1 Corinthians 3:1-3
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Paul calls them "infants in Christ," not because they lack faith, but because their immaturity is so obvious it's like they're still babies in their spiritual journey. He's gently pointing out that their divisions and quarrels reveal a lack of spiritual growth, showing they're still acting on their old, fleshly ways rather than their new identity in Christ.
But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is responding to divisions and quarrels among the Corinthian believers, where people are boasting about following different leaders like Paul or Apollos. He explains that their immaturity is evident because they are acting like ordinary, unspiritual people rather than mature followers of Christ. This immaturity is the reason he must address them in this more fundamental way before they can truly grasp deeper spiritual truths.
Paul calls some believers 'infants' and 'people of the flesh.' What does that really mean, and how does it differ from being truly spiritual?
Paul isn't saying these Corinthian believers were unsaved. Instead, he's drawing a sharp distinction between two ways of living within the Christian life:
Living by the Spirit
This is the life God intends for us after conversion. It's characterized by dependence on the Holy Spirit, yielding to God's will, and bearing the fruit of righteousness. It's maturity.
Living by the Flesh
This refers to living according to one's unredeemed sinful nature, even after becoming a Christian. It's driven by selfish desires, divisions, and worldly wisdom rather than God's wisdom. It's immaturity, even if they possess spiritual gifts.
Paul’s word choice here, 'people of the flesh,' is a strong indicator that their current behavior is regressing to a state that should be left behind after salvation. It’s not about having the Spirit, but how you are allowing the Spirit (or not) to guide your life.
Being called an 'infant' in faith isn't a term of endearment. What does this spiritual immaturity look like in practice?
Paul uses the metaphor of infancy to describe a lack of spiritual development. Think about a baby: they are dependent, easily swayed, and can’t digest solid food. Similarly, these Corinthians:
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Understand the original words
adelphos · Greek Noun
A term of affection used among believers to signify their shared relationship as children of the same heavenly Father, denoting equality and mutual care within the church.
pneumatikos · Greek Adjective
Refers to those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit, reflecting a character and conduct that align with God's will and the new life in Christ.
sarkinos · Greek Adjective
Describes individuals who, though potentially regenerate, are dominated by their fallen human nature and sinful impulses rather than the Spirit of God.
nēpios · Greek Noun
Metaphor for believers who lack maturity in their faith, requiring elementary teaching and exhibiting unstable or underdeveloped spiritual discernment.
gala · Greek Noun
The foundational teachings of the Christian faith, essential for new believers who are not yet capable of grasping deeper, more complex theological doctrines.
brōma · Greek Noun
The advanced, deeper theological truths of the Gospel that require spiritual maturity to comprehend and apply to one's life.
zēlos · Greek Noun
A sinful attitude of resentment or envy toward the success or blessings of others, which is contrary to the spirit of love and unity commanded by Christ.
eris · Greek Noun
Refers to contention, rivalry, or discord among believers, which disrupts the peace and unity of the Body of Christ.
The church in Corinth was founded by Paul, but quickly fractured into factions following different leaders. This verse highlights Paul's frustration with their immaturity, comparing them to infants who should have been growing spiritually but were instead acting according to their 'fleshly' (worldly or unspiritual) desires.
c. AD 50-52
Paul Founds the Church in Corinth
The Apostle Paul establishes the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey, facing significant opposition. This foundational period is crucial for understanding the city's context.
c. AD 53-57— this verse
Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthian church, likely from Ephesus, addressing divisions, moral issues, and theological questions they were facing. This letter is the source of the verse in question.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Visit to Corinth
Paul visits Corinth again, a more somber visit where he likely confronts the divisions and immaturity within the church more directly. This visit may have prompted some of the letter's stern tone.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment
Paul is imprisoned, likely in Rome. During this time, he writes letters such as Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, reflecting on the progress and challenges of the churches he had founded.
This passage highlights the very divisions and factionalism Paul is addressing, showing that the Corinthian church was already struggling with a 'fleshly' mindset, leading to these divisions rather than unity in Christ.
Hebrews 5:12-14This passage offers a parallel illustration of spiritual immaturity, comparing believers who should be teachers to those who still need milk instead of solid food because they are untrained in the word.
Galatians 5:16-17This passage directly contrasts the desires of the flesh with the desires of the Spirit, illustrating the internal conflict and immaturity Paul is observing in the Corinthians, where the flesh is still very active.
Ephesians 4:14Paul describes believers who are no longer to be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and blown about by every wind of doctrine, which fits the description of spiritual infants needing to grow.
Paul calls them "infants in Christ," not because they lack faith, but because their immaturity is so obvious it's like they're still babies in their spiritual journey. He's gently pointing out that their divisions and quarrels reveal a lack of spiritual growth, showing they're still acting on their old, fleshly ways rather than their new identity in Christ.
Paul is responding to divisions and quarrels among the Corinthian believers, where people are boasting about following different leaders like Paul or Apollos. He explains that their immaturity is evident because they are acting like ordinary, unspiritual people rather than mature followers of Christ. This immaturity is the reason he must address them in this more fundamental way before they can truly grasp deeper spiritual truths.
Paul is responding to divisions and quarrels among the Corinthian believers, where people are boasting about following different leaders like Paul or Apollos. He explains that their immaturity is evident because they are acting like ordinary, unspiritual people rather than mature followers of Christ. This immaturity is the reason he must address them in this more fundamental way before they can truly grasp deeper spiritual truths.
"But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the…" — Paul calls them "infants in Christ," not because they lack faith, but because their immaturity is so obvious it's like they're still babies in their spiritual journey. He's gently pointing out that t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
