Immaturity and party loyalty
1 Corinthians 3:1–9FocusServants in God's field
Connection to the wholeThe Corinthians' divisions reveal immaturity; Paul and Apollos are placed as fellow labourers while God gives the increase.
interpretation 1 Corinthians 3:19
KJVFor the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
Read it in context
No boasting in people
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 3:18 (1 Corinthians 3:18 to 1 Corinthians 3:23).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The chapter returns to the foolishness of worldly wisdom and grounds the church's identity in belonging to Christ rather than to a chosen minister.
- 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
- 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
- 3:20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
- 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
- 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
- 3:23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 1:1–4:21): Paul addresses the Corinthian church about divisions, boasting, and the roles of gospel workers such as himself and Apollos. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? No boasting in people. Read 1 Corinthians 3:18 through 1 Corinthians 3:23 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The chapter returns to the foolishness of worldly wisdom and grounds the church's identity in belonging to Christ rather than to a chosen minister. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul addresses current reports and questions from Corinth and discusses planned travel. The letter does not provide a calendar date; 1 Corinthians 16:8 names Ephesus in his plans. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church addressed is in Corinth. Ephesus is named in Paul's intended stay, while the discussion also recalls Israel's wilderness and other settings. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in No boasting in people (1 Corinthians 3:18 to 1 Corinthians 3:23). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 3:18. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul centers the message on Christ crucified and risen and describes the church's life in relation to Him. The resurrection discussion is essential to the letter's account of Christian hope. See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Let worship, spiritual gifts, liberty, and conduct serve love and the edification of others. Read corrections in light of the specific problems being addressed and retain the warnings against falling. interpretation
Cited: 1 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 1 Corinthians 15:4
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- the wisdom 1 Cor 1:19-20 1 Cor 2:6 Isa 19:11-14 Isa 29:14-16 Isa 44:25 Rom 1:21-22
- For Job 5:13
- He Exod 1:10 Exod 18:11 2 Sam 15:31 2 Sam 16:23 2 Sam 17:14,23 Esth 7:10 Ps 7:14-15 Ps 9:15-16
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 3
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
Building on the foundation
1 Corinthians 3:10–17FocusAccountable work and God's temple
Connection to the wholeThe building image joins Christ as the foundation with testing of each worker's work and a serious warning about the temple of God.
interpretation FocusBelonging to Christ
Connection to the wholeThe chapter returns to the foolishness of worldly wisdom and grounds the church's identity in belonging to Christ rather than to a chosen minister.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
FocusThe cross and faithful ministry
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
interpretation The church's conduct
1 Corinthians 5:1–6:20FocusDiscipline, disputes, and the body
Connection to the wholeCases of immorality and litigation expose conduct inconsistent with the church's calling and the readers' belonging to Christ.
interpretation Questions about marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1–40FocusFaithfulness within one's calling
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
interpretation Liberty and responsibility
1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1FocusIdolatry, conscience, and others' good
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
interpretation Order in the assembly
1 Corinthians 11:2–14:40FocusHonour, the supper, love, and gifts
Connection to the wholePaul corrects gathered conduct and the use of spiritual gifts, making love and the church's edification central.
interpretation The resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1–58FocusChrist raised and believers' hope
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
interpretation Collection and closing directions
1 Corinthians 16:1–24FocusShared service and steadfast love
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.