In this chapter the apostle, I. Blames the Corinthians for their carnality and divisions, 1 Cor. 3:1–4. II. He instructs them how what was amiss among them might be rectified, by remembering, 1. That their ministers were no more than ministers, 1 Cor. 3:5. 2.

Here, I. Paul blames the Corinthians for their weakness and nonproficiency. Those who are sanctified are so only in part: there is still room for growth and increase both in grace and knowledge, 2 Pet. 3:18.

Here the apostle instructs them how to cure this humour, and rectify what was amiss among them upon this head, I. By reminding them that the ministers about whom they contended were but ministers: Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed? Even as the Lord gave to…

Here the apostle informs us what foundation he had laid at the bottom of all his labours among them— even Jesus Christ, the chief corner-stone, Eph. 2:20. Upon this foundation all the faithful ministers of Christ build. Upon this rock all the Christians found their hopes.

Here the apostle resumes his argument and exhortation, founding it on his former allusion, You are God’s building, 1 Cor. 3:9, and here, Know you not that you are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile (corrupt and destroy) the temple of God, him shall God…

Here he prescribes humility, and a modest opinion of themselves, for the remedy of the irregularities in the church of Corinth, the divisions and contests among them: ” Let no man deceive himself, 1 Cor. 3:18.

Here the apostle founds an exhortation against over-valuing their teachers on what he had just said, and on the consideration that they had an equal interest in all their ministers: Therefore let no man glory in men —forget that their ministers are men, or pay that deference to them that is due…