JHN 15:51CO 3:16EPH 2:10COL 1:27TIT 1:2HEB 6:18HEB 12:291JN 1:5This sermon delves into the concept of God's nature as a person of love and light, emphasizing the transformation from being self-focused to becoming a vessel for God's love and blessings. It explores the idea of God as a consuming fire that turns into light, symbolizing the shift from self-centeredness to selflessness. The speaker reflects on the importance of being a complete vessel for God to dwell in, acknowledging the need for personal transformation to align with God's character of love and truth.
Anabaptist History (Day 10) Growth and Persecution of the Swiss Brethren
By Dean Taylor1.3K1:21:49MAT 5:10JHN 18:36ROM 12:21CO 3:16GAL 5:16HEB 4:12JAS 4:81PE 4:162PE 1:4This sermon reflects on the persecution faced by men and women of God throughout history, emphasizing the importance of not judging movements or individuals but seeking to glorify God. It delves into historical events where Anabaptists were hunted and killed, highlighting the impact of conscience and divine authority in such situations. The message urges listeners to examine their hearts, avoid carnal behaviors, and strive to be filled with the presence of Jesus Christ.
Overwhelming Conviction
By Robert Wurtz II1.2K46:36EXO 32:6PSA 111:10MAT 6:33ACT 2:41CO 3:16HEB 3:15JAS 4:8In this sermon transcript, Charles Finney recounts a powerful evening service where the conviction of the Holy Spirit was so strong that he considered dismissing the meeting. However, he decided to address the people gently and point them to Christ as their only remedy. The conviction was so intense that Finney could only speak for a few minutes before the people could hardly endure it. He describes the atmosphere as solemn and filled with awe, where everyone felt the presence of God.
The City of God
By Wong Chin Meng1.0K1:15:13City Of GodISA 62:1MAT 6:331CO 3:16EPH 2:22REV 21:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of living a supernatural life that goes beyond the natural. He emphasizes that when God is present in our lives, we can live with abundance even with very little. The preacher shares his disillusionment with the hypocrisy he witnessed among believers who displayed spiritual fervor on Sundays but lived immoral lives during the week. He highlights the importance of having the real presence of God in our lives, as it brings about a transformation that surpasses human understanding. The preacher also draws parallels to the Israelites' experience in Egypt, where they were slaves for 430 years but were ultimately delivered by God's supernatural power.
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.
One Thing I Desire
By Erlo Stegen9781:02:30Knowing ChristPSA 27:4PRO 13:20JHN 8:111CO 3:16EPH 5:251TI 3:62TI 4:16In this sermon, the preacher starts by acknowledging his attempts to help others but is confronted with the realization that he was given resources to keep life turning and protect financial welfare. The sermon then shifts to the story of Moses leading the children of Israel and God's frustration with them. The preacher emphasizes the importance of choosing the right friends and being faithful before marriage. The sermon concludes with a story about an artist who fails to portray the Lord Jesus in his work and the message that believers should reflect Jesus to the world.
The Fear of God Compilation
By Compilations86612:01PRO 16:6ACT 1:81CO 3:16EPH 3:162TI 1:7HEB 12:28This sermon emphasizes the importance of the fear of God in the Church of Jesus Christ, highlighting how the lack of fear leads to moral decline, abuse of grace, and living in sin without conviction. It calls for a revival of holiness, character, and selflessness, urging believers to rediscover the majesty and holiness of God and the sinfulness of sin. The message stresses the need for a Spirit-filled life, prayer, and a deep sense of eternity consciousness.
Revival in the Book of Ezra - Part 5
By Roy Hession76054:48RevivalPSA 127:1ISA 61:4ZEC 4:6MAT 16:181CO 3:16EPH 2:221PE 2:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of the prophet Zachariah and the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the walls, which were still broken down and the gates burnt with fire. The speaker mentions that while the temple had been rebuilt, the walls remained in ruins. The sermon highlights the hope and faith of the Jews during their captivity in Babylon, as they waited for the prophesied 70 years to pass. The speaker also emphasizes the need for personal repentance and the rebuilding of our own spiritual temples.
Higher Help - the Temple of God
By Edgar Reich69839:481CO 3:16This sermon emphasizes the concept of believers being the temple of God, highlighting the importance of living a holy and pure life to maintain God's presence within. It draws parallels between the Old Testament temple and the new temple within believers, stressing the need for repentance, obedience, and reliance on higher help from God. The sermon encourages believers to seek God's power, live in accordance with His word, and activate the higher help available through prayer and faith.
Church of Vidor Friday
By David Ravenhill491:19:40Christian LifeWorship and HolinessGod's PresenceEXO 25:82CH 7:14PSA 100:4ISA 57:15MAT 6:10JHN 4:24ROM 1:211CO 3:161PE 1:16REV 4:8David Ravenhill shares his journey and experiences across various cultures, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's habitation and the environment He desires to dwell in. He discusses the concept of revival as a return to a God consciousness, highlighting that God longs to dwell among His people but requires a holy and clean place for His presence. Ravenhill stresses that true worship involves radical obedience and surrendering the throne of our lives to God, allowing Him to reign in every aspect. He encourages the congregation to cultivate an atmosphere of holiness, thanksgiving, and worship, which are essential for experiencing God's presence.
Church of Vidor Friday 2
By David Ravenhill371:14:31Habitation of GodRevivalChristian LifeEXO 25:82CH 7:14PSA 100:4ISA 57:15MAT 6:10JHN 4:24ROM 1:211CO 3:161PE 1:16REV 4:8David Ravenhill shares his diverse life experiences and ministry journey, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment conducive for God's habitation. He discusses the concept of revival as a restoration of God consciousness and the necessity for believers to prepare their lives as a dwelling place for God. Ravenhill highlights that God desires to dwell among His people but requires holiness, obedience, and a heart of thanksgiving. He illustrates how cultural understanding and personal surrender are vital for experiencing God's presence and power in our lives. Ultimately, he calls for a radical commitment to allow God to take the throne in our hearts.
Alive Again - the Golden Thread of Life From the Dead
By Major Ian Thomas271:14:29ResurrectionNew Life in ChristGEN 3:15JHN 3:3ACT 17:31ROM 8:291CO 3:161CO 15:14COL 1:18HEB 11:172PE 3:9REV 1:5Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the transformative power of being 'alive again' through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, illustrating how many people, like Nicodemus, may be religious yet lack a true relationship with God. He recounts the story of Jim Wright, who rediscovered his faith and became a powerful teacher, highlighting the importance of understanding the 'scarlet thread' of redemption woven throughout Scripture. Thomas explains that Jesus came to restore the life that was lost in the fall, and through His resurrection, believers are offered a new life that is abundant and filled with purpose. He contrasts the deadness of religion with the vibrant life found in a personal relationship with Christ, urging listeners to embrace the fullness of life that comes from being reconciled to God. The sermon culminates in the call to recognize the significance of the resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith.
Stewardship - Your Real Job
By Phil Beach Jr.201:05:27StewardshipIdentity in Christ1CO 3:16Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that true stewardship is not about the physical church building but about recognizing ourselves as the living temple of God. He calls for believers to be fully devoted to Christ, resisting distractions and worldly wisdom that can defile our spiritual lives. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and the stewardship we have been entrusted with, which is to express His life through us. Beach warns against the dangers of valuing worldly success over spiritual faithfulness, urging the congregation to focus on serving others and living out the love of Christ. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to assess their priorities and ensure that their lives reflect the true calling of being stewards of God's mysteries.
Holiness: You Are the Temple of God
By Shane Idleman1943:13The Holy SpiritHoliness1CO 3:16Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of holiness in the life of a believer, asserting that the Holy Spirit dwells within us, making us the temple of God. He explains that our choices can either quench or empower the Spirit, urging Christians to live distinctly and set apart from the world. Idleman warns against the dangers of drifting into sin and highlights the importance of building our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. He calls for a revival of spiritual fervor, encouraging believers to actively seek God and live in a way that reflects their identity as God's holy temple. The sermon concludes with a challenge to examine our lives and motives, reminding us that true holiness is marked by a life filled with the Spirit.
The Temple - the Church, Christ Expressed
By Phil Beach Jr.1657:01Spiritual WarfareChrist as LifeChurchJHN 14:6ROM 12:21CO 3:162CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:10COL 1:27HEB 12:291JN 1:5REV 1:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that Christ is the essence of life and urges believers to seek a genuine relationship with Him, free from the deceptions and darkness of the world. He warns against the dangers of being governed by worldly influences and stresses the importance of acknowledging our need for God's grace and forgiveness. The preacher highlights that true salvation and spiritual growth come from a daily communion with Christ, rather than mere adherence to doctrine. He calls for a renewed passion for Christ, asserting that the church must be a living expression of Him, filled only with what reflects His nature. Ultimately, Beach Jr. reminds the congregation that the greatest need is to see God afresh and to allow Christ to be the foundation and life of the church.
Hang It on the Wall - a Place for God's Feet in Your Heart
By Major Ian Thomas547:44Christ in Our HeartsLiving FaithDEU 11:10ISA 60:13JHN 10:10ROM 8:91CO 3:16GAL 2:20EPH 1:18COL 1:271TH 5:9HEB 2:10Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the need to give Jesus a rightful place in our hearts rather than relegating Him to mere tradition or decoration, akin to hanging items on a wall. He illustrates how society has depersonalized Christ, treating Him as a seasonal figure rather than the living Savior who desires to dwell within us. Thomas urges believers to move beyond a sterile religion and embrace a vibrant relationship with Christ, who should be enthroned in our hearts. He challenges the audience to consider whether they have made room for God's presence in their lives, highlighting the importance of faith in action rather than mere belief. Ultimately, he calls for a transformation where our lives reflect the fullness of Christ, making us occupied territory for His glory.
On Prayer, Homily 3
By St. Theophan the Recluse1MAT 26:41LUK 12:491CO 3:16EPH 6:18COL 3:3COL 4:21TH 5:171PE 5:8St. Theophan the Recluse delves into the three levels of prayer: prayer which is read, mental prayer through contemplation of God, and unceasing turning of the mind and heart to God. He emphasizes the importance of constant prayer, quoting various Bible verses that urge believers to pray without ceasing, be vigilant, patient, and bold in prayer. St. Theophan explains that true prayer is a state of the spirit, akin to our breathing and heartbeat, and encourages believers to aspire towards a burning spirit through diligent prayer work.
Praising God With One Heart
By D.L. Moody0Indwelling of the Holy SpiritUnity in WorshipJHN 14:17ACT 2:4ROM 8:91CO 3:161CO 6:19GAL 5:16EPH 2:221TH 5:192TI 1:71JN 4:4D.L. Moody emphasizes the unity and power of praising God with one heart, drawing parallels between the dedication of Solomon's Temple and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers today. He explains that believers are now the Temple of the Holy Ghost, filled with the Spirit's presence since Pentecost, and that the Holy Spirit empowers them to overcome worldly challenges. Moody highlights the importance of recognizing every believer as a temple of the Holy Ghost, urging them to glorify God in their bodies and spirits. He warns that while the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, many do not experience His power fully. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of the Spirit's presence in the lives of Christians.
Ezekiel 42:20
By Chuck Smith0HolinessSeparationEZK 42:20MAT 5:14ROM 12:21CO 3:162CO 6:17GAL 5:19HEB 12:141PE 2:91JN 2:15REV 11:1Chuck Smith discusses the significance of the wall of separation in Ezekiel 42:20, emphasizing God's desire to distinguish the holy from the profane. He highlights the challenges of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem, particularly the obstacles posed by the Dome of the Rock Mosque, and suggests that new evidence may indicate the original site of Solomon's temple lies to the north. Smith draws parallels to the believer's life, urging Christians to build a wall of separation from worldly influences, as our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. He acknowledges the difficulty of this task, as it involves both clear moral boundaries and personal convictions.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye are the temple of God - The apostle resumes here what he had asserted in Co1 3:9 : Ye are God's building. As the whole congregation of Israel were formerly considered as the temple and habitation of God, because God dwelt among them, so here the whole Church of Corinth is called the temple of God, because all genuine believers have the Spirit of God to dwell in them; and Christ has promised to be always in the midst even of two or three who are gathered together in his name. Therefore where God is, there is his temple.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Know ye not--It is no new thing I tell you, in calling you "God's building"; ye know and ought to remember, ye are the noblest kind of building, "the temple of God." ye--all Christians form together one vast temple. The expression is not, "ye are temples," but "ye are the temple" collectively, and "lively stones" (Pe1 2:5) individually. God . . . Spirit--God's indwelling, and that of the Holy Spirit, are one; therefore the Holy Spirit is God. No literal "temple" is recognized by the New Testament in the Christian Church. The only one is the spiritual temple, the whole body of believing worshippers in which the Holy Spirit dwells (Co1 6:19; Joh 4:23-24). The synagogue, not the temple, was the model of the Christian house of worship. The temple was the house of sacrifice, rather than of prayer. Prayers in the temple were silent and individual (Luk 1:10; Luk 18:10-13), not joint and public, nor with reading of Scripture, as in the synagogue. The temple, as the name means (from a Greek root "to dwell"), was the earthly dwelling-place of God, where alone He put His name. The synagogue (as the name means an assembly) was the place for assembling men. God now too has His earthly temple, not one of wood and stone, but the congregation of believers, the "living stones" on the "spiritual house." Believers are all spiritual priests in it. Jesus Christ, our High Priest, has the only literal priesthood (Mal 1:11; Mat 18:20; Pe1 2:5) [VITRINGA].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,.... The apostle having spoken of the saints as God's building, of himself as a wise master builder, of Christ as the only foundation, and of various doctrines as the materials laid thereon, proceeds to observe to this church, and the members of it, that they being incorporated together in a Gospel church state, were the temple of God; and which was what they could not, or at least ought not, to be ignorant of: and they are so called, in allusion to Solomon's temple; which as it was a type of the natural, so of the mystical body of Christ. There is an agreement between that and the church of Christ, in its maker, matter, situation, magnificence, and holiness; and the church is said to be the temple of God, because it is of his building, and in which he dwells: what the apostle here says of the saints at Corinth, the Jewish doctors say of the Israelites (n), , "the temple of the Lord are ye"; and which being usually said of them in the apostle's time, he may refer unto; and much better apply to the persons he does, of which the indwelling of the Spirit was the evidence: and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you: in particular members, as a spirit of regeneration, sanctification, faith, and adoption, and as the earnest and pledge of their future glory; in their ministers to fit and qualify them for their work, and carry them through it; and in the whole church, to bless the word and ordinances, for their growth, comfort, and establishment. This furnishes out a considerable proof of the deity and distinct personality of the Spirit, since this is mentioned as an evidence of the saints being the temple of God, which would not be one, if the Spirit was not God, who dwells therein; and since a temple is sacred to deity, and therefore if he dwells here as in a temple, he must dwell here as God; and since he is mentioned as distinct from God, whose Spirit he is, and dwelling, a personal action is ascribed to him, he must be a distinct divine person. (n) R. Alshech in Hag. ii. 5.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle resumes his argument and exhortation, founding it on his former allusion, You are God's building, Co1 3:9, and here, Know you not that you are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile (corrupt and destroy) the temple of God, him shall God destroy (the same word is in the original in both clauses); for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. It looks from other parts of the epistle, where the apostle argues to the very same purport (see Co1 6:13-20), as if the false teachers among the Corinthians were not only loose livers, but taught licentious doctrines, and what was particularly fitted to the taste of this lewd city, on the head of fornication. Such doctrine was not to be reckoned among hay and stubble, which would be consumed while the person who laid them on the foundation escaped the burning; for it tended to corrupt, to pollute, and destroy the church, which was a building erected for God, and consecrated to him, and therefore should be kept pure and holy. Those who spread principles of this sort would provoke God to destroy them. Note, Those who spread loose principles, that have a direct tendency to pollute the church of God, and render it unholy and unclean, are likely to bring destruction on themselves. It may be understood also as an argument against their discord and factious strifes, division being the way to destruction. But what I have been mentioning seems to be the proper meaning of the passage: Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? It may be understood of the church of Corinth collectively, or of every single believer among them; Christian churches are temples of God. He dwells among them by his Holy Spirit. They are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph 2:22. Every Christian is a living temple of the living God. God dwelt in the Jewish temple, took possession of it, and resided in it, by that glorious cloud that was the token of his presence with that people. So Christ by his Spirit dwells in all true believers. The temple was devoted and consecrated to God, and set apart from every common to a holy use, to the immediate service of God. So all Christians are separated from common uses, and set apart for God and his service. They are sacred to him - a very good argument this against all fleshly lusts, and all doctrines that give countenance to them. If we are the temples of God, we must do nothing that shall alienate ourselves from him, or corrupt and pollute ourselves, and thereby unfit ourselves for his use; and we must hearken to no doctrine nor doctor that would seduce us to any such practices. Note, Christians are holy by profession, and should be pure and clean both in heart and conversation. We should heartily abhor, and carefully avoid, what will defile God's temple, and prostitute what ought to be sacred to him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16-17 Christians must be very careful, both in what they teach and in how they relate to one another, because the body of believers is the temple of God, the home of the Spirit of God who lives in them (cp. Eph 2:21-22), and God’s temple is holy (see 1 Cor 1:2). There are terrible consequences for anyone who destroys God’s temple by such things as jealousy, argumentativeness, and divisiveness (see 3:3-4).