Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 3:17

"If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye." — 1 Corinthians 3:17 (ASV)

The “temple” (GK 3724) is reminiscent of the OT tabernacle and temple as well as the holy sanctuary built by Herod. As Jesus spoke of his earthly body as the “temple” , so his redeemed people, indwelt by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 6:19), can be called individually and collectively God’s temple.

Paul challenges the church with the fact that they together (the word “you” is plural) are the spiritual temple of God, because the Spirit of God dwells in them (Ephesians 2:22; 1 Peter 2:5). Therefore those who build this temple in a shoddy way deserve the destruction of their doctrine and false testimony as described in v.15. Implicit in this is a warning against any false teachers coming in among the believers.

More pointedly, Paul states that anyone who actually destroys or tends to destroy God’s temple will be destroyed by God (cf. Leviticus 15:31). The reason is clear: God’s temple is “sacred” (GK 41), i.e., set apart to holiness (Isaiah 28:16; Revelation 3:12). In his justice and holiness, God cannot allow any part of his holy work to be damaged without bringing retribution. Here is a fitting warning to every Christian minister and worker.