1 Corinthians 3:3-5
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Paul isn't just saying the Corinthians are acting immature; he's pointing out that their jealousy and strife are direct evidence of being ruled by their unredeemed human nature. The phrase "behaving only in a human way" is a stark reminder that without God's Spirit, our natural way of operating is still fundamentally flawed and divisive. This shows that even "normal" human emotions can be a sign we're not fully walking in the Spirit.
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? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a church that's fractured by divisions, with people aligning themselves with different leaders instead of Christ. He's gently but firmly pointing out that this kind of factionalism is a sign they are still operating from a worldly, "fleshly" perspective, rather than a Spirit-filled one, and he will go on to explain how they need to build with spiritual, eternal materials.
Paul doesn't pull punches here. He calls out believers for behaviors that seem... well, worldly. What does it mean to be 'of the flesh' even after becoming a Christian?
The Unchanged Heart
Paul is telling the Corinthian church that their
Jealousy and strife aren't just minor disagreements; they're symptoms of a deeper issue. Paul identifies the root cause: thinking like the 'flesh'.
When Our Minds Are Worldly
Paul uses the term "flesh" here not just to refer to our physical bodies, but to our entire human nature apart from God's Spirit. When we are "of the flesh," our thinking, desires, and reactions are still dominated by self-interest, pride, and a desire for control – the very things that lead to envy and conflict.
This isn't about being unsaved, but about acting in ways that are unspiritual, even while being a believer. It’s a call to recognize when our old patterns of thinking and behaving are still running the show, hindering the Spirit’s work in us and in the community.
Understand the original words
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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.
diakonos · Greek Noun
A person who serves as a minister or agent of the Gospel, emphasizing that their value lies in their role as a vessel for God's message rather than in their own personality or authority.
The Corinthian church was a young, diverse community grappling with the transition from pagan lifestyles to Christian living, leading to internal divisions that Paul urgently addressed.
c. AD 48-49
Council of Jerusalem
The early church leaders decided that Gentile believers did not need to follow all the Mosaic laws, addressing tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent about eighteen months in Corinth, establishing a vibrant church among a diverse population, facing significant opposition.
c. AD 53-54— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul addressed serious disunity and behavioral issues within the Corinthian church, likely prompted by reports he had heard and a letter from the church.
c. AD 55
Paul's Second Visit to Corinth
Paul made a brief, sorrowful visit to Corinth, which was difficult and revealed deeper problems within the church.
c. AD 55-56
Paul Writes 2 Corinthians
Written after his difficult visit, Paul's second letter to the Corinthians reflects a more conciliatory but still firm tone as he deals with the ongoing issues.
This passage directly lists 'jealousy' and 'strife' as 'works of the flesh,' reinforcing Paul's point in 1 Corinthians about the nature of unspiritual behavior.
Romans 8:5This verse contrasts those who live according to the flesh with those who live according to the Spirit, mirroring Paul's assessment of the Corinthian believers as being 'of the flesh.'
James 3:16James points out that 'where jealousy exists, there will be disorder' and other evils, echoing the strife and disunity Paul observes among the Corinthians due to their fleshly mindset.
1 Corinthians 1:10Paul pleads for unity and an end to divisions, directly addressing the same problems of partisanship and strife that he attributes to the Corinthians being 'of the flesh' in chapter 3.
Paul isn't just saying the Corinthians are acting immature; he's pointing out that their jealousy and strife are direct evidence of being ruled by their unredeemed human nature. The phrase "behaving only in a human way" is a stark reminder that without God's Spirit, our natural way of operating is still fundamentally flawed and divisive. This shows that even "normal" human emotions can be a sign we're not fully walking in the Spirit.
Paul is addressing a church that's fractured by divisions, with people aligning themselves with different leaders instead of Christ. He's gently but firmly pointing out that this kind of factionalism is a sign they are still operating from a worldly, "fleshly" perspective, rather than a Spirit-filled one, and he will go on to explain how they need to build with spiritual, eternal materials.
Paul is addressing a church that's fractured by divisions, with people aligning themselves with different leaders instead of Christ. He's gently but firmly pointing out that this kind of factionalism is a sign they are still operating from a worldly, "fleshly" perspective, rather than a Spirit-filled one, and he will go on to explain how they need to build with spiritual, eternal materials.
"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 the Corinthians are acting immature; he's pointing out that their jealousy and strife are direct evidence of being ruled by their unredeemed human nature. The phrase "behavin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
