John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 3:2

"I fed you with milk, not with meat; for ye were not yet able [to bear it]: nay, not even now are ye able;" — 1 Corinthians 3:2 (ASV)

I have fed you with milk. Here it is asked whether Paul transformed Christ to suit the diversity of his hearers. I answer that this refers to the manner and form of his instructions, rather than to the substance of the doctrine. For Christ is at once milk to babes and strong meat to those that are of full age (Hebrews 5:13–14); the same truth of the gospel is administered to both, but in a way that suits their capacity.

Thus, it is the part of a wise teacher to accommodate himself to the capacity of those whom he has undertaken to instruct. In dealing with the weak and ignorant, he begins with first principles and does not go higher than they are able to follow (Mark 4:33). In short, he imparts his instructions little by little, so that they do not overflow if poured in too abundantly.

At the same time, those first principles will contain everything necessary to be known, no less than the more advanced lessons that are communicated to those who are stronger. On this point, read Augustine’s 98th homily on John.

This tends to refute the specious pretext of some who, while they merely mutter something of the gospel in an indistinct manner out of fear of danger, pretend to have Paul’s example here. Meanwhile, they present Christ at such a distance, and covered, besides, with so many disguises, that they constantly keep their followers in destructive ignorance.

I will say nothing of their mixing many corruptions, their presenting Christ not simply in half but torn to fragments, their not merely concealing such gross idolatry but also confirming it by their own example, and, if they have said anything good, immediately polluting it with numerous falsehoods.

How unlike they are to Paul is sufficiently manifest; for milk is nourishment and not poison—nourishment that is suitable and useful for raising children until they are more advanced.

For ye were not yet able to bear it. So that they may not flatter themselves too much on their own discernment, he first of all tells them what he had found among them at the beginning, and then adds what is still more severe: that the same faults remain among them to this day. For they ought at least, in putting on Christ, to have put off the flesh; and thus we see that Paul complains that the success his doctrine should have had was impeded. For if the hearer does not cause delay by his slowness, it is the part of a good teacher to always be progressing to higher levels, until perfection is attained.