Overview

This verse is part of the Apostle Paul's discourse concerning division within the church at Corinth. He emphasizes that believers should not elevate one leader or teacher over another, as all things belong to them through Christ.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry elucidates that the verse is an admonition against the pride and factionalism that was prevalent among the Corinthians. He emphasizes the unity of believers and argues that all resources and leaders in the faith belong to the community, not individuals.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes comments that the exhortation against glorying in men signifies that human leaders are not the source of spiritual wealth. Instead, everything that belongs to the community of believers, including leaders, should be viewed as a gift from God intended for their benefit.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke interprets this passage as a warning against the materialism and idolatry of leaders that can arise within the church. He stresses the need for humility and reminds the church that all leaders are servants, and thus should not be idolized or placed above Christ.

Bible Cross-References

This verse connects with various other scriptures, highlighting its thematic resonance in the Bible:

• 1 Corinthians 1:12-13: "Now I say this, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?"
• Romans 14:8: "For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's."
• Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
• Philippians 2:3: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
• James 4:10: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
• Colossians 3:24: "Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."
• 1 Peter 5:3: "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."

Thematic Connections

This verse articulates several themes within the New Testament:

• Unity in Christ: Reflecting on the fact that all believers share in the wealth of spiritual blessings.
• Avoidance of Division: A call to dismiss the factionalism found in church communities that detracts from the gospel's central message.
• Humility: This verse urges believers to maintain humility in their relationships and view all leaders and factions as servants of God.
• Shared Resources: Highlights the communal nature of church leadership and spiritual resources.

Why Cross-Referencing Matters

A comprehensive understanding of scripture often involves cross-referencing Biblical texts. Through identifying connections between verses, believers can gain deeper insights into the themes being communicated.

• Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing: There are various tools available for those seeking to dive deeper into cross-references, including Bible concordance and cross-reference guides.
• How to Use Bible Cross-References: By systematically exploring related scriptures, one may uncover comparative Bible verse analysis that reveals a more cohesive understanding of Biblical themes.
• Inter-Biblical Dialogue: Engaging in interactive scriptural cross-referencing facilitates a broader dialogue between the Old and New Testaments.

Conclusion

1 Corinthians 3:21 serves as a crucial reminder of unity, humility, and the proper perspective on leadership within the Christian community. Through examining its context and cross-references, believers can explore the profound implications of this text in their faith journey.