1 Corinthians 3:3-4
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Paul isn't just saying these folks are acting fleshly; he's pointing out that their jealousy and strife prove they are still fundamentally operating from a fleshly perspective. It's a stark reminder that human ways of dealing with conflict, even if they seem understandable to us, are a clear sign of immaturity in Christ.
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? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing divisions and immaturity within the Corinthian church, pointing out that their intense loyalty to different human leaders, like Paul or Apollos, reveals a spiritual immaturity. This verse highlights that their ongoing squabbles and favoritism are evidence they are still operating out of their old, fleshly ways, rather than living according to the Spirit. He'll go on to contrast this with the mature, God-centered life they should be pursuing.
Paul calls the Corinthian believers 'of the flesh.' But what does that really mean for someone who knows Jesus?
When Paul talks about being 'of the flesh,' he's pointing to a way of living dominated by our old, fallen nature. It's not just about committing sins, but about living according to the values and thinking patterns of the world that is separated from God.
Think of it like this: A redeemed person is like a restored painting. The original beauty is there, but the old dust and grime (the flesh) can still cover it up, making it hard to see the masterpiece underneath. The Corinthian believers had been 'restored' by Christ, but they were letting the 'dust and grime' of their old ways obscure the new life they had in Him.
This means that even believers can fall back into patterns of jealousy, strife, and self-promotion, acting out of worldly wisdom rather than divine guidance. It's a call to recognize that our identity is new in Christ, but our behavior still needs to be transformed by His Spirit.
Jealousy and strife are signs of trouble. What kind of thinking does Paul say fuels these divisions?
The Corinthians were deeply divided, forming cliques around different teachers (like Paul and Apollos). Paul identifies this as a failure to grasp God's wisdom. Their arguments and rivalries were based on human reasoning and loyalties, not on the unity and love that comes from God.
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Paul is essentially saying, 'You're acting like pagans who don't know God, with all your infighting and favoritism. True spiritual maturity means living by a completely different set of values – God's values.'
Understand the original words
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 divisions in the Corinthian church, marked by 'jealousy and strife,' were not just minor disagreements but reflected a deeper immaturity rooted in their reliance on human wisdom and worldly loyalties, a stark contrast to the unity Paul expected in Christ.
c. AD 41-54
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled Jewish people from Rome, which likely affected Jewish Christians and could have dispersed them to other areas, including Corinth.
c. AD 49-50
Paul Founds the Corinthian Church
The Apostle Paul spent about 18 months in Corinth, establishing a church with both Jewish and Gentile believers. This was a crucial time for laying the spiritual foundation.
c. AD 50-52
Apollos Ministers in Corinth
The eloquent Apollos preached in Corinth after Paul left. His ministry was powerful, but it also led to factions forming, with some claiming to follow Paul and others Apollos.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul received reports of serious issues within the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and doctrinal disputes. This letter is his response, addressing these problems directly.
c. AD 56
Titus Reports on Corinth
The apostle Titus later visited Corinth and brought Paul encouraging news, indicating that the severe letter (likely 2 Corinthians) and the church's repentance had a positive impact.
This passage lists 'works of the flesh' like 'enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, parties, envy.' It directly parallels the 'jealousy and strife' Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 3:3, showing the negative consequences of living by the flesh.
Romans 12:2Paul urges believers not to be 'conformed to this world' but to be transformed by the renewal of their minds. This connects to 1 Corinthians 3:3 by highlighting the need to move away from a 'human way' of thinking and acting, which is rooted in the flesh, towards a godly mindset.
1 Corinthians 1:10-13Here, Paul directly addresses divisions within the Corinthian church, asking if Christ has been divided. This passage reinforces the themes of 'jealousy and strife' and 'human ways' of allegiance found in 1 Corinthians 3:3, showing how factions undermine the unity of the body of Christ.
James 3:14-16James describes 'bitter jealousy and selfish ambition' as earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic. This powerfully echoes Paul's critique of the Corinthians' 'jealousy and strife,' emphasizing that such attitudes are contrary to divine wisdom.
Paul isn't just saying these folks are acting fleshly; he's pointing out that their jealousy and strife prove they are still fundamentally operating from a fleshly perspective. It's a stark reminder that human ways of dealing with conflict, even if they seem understandable to us, are a clear sign of immaturity in Christ.
Paul is addressing divisions and immaturity within the Corinthian church, pointing out that their intense loyalty to different human leaders, like Paul or Apollos, reveals a spiritual immaturity. This verse highlights that their ongoing squabbles and favoritism are evidence they are still operating out of their old, fleshly ways, rather than living according to the Spirit. He'll go on to contrast this with the mature, God-centered life they should be pursuing.
Paul is addressing divisions and immaturity within the Corinthian church, pointing out that their intense loyalty to different human leaders, like Paul or Apollos, reveals a spiritual immaturity. This verse highlights that their ongoing squabbles and favoritism are evidence they are still operating out of their old, fleshly ways, rather than living according to the Spirit. He'll go on to contrast this with the mature, God-centered life they should be pursuing.
"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? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely huma…" — Paul isn't just saying these folks are acting fleshly; he's pointing out that their jealousy and strife prove they are still fundamentally operating from a fleshly perspective. It's a stark remin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
