1 Corinthians 3:21
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let no man glory in men - Let none suppose that he has any cause of exultation in any thing but God. All are yours; he that has God for his portion has every thing that can make him happy and glorious: all are his.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
let no man glory in men--resuming the subject from Co1 3:4; compare Co1 1:12, Co1 1:31, where the true object of glorying is stated: "He that glorieth, let him glory in THE LORD." Also Co1 4:6, "That no one of you be puffed up for one against another." For all things--not only all men. For you to glory thus in men, is lowering yourselves from your high position as heirs of all things. All men (including your teachers) belong to Christ, and therefore to you, by your union with Him; He makes them and all things work together for your good (Rom 8:28). Ye are not for the sake of them, but they for the sake of you (Co2 4:5, Co2 4:15). They belong to you, not you to them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore let no man glory in men,.... The apostle means ministers, who are but men, even the best of them, and therefore not to be gloried in; and has chiefly respect to the false teachers, whose wisdom, learning, and eloquence, the Corinthians were greatly taken with, and boasted of; it was so ensnaring to them, that they even idolized them for it, called them their masters, pinned their faith on their sleeve, gave up themselves to them, and were greatly under their authority, influence, and direction, which is here condemned; and which was so far from being right, that they ought not to behave in such manner to the best of ministers, nor to glory in anyone above another; no, not in Paul, nor Apollos, nor Cephas; for all things are yours; all the ministers, and all they are endowed with; these were all for their use and service, for their benefit and advantage; wherefore it was very wrong to set up one above, or against another, or for any party to engross anyone minister, when he belonged to them all; and great weakness to reject others, when they had a common right and property in them.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle founds an exhortation against over-valuing their teachers on what he had just said, and on the consideration that they had an equal interest in all their ministers: Therefore let no man glory in men (Co1 3:21) - forget that their ministers are men, or pay that deference to them that is due only to God, set them at the head of parties, have them in immoderate esteem and admiration, and servilely and implicitly follow their directions and submit to their dictates, and especially in contradiction to God and the truths taught by his Holy Spirit. Mankind are very apt to make the mercies of God cross their intentions. The ministry is a very useful and very gracious institution, and faithful ministers are a great blessing to any people; yet the folly and weakness of people may do much mischief by what is in itself a blessing. They may fall into factions, side with particular ministers, and set them at their head, glory in their leaders, and be carried by them they know not whither. The only way to avoid this mischief is to have a modest opinion of ourselves, a due sense of the common weakness of human understanding, and an entire deference to the wisdom of God speaking in his word. Ministers are not to be set up in competition with one another. All faithful ministers are serving one Lord and pursuing one purpose. They were appointed of Christ, for the common benefit of the church: "Paul, and Apollos, and Cephas, are all yours. One is not to be set up against another, but all are to be valued and used for your own spiritual benefit." Upon this occasion also he gives in an inventory of the church's possessions, the spiritual riches of a true believer: "All is yours - ministers of all ranks, ordinary and extraordinary. Nay the world itself is yours." Not that saints are proprietors of the world, but it stands for their sake, they have as much of it as Infinite Wisdom sees to be fit for them, and they have all they have with the divine blessing. "Life is yours, that you may have season and opportunity to prepare for the life of heaven; and death is yours, that you may go to the possession of it. It is the kind messenger that will fetch you to your Father's house. Things present are yours, for your support on the road; things to come are yours, to enrich and regale you for ever at your journey's end." Note, If we belong to Christ, and are true to him, all good belongs to us, and is sure to us. All is ours, time and eternity, earth and heaven, life and death. We shall want no good thing, Psa 84:11. But it must be remembered, at the same time, that we are Christ's, the subjects of his kingdom, his property. He is Lord over us, and we must own his dominion, and cheerfully submit to his command and yield themselves to his pleasure, if we would have all things minister to our advantage. All things are ours, upon no other ground than our being Christ's. Out of him we are without just title or claim to any thing that is good. Note, Those that would be safe for time, and happy to eternity, must be Christ's. And Christ is God's. He is the Christ of God, anointed of God, and commissioned by him, to bear the office of a Mediator, and to act therein for the purposes of his glory. Note, All things are the believer's, that Christ might have honour in his great undertaking, and God in all might have the glory. God in Christ reconciling a sinful world to himself, and shedding abroad the riches of his grace on a reconciled world, is the sum and substance of the gospel.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:21-23 As the privileged children of God, they may now lay claim to everything—the world, and life and death, and the present and the future (see Rom 8:38-39). So there is no point in claiming a particular human leader as their own.
1 Corinthians 3:21
God’s Temple and God’s Wisdom
20And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”21Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours, 22whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. All of them belong to you,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(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.
Poor Yet Rich
By A.W. Pink0Abundant GraceSpiritual PovertyNEH 8:10PSA 86:1ECC 3:4MAT 5:3JHN 7:371CO 3:21HEB 12:2REV 3:17A.W. Pink emphasizes the paradox of being 'poor yet rich' in Christ, highlighting that true humility and acknowledgment of our spiritual poverty are essential for receiving God's abundant grace. He contrasts the self-sufficient attitude of the proud with the blessedness of those who recognize their need for Christ, encouraging believers to draw upon His infinite fullness. Pink urges Christians to live by faith, confess their shortcomings, and embrace the joy of the Lord as their strength, rather than remaining in a state of despair. He reassures that through gratitude and praise, believers can overcome feelings of shame and access the joy and communion with God that is rightfully theirs. Ultimately, he calls for a balance between recognizing our neediness and claiming the rich inheritance available in Christ.
Section 2- Ephesians 1:3
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0JHN 14:141CO 3:212CO 5:21EPH 1:3EPH 1:6COL 2:10HEB 9:14Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches on the Epistle to the Ephesians, highlighting the three distinct lines of truth: the believer's exalted position, the truth about the Church as Christ's Body, and the consistent walk of the saved. The Epistle emphasizes the believer's exalted position secured by God's grace, followed by the call to live a worthy life. It stresses that God accomplishes the believer's position in Christ before calling them to live accordingly, contrary to the human concept of earning merit. The sermon delves into the believer's standing in Christ, the relationship between the Father and the Son, and the spiritual blessings bestowed on believers in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Fellowship With God
By James Smith0DEU 32:26PSA 55:22ISA 1:18ROM 8:281CO 3:212CO 4:15HEB 4:151PE 5:7James Smith preaches on the importance of fellowship with God, emphasizing the need for a deep knowledge of God through the gospel and the Holy Spirit's teaching. This knowledge leads to a true understanding of God's glory, beauty, and excellency, removing fear and drawing believers closer to the Father. Fellowship with God is built on friendship, joint interest, and joint engagement, where believers desire to know, enjoy, and please God in every aspect of their lives.
The Believer's Portion!
By James Smith0PSA 73:26PSA 102:25PSA 119:57JER 32:41MAT 6:211CO 3:21PHP 4:11COL 3:1HEB 13:5JAS 4:8James Smith preaches on the privilege of having God as our portion, emphasizing that while others may boast of their possessions and wealth which are limited and temporary, as Christians, we can claim God Himself as our portion, encompassing all His greatness and goodness. This portion is immense, including all the attributes, perfections, and power of God, with nothing good withheld from us. The sermon delves into how this privilege is acquired through the new birth, donation from God, and our choice to make God our portion, leading to a deep desire, seeking, and finally obtaining God as our portion.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
By R.A. Torrey0Empowerment in ChristThe Holy SpiritPSA 62:11JHN 14:26JHN 15:26JHN 16:8ACT 1:8ROM 8:21CO 3:21GAL 5:22EPH 3:16TIT 3:5R.A. Torrey emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, explaining that the Holy Spirit imparts God's power to individuals, enabling them to live victoriously and serve effectively. He highlights that understanding and claiming the Holy Spirit's work is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's power, which includes revealing Christ, convicting of sin, renewing lives, and guiding believers in truth and prayer. Torrey stresses the importance of the Word of God as the instrument through which the Holy Spirit operates, and he encourages believers to rely on the Spirit for strength, guidance, and the manifestation of Christlike character.
The Revelation of the Mystery
By Charles S. Price0MRK 4:11JHN 16:131CO 3:21GAL 2:20EPH 1:17EPH 3:181TH 5:6REV 12:12REV 21:7Charles S. Price preaches about the unveiling and revelation of God's plan in the Last Days, where some are given the knowledge of the mystery of the Kingdom of God while others remain in darkness; emphasizing that this revelation is a gift from God through the Holy Spirit, not based on human understanding. The sermon delves into the union between Christ and His Bride, where all that belongs to Christ is made available to the Bride, showcasing the glory and beauty that will reflect His own. It concludes with the importance of knowing and experiencing the love of Christ through the revelation of the Spirit, preparing the Bride for the Holy Wedding and the ultimate culmination of God's plan.
All Things Belong to You
By Bryan Anthony0ISA 43:10ROM 12:101CO 3:31CO 3:21EPH 4:2Bryan Anthony preaches on the dangers of jealousy and strife among believers, as seen in the Corinthian church, where divisions and comparisons based on human leaders were causing chaos. He emphasizes the need for a deeper revelation of the supremacy of Christ, reminding us that all things belong to us as believers and we belong to Christ, who belongs to God. Anthony highlights how subtle inward jealousy and inferiority can hinder our experience of God's love, leading to bitterness and self-consciousness, but a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ can break these chains and bring freedom and a desire for others' spiritual prosperity.
The Saint's Inventory
By Thomas Bradbury0ISA 49:15HOS 11:8ROM 8:171CO 3:211CO 6:111CO 6:192CO 6:10EPH 1:11HEB 7:26Thomas Bradbury preaches on the profound grace of God revealed in the 1st Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, showcasing how God's sovereign grace shines brightly in the lives of those who were once given up to sin. He emphasizes the transformation brought about by God's rich and distinguishing grace, as seen in the Corinthian Christians who were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus. Bradbury delves into the concept of believers belonging to Christ and Christ belonging to God, highlighting the intimate relationship and possession God has in His people. He explores the believer's inventory, where all things, including ministers of the Gospel, the world, life, death, things present, and things to come, are declared to be theirs in Christ.
The Covenant of Abraham
By John Piper0GEN 12:1GEN 15:6ROM 4:1ROM 9:6ROM 15:41CO 3:21GAL 3:8GAL 3:14John Piper preaches about the Covenant of Abraham, emphasizing God's ownership of all things, His purpose to fill the earth with the knowledge of His glory, and the consequences of man's fall into sin due to self-reliance and self-exaltation. He delves into the promises made to Abraham, including a great posterity, justification by faith, and blessings for all families of the earth. Piper explains the conditions of the covenant, highlighting the importance of obedience as a necessary outcome of truly trusting in God's promises. He concludes by revealing that believers today are the heirs of the promises made to Abraham and his seed, emphasizing that through faith in Christ, all the blessings and promises of Abraham are extended to them.
The Privileges of the Believer
By Thomas Reade0MAT 7:21JHN 14:16JHN 16:13ROM 8:161CO 3:212CO 1:22GAL 5:22EPH 1:13EPH 4:30Thomas Reade preaches on 'The Privileges of the Believer,' emphasizing the inconceivable goodness of God towards believers, assuring them of His love, protection, and provision. Believers are reminded of their amazing privilege as heirs of God through Christ, inheriting all blessings and glory. The sermon delves into the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting of sin, revealing Christ as Savior, guiding into truth, and providing comfort and strength. Believers are encouraged to seek the Spirit's presence, transformation, and sanctification, and to cherish His godly motions to avoid grieving Him.
Delight Fully
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 16:5JHN 16:33ROM 8:171CO 3:21PHP 4:7Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the abundant blessings and inheritance that believers have in Christ, emphasizing that everything belongs to those who belong to Christ, including Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world, life, death, things present, and things to come. She highlights the concept of finding true joy and peace in God by surrendering completely to His will, allowing Him to work in and through their lives, leading to a deep sense of contentment and heavenly joy even amidst earthly trials.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let no man glory in men - Let none suppose that he has any cause of exultation in any thing but God. All are yours; he that has God for his portion has every thing that can make him happy and glorious: all are his.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
let no man glory in men--resuming the subject from Co1 3:4; compare Co1 1:12, Co1 1:31, where the true object of glorying is stated: "He that glorieth, let him glory in THE LORD." Also Co1 4:6, "That no one of you be puffed up for one against another." For all things--not only all men. For you to glory thus in men, is lowering yourselves from your high position as heirs of all things. All men (including your teachers) belong to Christ, and therefore to you, by your union with Him; He makes them and all things work together for your good (Rom 8:28). Ye are not for the sake of them, but they for the sake of you (Co2 4:5, Co2 4:15). They belong to you, not you to them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore let no man glory in men,.... The apostle means ministers, who are but men, even the best of them, and therefore not to be gloried in; and has chiefly respect to the false teachers, whose wisdom, learning, and eloquence, the Corinthians were greatly taken with, and boasted of; it was so ensnaring to them, that they even idolized them for it, called them their masters, pinned their faith on their sleeve, gave up themselves to them, and were greatly under their authority, influence, and direction, which is here condemned; and which was so far from being right, that they ought not to behave in such manner to the best of ministers, nor to glory in anyone above another; no, not in Paul, nor Apollos, nor Cephas; for all things are yours; all the ministers, and all they are endowed with; these were all for their use and service, for their benefit and advantage; wherefore it was very wrong to set up one above, or against another, or for any party to engross anyone minister, when he belonged to them all; and great weakness to reject others, when they had a common right and property in them.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle founds an exhortation against over-valuing their teachers on what he had just said, and on the consideration that they had an equal interest in all their ministers: Therefore let no man glory in men (Co1 3:21) - forget that their ministers are men, or pay that deference to them that is due only to God, set them at the head of parties, have them in immoderate esteem and admiration, and servilely and implicitly follow their directions and submit to their dictates, and especially in contradiction to God and the truths taught by his Holy Spirit. Mankind are very apt to make the mercies of God cross their intentions. The ministry is a very useful and very gracious institution, and faithful ministers are a great blessing to any people; yet the folly and weakness of people may do much mischief by what is in itself a blessing. They may fall into factions, side with particular ministers, and set them at their head, glory in their leaders, and be carried by them they know not whither. The only way to avoid this mischief is to have a modest opinion of ourselves, a due sense of the common weakness of human understanding, and an entire deference to the wisdom of God speaking in his word. Ministers are not to be set up in competition with one another. All faithful ministers are serving one Lord and pursuing one purpose. They were appointed of Christ, for the common benefit of the church: "Paul, and Apollos, and Cephas, are all yours. One is not to be set up against another, but all are to be valued and used for your own spiritual benefit." Upon this occasion also he gives in an inventory of the church's possessions, the spiritual riches of a true believer: "All is yours - ministers of all ranks, ordinary and extraordinary. Nay the world itself is yours." Not that saints are proprietors of the world, but it stands for their sake, they have as much of it as Infinite Wisdom sees to be fit for them, and they have all they have with the divine blessing. "Life is yours, that you may have season and opportunity to prepare for the life of heaven; and death is yours, that you may go to the possession of it. It is the kind messenger that will fetch you to your Father's house. Things present are yours, for your support on the road; things to come are yours, to enrich and regale you for ever at your journey's end." Note, If we belong to Christ, and are true to him, all good belongs to us, and is sure to us. All is ours, time and eternity, earth and heaven, life and death. We shall want no good thing, Psa 84:11. But it must be remembered, at the same time, that we are Christ's, the subjects of his kingdom, his property. He is Lord over us, and we must own his dominion, and cheerfully submit to his command and yield themselves to his pleasure, if we would have all things minister to our advantage. All things are ours, upon no other ground than our being Christ's. Out of him we are without just title or claim to any thing that is good. Note, Those that would be safe for time, and happy to eternity, must be Christ's. And Christ is God's. He is the Christ of God, anointed of God, and commissioned by him, to bear the office of a Mediator, and to act therein for the purposes of his glory. Note, All things are the believer's, that Christ might have honour in his great undertaking, and God in all might have the glory. God in Christ reconciling a sinful world to himself, and shedding abroad the riches of his grace on a reconciled world, is the sum and substance of the gospel.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:21-23 As the privileged children of God, they may now lay claim to everything—the world, and life and death, and the present and the future (see Rom 8:38-39). So there is no point in claiming a particular human leader as their own.