What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 3:21? Therefore The word signals Paul’s conclusion after exposing the Corinthians’ jealousy and party spirit (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). • Whenever Scripture uses “therefore,” it ties doctrine to duty; truth must reshape behavior (Romans 12:1). • Paul has just contrasted human wisdom with God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:6-16). Because God alone grants true insight, human pride has no footing (Proverbs 3:5-7). • In Jeremiah 9:23-24 the Lord says, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom,” echoing the same principle: confidence should rest in God, not people. Stop boasting in men Paul issues a clear command that leaves no room for partial obedience. • The Corinthians were aligning under teachers—Paul, Apollos, Cephas—treating spiritual leaders like celebrities (1 Corinthians 1:12). • Scripture consistently warns that trusting flesh brings a curse (Jeremiah 17:5), while “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17). • Boasting in men divides Christ’s body, inflates egos, and shifts glory away from the Lord who alone “gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Practical applications: – Measure teaching by Scripture, not personality (Acts 17:11). – Encourage leaders, but worship only Christ (Revelation 19:10). – Seek unity around the gospel, not personal preference (Ephesians 4:1-3). All things are yours A breathtaking promise follows the rebuke. • “All things” includes Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world, life, death, the present, the future—“all are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:22-23). • Because believers belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God, everything that is Christ’s becomes ours by grace (Romans 8:17; John 17:10). • Far from permission to indulge selfish desires, this inheritance frees us from grasping for status: – Leaders are gifts, not rivals (Ephesians 4:11-13). – The world and circumstances serve God’s purpose for our good (Romans 8:28). – Even death is a servant ushering us into the Lord’s presence (Philippians 1:21-23). • Living in this liberty: – Hold possessions loosely; they already belong to you in Christ (1 Timothy 6:17-19). – Face trials with confidence; nothing can truly harm what is yours eternally (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). – Celebrate other believers’ gifts; their success enriches you because you share the same inheritance (1 Corinthians 12:26). summary Paul commands the church to quit exalting human leaders because, in Christ, believers already possess everything they could seek. Confidence rooted in God’s wisdom replaces pride in people, ending division and producing grateful unity. |
    |