A New Look at 1 Corinthians 3:12: “Gold, Silver, Precious Stones” -- By: James E. Rosscup

Journal: Masters Seminary Journal
Volume: TMSJ 01:1 (Spring 1990)
Article: A New Look at 1 Corinthians 3:12: “Gold, Silver, Precious Stones”
Author: James E. Rosscup


A New Look at 1 Corinthians 3:12:
“Gold, Silver, Precious Stones”1

James E. Rosscup

Professor of Bible Exposition
The Master’s Seminary

The six materials in 1 Cor 3:12 are arranged to denote a descending scale by moving from a unit of three good qualities to a unit of three bad ones. The verse uses pictures to represent what Paul callsworkin vv 13 and 14. Pauls main point is to encourage building with quality materials that will meet with Gods approval and receive eternal reward. Interpreters sometimes restrict the meaning of the symbols either to doctrine, to people, to activity, or to character. The conclusion is that Paul in the symbols combines several things that lead to Christs good pleasure and a believers reward. These are sound doctrine, activity, motives and character in Christian service.

* * * * *

Paul’s context that leads into and away from the picture of “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw” is filled with spiritual qualities. He says much to distinguish the wisdom of God from the wisdom of the world. He sees a vast difference between the mind-set of the “natural man” and the mind of believers, “the mind of Christ.”2 He distinguishes sharply between the “spiritual” person and the “carnal.”3

Then, in 3:5–8a, he focuses on the great common privilege that all those who serve God share. They, in common, are all totally dependent on the grace of God for anything of value that they accomplish. Paul is quick to qualify this lest any should leap to an erroneous conclusion that he is teaching that God sees no differences in those who serve Him. Those who depend on the grace of God and ascribe the glory to Him are individually distinct. God takes notice of the difference in their individual labor and also will make legitimate distinction in the particular reward that He deems suitable for each worker (3:8b).

Having made this point, Paul then portrays the church under two figures: “God’s tillage” and “God’s building.”4 His “building” picture blends with that of the “temple” in vv 16–17.

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