1Corinthians 3:12,13 – Fireproof

Now if anyone is building on this foundation gold and silver, precious stones, wood, grass, straw, each one’s work will become apparent, for the day will make it evident, for it is being revealed by fire. And the fire, it will be testing each one’s work –  what kind it is.

On the foundation that had been placed by Paul, one would be building. That makes sense, because a foundation is only the beginning. In the metaphor that Paul elaborates here, the ecclesia is “GOD’s building”. The foundation is Jesus Christ, “the one dying, yet rather being roused”. Building on the foundation speaks of further education. Where the big question is: with which material is one building? What is fireproof? In other words: which education will be able to withstand the test of Divine criticism? Which education is solid and lasting in value? And which education is not?

Paul mentions two types of materials. The first type “gold, silver and precious stones” is resistant to fire. The second type of material, on the other hand, “wood, grass and straw” easily catches fire. Later, when the fire will test the construction work, it is not about how much work someone has delivered. One question will be decisive: “of which kind” was the work? Not quantity but quality decides everything.

Delen: