1Corinthians 3:1 – Fleshy and minors

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to minors in Christ.

That which Paul wanted to share with the Corinthians, he could not. It requires a spiritual attitude. That is to say: an interest in the truth. Instead, the Corinthians wanted to be seen and to have recognition in the world. That is not spiritual but ‘soulish’. Paul adds two other terms: fleshly and minors.

‘Flesh’ is the designation of the human in its visible and corruptible appearance. We all walk “in the flesh”, that is what we are here on earth. But “fleshly people” refers to those who walk “according to the flesh”(2 Cor. 10:3). ‘Fleshly people’ are guided by the flesh. They are controlled by the impulses of the body. Flesh is opposed to spirit.

Minors are small children. They cannot understand words properly, let alone express themselves. A small child still needs guidance in everything and can’t yet stand or walk. Both of these qualities (fleshly and minors) typified the Corinthians. What a pity when people get stuck in this. Because there is so much more to discover!

Delen: