1 Corinthians – Chapter 3

New Testament23 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 3 of 1 Corinthians begins: "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. As unto little ones in Christ." The chapter centers on Apollo and Paul. Across its 23 verses, two threads run through the text: wisdom for daily living and faith and trust in God. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1And I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. As unto little ones in Christ.

2I gave you milk to drink, not meat: for you were not able as yet. But neither indeed are you now able: for you are yet carnal.

3For, whereas there is among you envying and contention, are you not carnal and walk you not according to man?

4For while one saith: I indeed am of Paul: and another: I am of Apollo: are you not men? What then is Apollo and what is Paul?

5The ministers of him whom you have believed: and to every one as the Lord hath given.

6I have planted, Apollo watered: but God gave the increase.

7Therefore, neither he that planteth is any thing, nor he that watereth: but God that giveth the increase.

8Now he that planteth and he that watereth, are one. And every man shall receive his own reward, according to his own labour.

9For we are God's coadjutors. You are God's husbandry: you are God's building.

10According to the grace of God that is given to me, as a wise architect, I have laid the foundation: and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

11For other foundation no man can lay, but that which is laid: which is Christ Jesus.

12Now, if any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble:

13Every man's work shall be manifest. For the day of the Lord shall declare it, because it shall be revealed in fire. And the fire shall try every man's work, of what sort it is.

14If any man's work abide, which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

15If any mans work burn, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.

16Know you not that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17But if any man violate the temple of God, him shall God destroy. For the temple of God is holy, which you are.

18Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seem to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written: I will catch the wise in their own craftiness.

20And again: The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

21Let no man therefore glory in men.

22For all things are yours, whether it be Paul or Apollo or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come. For all are yours.

23And you are Christ's. And Christ is God's.

Important Verses in 1 Corinthians 3

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. As unto little ones in Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:1

According to the grace of God that is given to me, as a wise architect, I have laid the foundation: and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1 Corinthians 3:10

But if any man violate the temple of God, him shall God destroy. For the temple of God is holy, which you are.

1 Corinthians 3:17

And you are Christ's. And Christ is God's.

1 Corinthians 3:23

Historical Context

1 Corinthians addresses the divided church of Corinth, called back to unity and holiness within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 3 of 16 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 23 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Apollo and Paul, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. As unto little ones in Christ." It concludes: "And you are Christ's. And Christ is God's. " The wider setting of 1 Corinthians is this: Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan port city, and its young church mirrored its problems: factions, lawsuits, immorality, and confusion about worship. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of 1 Corinthians around About AD 56, from Ephesus.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 56, from Ephesus

Catholic Commentary

The letter combines theological exposition with pastoral exhortation for believers. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. As unto little ones in Christ." The passage repeatedly touches on wisdom for daily living.

Catholic exegesis reads 1 Corinthians 3 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Paul's teaching on the Eucharist and the body of Christ (CIC 1329, 791). St. Ambrose and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2215).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

Apollo4 mentionsPaul3 mentions

Reflection for Today

In 1 Corinthians Chapter 3, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of unity, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). 1 Corinthians Chapter 3 supports that call by drawing attention to trust in providence amid uncertainty within the wider message that Now you are the body of Christ.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of trust in providence amid uncertainty bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Corinthians Chapter 3 about?

1 Corinthians 3 contains 23 verses. It opens with "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. As unto little ones in Christ." and closes with "And you are Christ's. And Christ is God's. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in 1 Corinthians 3?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. As unto little ones in Christ." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Corinthians Chapter 3?

This chapter mentions Apollo, Paul.

Who wrote 1 Corinthians and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 56, from Ephesus.

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