Chapter 3
The
Corinthians reproved for their contentions
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1–4
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The
true servants of Christ can do nothing without him
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5–9
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He
is the only foundation, and every one should take heed what he builds thereon
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10–15
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The
churches of Christ ought to be kept pure, and to be humble
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16,
17
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And
they should not glory in men, because ministers and all things else are
theirs through Christ
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18–23
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Verses 1–4
The most
simple truths of the gospel, as to man’s sinfulness and God’s mercy, repentance
towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, stated in the plainest
language, suit the people better than deeper mysteries. Men may have much
doctrinal knowledge, yet be mere beginners in the life of faith and experience.
Contentions and quarrels about religion are sad evidences of carnality. True
religion makes men peaceable, not contentious. But it is to be lamented, that
many who should walk as Christians, live and act too much like other men. Many
professors, and preachers also, show themselves to be yet carnal, by
vain-glorious strife, eagerness for dispute, and readiness to despise and speak
evil of others.
Verses 5–9
The
ministers about whom the Corinthians contended, were only instruments used by
God. We should not put ministers into the place of God. He that planteth and he
that watereth are one, employed by one Master, trusted with the same
revelation, busied in one work, and engaged in one design. They have their
different gifts from one and the same Spirit, for the very same purposes; and
should carry on the same design heartily. Those who work hardest shall fare
best. Those who are most faithful shall have the greatest reward. They work
together with God, in promoting the purposes of his glory, and the salvation of
precious souls; and He who knows their work, will take care they do not labour
in vain. They are employed in his husbandry and building; and He will carefully
look over them.
Verses 10–15
The apostle
was a wise master-builder; but the grace of God made him such. Spiritual pride
is abominable; it is using the greatest favours of God, to feed our own vanity,
and make idols of ourselves. But let every man take heed; there may be bad
building on a good foundation. Nothing must be laid upon it, but what the
foundation will bear, and what is of a piece with it. Let us not dare to join a
merely human or a carnal life with a Divine faith, the corruption of sin with
the profession of Christianity. Christ is a firm, abiding, and immovable Rock
of ages, every way able to bear all the weight that God himself or the sinner
can lay upon him; neither is there salvation in any other. Leave out the
doctrine of his atonement, and there is no foundation for our hopes. But of
those who rest on this foundation, there are two sorts. Some hold nothing but
the truth as it is in Jesus, and preach nothing else. Others build on the good
foundation what will not abide the test, when the day of trail comes. We may be
mistaken in ourselves and others; but there is a day coming that will show our
actions in the true light, without covering or disguise. Those who spread true
and pure religion in all its branches, and whose work will abide in the great
day, shall receive a reward. And how great! how much exceeding their deserts!
There are others, whose corrupt opinions and doctrines, or vain inventions and
usages in the worship of God, shall be made known, disowned, and rejected, in
that day. This is plainly meant of a figurative fire, not of a real one; for
what real fire can consume religious rites or doctrines? And it is to try every
man’s works, those of Paul and Apollos, as well as others. Let us consider the
tendency of our undertakings, compare them with God’s word, and judge ourselves,
that we be not judged of the Lord.
Verses 16, 17
From other
parts of the epistle, it appears that the false teachers among the Corinthians
taught unholy doctrines. Such teaching tended to corrupt, to pollute, and
destroy the building, which should be kept pure and holy for God. Those who
spread loose principles, which render the church of God unholy, bring
destruction upon themselves. Christ by his Spirit dwells in all true believers.
Christians are holy by profession, and should be pure and clean, both in heart
and conversation. He is deceived who deems himself the temple of the Holy
Ghost, yet is unconcerned about personal holiness, or the peace and purity of
the church.
Verses 18–23
To have a
high opinion of our own wisdom, is but to flatter ourselves; and self-flattery
is the next step to self-deceit. The wisdom that wordly men esteem, is
foolishness with God. How justly does he despise, and how easily can he baffle
and confound it! The thoughts of the wisest men in the world, have vanity,
weakness, and folly in them. All this should teach us to be humble, and make us
willing to be taught of God, so as not to be led away, by pretences to human
wisdom and skill, from the simple truths revealed by Christ. Mankind are very
apt to oppose the design of the mercies of God. Observe the spiritual riches of
a true believer; “All are yours,” even ministers and ordinances. Nay, the world
itself is yours. Saints have as much of it as Infinite Wisdom sees fit for
them, and they have it with the Divine blessing. Life is yours, that you may
have a season and opportunity to prepare for the life of heaven; and death is
yours, that you may go to the possession of it. It is the kind messenger to
take you from sin and sorrow, and to guide you to your Father’s house. Things
present are yours, for your support on the road; things to come are yours, to
delight you for ever at your journey’s end. If we belong to Christ, and are
true to him, all good belongs to us, and is sure to us. Believers are the
subjects of his kingdom. He is Lord over us, we must own his dominion, and
cheerfully submit to his command. God in Christ, reconciling a sinful world to
himself, and pouring the riches of his grace on a reconciled world, is the sum
and substance of the gospel.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
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or www.ccel.org
