1 Corinthians 3 Footnotes

3:16-17 Paul’s reference to the church as a building prompted him to call it the “temple” with a severe warning to the divisive Corinthians about destroying it by their factions. This is not to contradict the biblical teaching of the “endurance from the saints” (Rv 14:12). God causes his children to persevere by giving warnings, as here, but also by giving encouragements.

3:18-23 Paul rebuked those who were wise in their own eyes and fascinated by various leaders. Let them understand God’s good purposes for them, providing such ministers as Paul, Apollos, and Cephas (Peter). This called for humility and maturity, that the Corinthians might become the “spiritual” believers God intended them to be and not act like outsiders.