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NASB | 1 Corinthians 3:21 So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 3:21 So let no one boast in men [about their wisdom, or of having this or that one as a leader]. For all things are yours, |
Bible Question: In this verse and the next, Paul says that "all things belong to you". He seems to be refering to the Corinthian church. What does he mean by all things belong to the Corinthian church? |
Bible Answer: Sir Pent; This is how I view this scripture: In the beginning of the chapter Paul is dealing with a division in the church as to who was whose disciple "I am of Apollos", and "I am of Paul" the division was to such an extent that those of Paul would not receive Apollos and those of Apollos would not receive Paul. But Paul says that he and Apollos are fellow servants of the Lord. Paul planted, Apollos watered but God was the one who caused the growth. He then explains that Christ was the foundation and He and Apollos were both trying to build on that foundation and that they had to be careful how and with what they built. But the crux of the matter was that those "of Paul" were not allowing Apollos to contribute to their growth and those "of Apollos" were not allowing Paul to contribute. This is where he begins to tell them that He and Apollos and Cephas belong to them and should be allowed to contribute to their growth. If they restrict one or the other from contributing they lose out. The all things in this case would be refering to that which the Lord provides for their growth and establishment as the temple of God. The thing to be careful of is whether those who are contributing are contributing gold, silver precious stone or wood, hay or stuble. In the next chapter we see his admission that those that build or contribute need to be found as faithful stewards ie trustworthy. He also goes on to say in the next chapter that it is a small thing for him to be judged by them refering to those "of Apollos" who would not allow him to contribute to their growth. God would in the end would judge his work. Grace to you |