What does 1 Corinthians 3:21 mean?

Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 1 Corinthians 3:21

Explanation

1 Corinthians 3:21 is a statement that Apostle Paul makes to address the divisions and factionalism that were occurring within the Corinthian church. Members of the church were boasting about following different human leaders (like Paul, Apollos, or Cephas), essentially creating cliques that glorified these men. Paul is admonishing the Corinthians to stop bragging about human leaders because every follower belongs to God and everything that comes with faith in Christ is available to all believers, irrespective of which human leader they might align themselves with. The verse emphasizes inclusivity and equality, reinforcing the idea that in Christianity, no single person or group should be glorified above others because all believers share in the riches of God’s kingdom.

Historical Context

This verse comes from Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians, written around 53-54 A.D. The church in Corinth was a diverse community with a mix of Jews, Gentiles, rich, and poor. It was also a city known for its wealth and immorality, where philosophies and wisdom were highly valued. The divisions in the Corinthian church were a reflection not only of the cultural and social diversity within the community but also of the prevalent Greek practice of aligning oneself with various philosophers and schools of thought. Paul’s letter aims to correct this by reinforcing the unity believers have in Christ.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives might emphasize the collective inheritance of the believers in Christ or the utter sufficiency of Christ over human leaders. Reformed theologians may use this verse to discuss the priesthood of all believers and the abolition of any spiritual caste system. Catholic interpretations might highlight the universal call to holiness and the communion of saints, reminding the faithful that no saint should be glorified above Christ. Charismatic perspectives could focus on the empowerment of every believer through the Holy Spirit, asserting that each has access to the full spectrum of spiritual gifts.

Practical Applications

From this verse, one can derive the practical application of humility and unity within a church community. Believers are encouraged to avoid prideful boasting about denominational or personal affiliations and, instead, focus on the common faith and inheritance they share in Christ. In daily life, this teaching urges Christians to work together, support one another, and remember that no single person has a monopoly on God’s gifts or favor.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 1:12: “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.”
• 1 Corinthians 3:7: “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
• Romans 8:32: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
• 2 Corinthians 4:15: “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, key terms in this verse include:

• καυχάσθω (kauchástho): often translated as “boast” or “glory,” meaning to take pride in something, often in a negative sense when inappropriately directed at humans rather than God.
• ἐστιν (estin): “are,” the present tense of “to be,” indicating a current and continuous state.
• ὑμῶν (humōn): “yours,” the possessive pronoun in the second person plural, emphasizing collective possession by the Corinthians of all that God provides.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

While 1 Corinthians 3:21 addresses a specific Christian concept, similar ideas can be found in other religious traditions that caution against elevating human teachers to divine status. For instance, Buddhism discourages the worship of the Buddha as a deity, emphasizing his role as a teacher of enlightenment rather than an object of worship. In Hinduism, while the guru is highly respected, the ultimate goal is to realize one’s own divine nature, aligning with the idea that the most profound spiritual truths belong to all.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific discussions do not directly intersect with the content of this verse, as the primary concerns are theological and relational within a religious community. However, psychology might explore the implications of in-group favoritism and the benefits of creating inclusive social environments, which aligns with the spirit of Paul’s message that urges the dismantling of factions and unifying under a shared identity.

Commentaries

Exegetical commentaries generally agree that Paul’s intent in 1 Corinthians 3:21 is to discourage factionalism and to unify the community under the wisdom and sovereignty of God. Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes this by stating that all things are provided for the spiritual benefit of believers. The Pulpit Commentary notes that Paul directly attacks the pride and partisanship that were undermining the church’s unity and spiritual health. John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible interprets the phrase “all things are yours” as the apostle’s way of sharing that all things in the world and the age to come are made for the saints’ good and God’s glory. These insights highlight the understanding that the centrality of Christ in the Christian faith should take precedence over any attachment to human leaders or factions.