John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 3:10

"According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon." — 1 Corinthians 3:10 (ASV)

As a wise master-builder. This is a most fitting analogy, and consequently, it is frequently found in the Scriptures, as we will see soon. Here, however, the Apostle declares his faithfulness with great confidence and fearlessness, as it needed to be asserted not only against the slanders of the wicked but also against the pride of the Corinthians, who had already begun to despise his doctrine.

Therefore, the more they demeaned him, the higher he raises himself. Speaking, so to speak, from a pulpit of great height, he declares that he had been the first master-builder of God among them in laying the foundation, and that he had with wisdom fulfilled that responsibility. It remained for others to continue in the same way, building the superstructure in conformity with the foundation.

Let us observe that Paul says these things first of all to commend his doctrine, which he saw was despised by the Corinthians, and secondly, to repress the insolence of others who, from a desire for distinction, pursued a new method of teaching. He therefore admonishes them to attempt nothing rashly in God’s building. He prohibits them from doing two things: they must not venture to lay another foundation, and they must not build a superstructure that will not correspond to the foundation.

According to the grace. He is always careful not to usurp for himself a single particle of the glory that belongs to God, for he attributes all things to God and leaves nothing for himself, except his role as an instrument.

However, while he thus humbly submits himself to God, he indirectly reproves the arrogance of those who did not hesitate to overshadow the grace of God, if only they themselves were held in high esteem. He also hints that there was nothing of the grace of the Spirit in that empty display for which they were esteemed, while, on the other hand, he clears himself from contempt on the basis that he had been under divine influence.