3:21 3:21

1 Corinthians 3:22

3:23 3:23

Bible Versions

Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
Whether {G1535} Paul {G3972}, or {G1535} Apollos {G625}, or {G1535} Cephas {G2786}, or {G1535} the world {G2889}, or {G1535} life {G2222}, or {G1535} death {G2288}, or {G1535} things present {G1764}, or {G1535} things to come {G3195}; all {G3956} are {G2076} yours {G5216};
whether Sha’ul or Apollos or Kefa or the world or life or death or the present or the future: they all belong to you,
whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. All of them belong to you,
whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

In 1 Corinthians 3:22, the Apostle Paul delivers a profound declaration of the believer's expansive spiritual inheritance in Christ. This verse serves as a powerful summary of his preceding arguments against division and human-centered pride within the Corinthian church, redirecting their focus to God's ultimate provision.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (1 Corinthians 3:1-23) where Paul addresses the problem of factionalism and immaturity among the believers in Corinth. They were dividing themselves into groups, claiming allegiance to different leaders like Paul, Apollos, or Cephas (Peter), rather than unifying under Christ. Paul has just stated in 1 Corinthians 3:21, "Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours." Verse 22 then elaborates on the astonishing scope of "all things," challenging their carnal mindset by revealing the true wealth of their position in Christ.

Key Themes

  • Unity and Christ-Centeredness: Paul emphasizes that leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Cephas are merely servants through whom the Corinthians believed (1 Corinthians 3:5). The ultimate allegiance is not to the messenger, but to the Lord. By stating "all are yours," Paul reorients their perspective: the leaders serve the church, not the other way around.
  • Vast Spiritual Inheritance: The phrase "all are yours" encompasses an incredible breadth:
    • Human Instruments: Paul, Apollos, Cephas (Peter) represent all spiritual teachers, leaders, and gifts within the church. They are given for the building up of believers.
    • The World and Life: This refers to the entire created order and the experience of existence itself. It implies that God's sovereignty extends over all earthly circumstances and resources, and they are ultimately purposed for the believer's good.
    • Death and Things Present/Things to Come: This takes the scope beyond the immediate and tangible. Even challenging realities like death, and the uncertainties of the future, are under God's control and serve the believer's ultimate benefit. This echoes the promise that all things work together for good for those who love God.
  • Belonging to Christ: The reason "all are yours" is beautifully completed in the very next verse, 1 Corinthians 3:23: "And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." This establishes a divine chain of belonging, ensuring that because believers belong to Christ, and Christ to God, all of creation and time ultimately serve the purposes of God for His children.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "all" is panta (πάντα), which is a comprehensive and emphatic term for "everything." It leaves no room for exclusion, truly signifying the totality of what God has made available to believers through their union with Christ. This emphasizes the boundless nature of God's provision and the believer's rich position.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound implications for Christian living:

  • Freedom from Idolatry: It reminds us not to place undue reverence or dependence on human leaders or earthly things. While we appreciate God's gifts, our ultimate loyalty and security rest in Christ alone.
  • Confidence and Security: If "all are yours"—including life, death, and the future—believers can face any circumstance with profound peace. God is sovereign over every aspect of existence, and He works all things for the good of His people. There is no need to fear what life or death may bring.
  • Responsibility and Stewardship: This immense inheritance is not for selfish indulgence but for stewardship. Believers are called to wisely use all the resources, gifts, and opportunities God provides—whether through leaders, material blessings, or time—for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 4:11

    And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

  • Ephesians 4:12

    For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

  • Philippians 1:21

    ¶ For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:5

    ¶ Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

  • 1 Corinthians 3:8

    Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:19

    ¶ For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:22

    To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.
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