Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 3

And I.—Again, as in 1 Corinthians 2:6, the Apostle shows how general principles which he has just explained were exemplified in his own conduct. In the closing verses of 1 Corinthians 2, St. Paul articulated the general method of teaching spiritual truth as depending on the receptiveness of those being taught. He now proceeds to point out to them that their own character, lacking spirituality, was the real hindrance to his teaching them the higher spiritual truth which may be called “the wisdom” of the gospel.

As unto carnal.—Better, as being carnal. Our translation may seem to imply that the Apostle spoke to them as if they were carnal, though they really were not so; but the point of the passage is that they were indeed carnal, and that the Apostle taught them not as if they were, but because they were. “Carnal” is here the opposite of “spiritual,” and does not involve any reference to what we would commonly speak of as “carnal sin.”

Babes in Christ.—This is the opposite of the full grown in 1 Corinthians 2:6, to whom the “wisdom” could be taught. (See also Colossians 1:28, full grown in Christ.) It may be an interesting indication of the “manliness” of St. Paul’s character and his high estimate of it in others, that he constantly uses the words “babe” and “childhood” in a depreciatory sense. (Galatians 4:3; Ephesians 4:14.)

Milk . . . meat.—The use of the word “infant” naturally suggests these two images for the higher wisdom and for the simpler truths of the gospel, respectively.

Hitherto you were not able.—A better rendering is, for you were not yet able. Up to this point, the Apostle has been speaking of the condition in which he found the Corinthians when he first came to Corinth. He proceeds from this to rebuke them for continuing in this condition. He does not blame them for having been “babes” at the outset, but he does, in the following passage, blame them for not having yet grown out of infancy.

On verses 2, 3:

Neither yet now are you able, for you are yet carnal.—A better rendering is, but not even now are you able, for you are still carnal. It is for this absence of growth—for their continuing in this same condition even now—that the Apostle reproaches them. He shows that the fault they find with him, for not having given them more advanced teaching, really lies at their own door.

For whereas.—Better, For since there is.

As men.—Better, after the manner of man—i.e., after a merely human and not after a spiritually enlightened manner. In Romans 3:5, Galatians 1:2, also Romans 15:5, the opposite condition is expressed by the same Greek particle used with our Lord’s name, according to Jesus Christ.

One says, I am of Paul. These and the following words explain exactly what the Apostle means by their being “carnal,” and walking after a merely human manner. Only two of the factions—those of Paul and of Apollos—are mentioned as types of the rest. The factious spirit was in each and all the “parties” the same, but the particular difference between the teaching of the higher wisdom and the simpler truths of the gospel was best illustrated by these two.

The selection for rebuke of those who called themselves by the Apostle’s own name was, no doubt, intended by him to show that it was no matter of personal jealousy on his part. He specially condemns those who magnified his name. It is for his Master alone that he is jealous.

Are you not carnal? Better, are you not only men? carrying on the idea expressed in 1 Corinthians 3:3.

The Apostle now proceeds to explain (1 Corinthians 3:5–9) the true position and work of Christian ministers. He asserts that all alike—both those who teach the simpler truths and those who build upon that primary knowledge—are only instruments in God’s hand.

Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 3:10–15 (replying to those who sneered at and despised his simple teaching as compared to the higher instruction of Apollos), he points out that although all are only instruments used by God, yet if there is any difference of honor or utility in the various kinds of work for which God so uses His ministers, the greater work is planting the seed or laying the foundation. There can be only one foundation—it is both necessary and unvarying—and many others may build upon it with varied material and different results.

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos?—Better, What then is Apollos? What is Paul? And to these abrupt and startling questions, the answer is, “Merely those whom Christ used, as He gave to each his own specific powers as the means of your conversion.” (This is the force of the word “believed” here, as in Romans 13:11). It is therefore absurd that you exalt them as heads of parties. They are only instruments—each used as the great Master thought best.