What does 1 Corinthians 3:14 mean?

If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:14

Explanation

1 Corinthians 3:14 conveys a part of the Apostle Paul’s teaching on the works of believers and their consequences. In this verse, Paul discusses the quality of the work that believers build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. He uses the metaphor of a construction project to describe this spiritual endeavor, suggesting that the ‘work’ of a believer is subject to testing by fire. The “work” here refers to one’s deeds, teachings, influence, and overall contribution to God’s kingdom. If someone’s work “abides,” meaning it passes the test and proves to be of lasting quality and value, they will receive a reward from God. The implication is that works done in accordance with God’s will, those that promote truth, foster love, and exemplify faith, will endure and be rewarded.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul around 54-55 A.D. to the church in Corinth, a city known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral laxity. In the broader context of chapter 3, Paul addresses divisions within the Corinthian church, particularly disputes over which leader the believers should follow. He emphasizes that church leaders are God’s servants and that the true foundation of the church is Christ. In this epistle, Paul attempts to correct the Corinthians’ misunderstanding of Christian leadership and the nature of the Church, reminding them that ultimate successes are due to God’s work.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse touches on the concepts of judgment, reward, and sanctification. The notion that works will be tested for their enduring quality reflects an eschatological theme, where divine judgment of one’s life is in view. Also, different theological perspectives may interpret the “reward” differently:

• Evangelical theology often sees the reward as crowns or commendations given in heaven.
• Catholic theology might interpret it in the context of meritorious works participating in grace.
• Some reformed views emphasize that these rewards are not meritorious towards salvation but are acknowledgments of God’s grace at work in a believer’s life.

Practical Applications

1 Corinthians 3:14 might encourage believers to live intentionally with an eternal perspective, doing works that have lasting significance and align with God’s values. It suggests a call to pursue spiritual growth and to invest in actions and character that will withstand divine scrutiny. People might consider their motives, the guidance of scripture, and the leading of the Holy Spirit when deciding what endeavors to undertake.

Cross-References

Some related verses providing additional perspective on the themes present in 1 Corinthians 3:14 include:

• Matthew 6:20: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”
• Ephesians 6:8: “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Language Study

• “Work” (Greek: ἔργον, ergon): This word often refers to deeds or actions, in this context implying the various activities and teachings of the believers.
• “Abide” (Greek: μένω, meno): It means to remain, stay, or continue. Here, it refers to work that remains intact after being tested.
• “Built” (Greek: ἐποικοδομέω, epoikodomeo): A compound word suggesting to build upon something already existing; here, it is about building upon the foundation of Christ.
• “Receive” (Greek: κομίζω, komizo): To carry off for oneself, to obtain or be recompensed.
• “Reward” (Greek: μισθός, misthos): The wages or recompense given for labor; in this passage, it is the heavenly reward for enduring works.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman world, the idea of works being tested by fire was a familiar concept, analogous to purifying precious metals. Moreover, many ancient religions and myths speak of deeds being weighed or measured in the afterlife, determining a person’s fate or reward. For example, in Ancient Egyptian tradition, the heart of the deceased was weighed against the feather of Ma’at to determine their eternal destiny.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings do not generally intersect directly with the spiritual concepts contained within 1 Corinthians 3:14. However, the verse’s metaphorical use of fire for testing work can be seen as analogous to scientific processes like the refinement of metals, where heat is used to test purity and quality. Scientifically, this metaphor resonates with how observable evidence is tested for enduring reliability.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied insights into this verse:

• John Gill remarks on how every man’s work being made manifest demonstrates that nothing is hidden from God.
• Matthew Henry comments on the importance of Christian leaders performing their duties carefully, with the day of judgment in mind.
• Albert Barnes notes that Paul is addressing teachers in the Corinthian church who might have been responsible for building on the foundation Christ has laid, exhorting them to take heed of the materials they use in their teachings.