Bible Question:
Would you please read 1st Corinthians 3:10-15, and tell me just what your understanding of this passage is? Thank you. ebrain. |
Bible Answer: Dear Edwin, Here is how I would exegete this passage: In the third chapter of his first epistle to the Corinthian church, Paul is using a building metaphor as he has done elsewhere (cf 2 Corinthians 5 and Ephesians 2). He affirms that the only true foundation of the Gospel is the Lord Jesus Christ (v11). Paul, in evangelizing Corinth, "laid the foundation" (v10a) That is the basis on which further work in the church is done (v10b). The measure of the doctrines built upon this foundation (v12-13) -- i.e., whether they are appropriate to the foundation, or of inferior materials, doctrines unfounded in truth -- will be fully revealed in the day of judgment. Those laboring to build upon this foundation shall receive the reward of their efforts as befits the quality of the construction (v14-15). As John Gill puts it, the reward for such a minister will be received "either from the churches of Christ here, who shall honour and respect him for his faithful labours in the ministry; or from Christ hereafter, who will say, well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Note that the context of this passage is about ministers to the church. It is not about the response of individuals to the Gospel or Christian doctrine, nor is about the deeds of the individual believer. In Him, Doc |