1 Corinthians 3:2
Verse
Context
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,3for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have fed you with milk - I have instructed you in the elements of Christianity - in its simplest and easiest truths; because from the low state of your minds in religious knowledge, you were incapable of comprehending the higher truths of the Gospel: and in this state you will still continue. The apostle thus exposes to them the absurdity of their conduct in pretending to judge between preacher and preacher, while they had but a very partial acquaintance even with the first principles of Christianity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Heb 5:12). milk--the elementary "principles of the doctrine of Christ."
John Gill Bible Commentary
I have fed you with milk,.... It is usual with the Jews to compare the law to milk, and they say (c), that "as milk strengthens and nourishes an infant, so the law strengthens and nourishes the soul;'' but the apostle does not here mean , "the milk of the law", as they (d) call it, but the Gospel; comparable to milk, for its purity and wholesomeness, for the nourishing virtue there is in it, and because easy of digestion; for he designs by it, the more plain and easy doctrines of the Gospel, such as babes in Christ were capable of understanding and receiving: and not with meat; the more solid doctrines of the Gospel, and sublime mysteries of grace; the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom; such truths as were attended with difficulties, to which the carnal reason of men made many objections, and so were only fit to be brought before such who are of full age, young men, or rather fathers in Christ; who have had a large experience, and a long time of improvement in spiritual knowledge, and have their senses exercised to distinguish between truth and error. The reason he gives for this his conduct is, for hitherto ye were not able to bear it; they could not receive, relish, and digest it; it was too strong meat for them, they being weak in faith, and but babes in Christ; wherefore he prudently adapted things to their capacities, and that in perfect consistence with that faithfulness and integrity, for which he was so remarkable: for the Gospel he preached to them, which he calls "milk", was not another Gospel, or contrary to that which goes by the name of "meat": only the one consisted of truths more easily to be understood, and was delivered in a manner more suited to their capacities than the other: he adds, neither yet now are ye able; which carries in it a charge of dulness and negligence, that they had been so long learning, and were improved no more in the knowledge of the truth; were as yet only in the alphabet of the Gospel, and needed to be afresh instructed in the first principles of the oracles of God; for anything beyond these was too high for them. The apostle seems to allude to the manner and custom of the Jews, in training up their children to learning; as to their age when they admit them scholars, their rule is this (e), "they introduce children (into the school) to be taught when six or seven years of age, , "according to the child's strength, and the make of his body, and less than six years of age they do not take any in."'' But sooner than this, a father is obliged to teach his child at home, concerning which they say (f), "from what time is his father obliged to teach him the law? as soon as he begins to speak, he teaches him the law Moses commanded us, and "hear O Israel", and after that he instructs him, , "by little and little, here and there a verse", till he is six or seven years of age, and, , "all this according to the clearness of his understanding";'' i.e. as he is able to take things in; and even till twelve years he was to be used with a great deal of tenderness: "says R. Isaac (g), at Usha they made an order, that a man should "use his son gently", until he is twelve years of age; the gloss upon it is, if his son refuses to learn, he shall use him , "with mildness and tender language."'' (c) Kimchi in Isa. lv. 1. Abarbinel, Mashamia Jeshua, fol. 26. 1. (d) Jarchi in Cant. v. 12. (e) Maimom. Talmud Tora, c. 2. sect. 2. (f) Ib. c. 1. sect. 6. (g) T. Bab. Cetubot, fol. 50. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:2 Because of the Corinthian Christians’ lack of spiritual maturity, Paul was unable to speak about the deeper truths of life in Christ, the solid food (see 2:6-7) that is reserved for mature Christians. Instead, he had to restrict himself to milk, the basic teachings of the Good News (cp. Heb 5:12-14; 6:1-3; 1 Pet 2:2).
1 Corinthians 3:2
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,3for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Preaching a Watered Down Gospel - Part 1
By Jeff Noblit1.9K09:171CO 3:2This sermon delves into the concept of the 'Milky Way' as an idol of shallow principles in Christianity, emphasizing the danger of glorifying shallowness doctrinally and condemning deeper exploration of Christ's teachings. It warns against the seductive infiltration of this enemy into the church, leading to a preference for 'milk' over solid spiritual food, weakening believers and creating fertile ground for false teachings.
(1 Corinthians) Overview to Chapter 4
By Brian Brodersen1.3K59:431CO 1:111CO 2:11CO 3:21CO 3:211CO 3:231CO 4:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the larger argument and thought patterns in the Bible, rather than getting caught up in individual verses. He explains that the fourth chapter of the book being discussed is the final stage of a long argument that began in chapter one. The speaker addresses the issue of the Corinthians boasting in different apostles and specifically focuses on the negative attitude they had towards the apostle Paul. He encourages the audience to consider themselves as servants of Christ and to avoid favoritism or division among believers.
Cmml Missionary Conference 1995-09 Marks of Spirituality
By William MacDonald1.2K39:10Conference1CO 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a spiritual person who looks at life through the eyes of faith. The spiritual man or woman has a passion for souls and understands the realities of heaven and hell. The speaker encourages the audience to realize their need for improvement and to be motivated to make changes. The sermon also highlights the joy and anticipation that comes from eagerly awaiting the coming of the Lord.
Four Characteristics of the Carnal Life.
By F.B. Meyer1Spiritual GrowthDiscernmentMAT 5:14JHN 15:5ROM 8:71CO 1:121CO 3:2GAL 5:17EPH 4:14PHP 2:13HEB 5:141PE 2:2F.B. Meyer discusses the four characteristics of the carnal life, emphasizing that a carnal Christian remains in a state of spiritual infancy, relying on others for spiritual nourishment instead of growing in their own understanding of God and the Bible. He warns against sectarianism, where believers identify more with their denominational labels than with the universal Church of Christ. Meyer also highlights the inability of carnal Christians to discern good from evil, likening their spiritual immaturity to a lack of sensitivity to moral issues. He calls for self-examination to determine whether one is living a Christ-centered life or a flesh-centered existence, ultimately urging believers to depend on God rather than themselves.
Liquid and Solid Food
By G.D. Watson01CO 3:2G.D. Watson preaches on the concept of spiritual perfection as described in Hebrews 5, emphasizing the difference between feeding on liquid (milk) and solid (meat) food, symbolizing the maturity and depth of one's faith. He highlights that true perfection is not about age but about having all the parts and organs of a complete creature, akin to a babe developing teeth. Watson challenges believers to move from being baby Christians who need truth diluted to mature Christians who can handle the whole truth of God's Word without compromise.
Maturity
By Norman Grubb01CO 3:2Norman Grubb emphasizes the importance of moving from mere mental understanding to experiential knowledge in our spiritual journey. He highlights the challenge of transitioning from head knowledge to heart transformation, stressing the need for a deep, tested, and proven experience of God's truth before we can effectively lead others into it. Grubb warns against stagnation in spiritual growth, urging believers to mature from consuming 'milk' to embracing 'strong meat' by exercising their spiritual senses to discern good and evil, as mentioned in Hebrews 5:12-14.
Undeveloped Capabilities
By John Hames0JOS 5:121CO 3:21CO 13:1EPH 5:182TI 2:15HEB 4:12HEB 5:11HEB 6:1HEB 12:141PE 2:2John Hames preaches on the importance of progressing from spiritual babyhood to Christian Perfection, as outlined in the letter to the Hebrews. He emphasizes the need to move from a state of dullness in hearing God's voice to having senses exercised to discern good and evil. Hames highlights the dangers of remaining stagnant in spiritual growth, such as being unskilled in the word of righteousness and lacking progress in maturity. He urges believers to transition from a milk diet to solid food, symbolizing a deeper understanding of God's truths and the ability to distinguish between human and divine aspects of faith.
Exposition on Psalm 131
By St. Augustine0PSA 130:11CO 3:2PHP 3:15St. Augustine preaches on the importance of humility and faithfulness in the Body of Christ, emphasizing the need to pray in the peace of the Church and unity of Christ's Body to be heard by God. He highlights the significance of offering a sacrifice of a troubled spirit and a contrite heart, rather than material offerings. St. Augustine warns against pride and self-exaltation, urging believers to seek humility and avoid seeking things beyond their understanding. He encourages believers to trust in God, remain humble, and seek wisdom through faith and obedience.
The Work and the Workers
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Testimony of ChristDivine MovementsNEH 3:5NEH 4:6JHN 3:8ACT 2:11CO 3:2EPH 4:16HEB 8:1HEB 11:10REV 3:2REV 21:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the dynamic nature of God's work through history, illustrating how divine movements are often marked by both intrinsic fullness and progressive recovery. He draws parallels between the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall in Nehemiah and the early church's testimony in the Book of Acts, highlighting the importance of being instruments of God's vision and passion. Sparks points out that God's chosen vessels often face unique challenges and must be guided by the Holy Spirit, leading to a corporate unity among believers. The sermon calls for a renewed commitment to the testimony of Christ, urging the church to recognize their role in the ongoing work of God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I have fed you with milk - I have instructed you in the elements of Christianity - in its simplest and easiest truths; because from the low state of your minds in religious knowledge, you were incapable of comprehending the higher truths of the Gospel: and in this state you will still continue. The apostle thus exposes to them the absurdity of their conduct in pretending to judge between preacher and preacher, while they had but a very partial acquaintance even with the first principles of Christianity.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Heb 5:12). milk--the elementary "principles of the doctrine of Christ."
John Gill Bible Commentary
I have fed you with milk,.... It is usual with the Jews to compare the law to milk, and they say (c), that "as milk strengthens and nourishes an infant, so the law strengthens and nourishes the soul;'' but the apostle does not here mean , "the milk of the law", as they (d) call it, but the Gospel; comparable to milk, for its purity and wholesomeness, for the nourishing virtue there is in it, and because easy of digestion; for he designs by it, the more plain and easy doctrines of the Gospel, such as babes in Christ were capable of understanding and receiving: and not with meat; the more solid doctrines of the Gospel, and sublime mysteries of grace; the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom; such truths as were attended with difficulties, to which the carnal reason of men made many objections, and so were only fit to be brought before such who are of full age, young men, or rather fathers in Christ; who have had a large experience, and a long time of improvement in spiritual knowledge, and have their senses exercised to distinguish between truth and error. The reason he gives for this his conduct is, for hitherto ye were not able to bear it; they could not receive, relish, and digest it; it was too strong meat for them, they being weak in faith, and but babes in Christ; wherefore he prudently adapted things to their capacities, and that in perfect consistence with that faithfulness and integrity, for which he was so remarkable: for the Gospel he preached to them, which he calls "milk", was not another Gospel, or contrary to that which goes by the name of "meat": only the one consisted of truths more easily to be understood, and was delivered in a manner more suited to their capacities than the other: he adds, neither yet now are ye able; which carries in it a charge of dulness and negligence, that they had been so long learning, and were improved no more in the knowledge of the truth; were as yet only in the alphabet of the Gospel, and needed to be afresh instructed in the first principles of the oracles of God; for anything beyond these was too high for them. The apostle seems to allude to the manner and custom of the Jews, in training up their children to learning; as to their age when they admit them scholars, their rule is this (e), "they introduce children (into the school) to be taught when six or seven years of age, , "according to the child's strength, and the make of his body, and less than six years of age they do not take any in."'' But sooner than this, a father is obliged to teach his child at home, concerning which they say (f), "from what time is his father obliged to teach him the law? as soon as he begins to speak, he teaches him the law Moses commanded us, and "hear O Israel", and after that he instructs him, , "by little and little, here and there a verse", till he is six or seven years of age, and, , "all this according to the clearness of his understanding";'' i.e. as he is able to take things in; and even till twelve years he was to be used with a great deal of tenderness: "says R. Isaac (g), at Usha they made an order, that a man should "use his son gently", until he is twelve years of age; the gloss upon it is, if his son refuses to learn, he shall use him , "with mildness and tender language."'' (c) Kimchi in Isa. lv. 1. Abarbinel, Mashamia Jeshua, fol. 26. 1. (d) Jarchi in Cant. v. 12. (e) Maimom. Talmud Tora, c. 2. sect. 2. (f) Ib. c. 1. sect. 6. (g) T. Bab. Cetubot, fol. 50. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:2 Because of the Corinthian Christians’ lack of spiritual maturity, Paul was unable to speak about the deeper truths of life in Christ, the solid food (see 2:6-7) that is reserved for mature Christians. Instead, he had to restrict himself to milk, the basic teachings of the Good News (cp. Heb 5:12-14; 6:1-3; 1 Pet 2:2).