Definition: I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 3:2. It’s a really important and often misunderstood passage! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “I’ve been teaching you with milk – like yogurt – but you haven’t yet learned to eat meat.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “I have fed you with milk…” - This refers to the early Church's efforts to teach and guide believers. Think of it as gentle, foundational instruction. It wasn't about complex doctrines or rigorous debate at this stage. “…and not with meat…” – This is a crucial point. The teaching was not about a full, substantial meal like a traditional Christian feast. It was about providing nourishment and understanding through simpler concepts. “For hitherto ye were not able [to bear it]” - This highlights the difficulty of understanding. "Hitherto" means “up to now.” The Church had been trying to teach them, but they weren’t yet ready – they hadn't developed the spiritual maturity and understanding needed to truly grasp the truth. “Neither yet now are ye able” - This is the final part. It suggests that while the teaching was still going on, the believers were still struggling with it. They weren’t fully equipped to understand or apply what was being taught. They lacked the spiritual understanding needed for true faith. In a nutshell: Paul is saying that his instruction wasn't enough to help them grow into mature Christians. They needed to develop a deeper, more profound understanding of God and His word. Why is this important? This verse reminds us that genuine spiritual growth isn’t about simply knowing things; it’s about growing in faith – developing the ability to understand, believe, and apply God's truth. It’s a call for continued effort and growth within our own relationship with Jesus Christ! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about what this passage was discussing at the time? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 3:20. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling one! Here's what it means in simple terms: “And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” Basically, this verse is saying that God knows what people are thinking – even the clever, insightful, and ambitious ones. But these thoughts aren’t necessarily good or righteous. Let's unpack it a little further: “The Lord knoweth…” : This means God knows things. It's not just about remembering; it’s about understanding. “…the thoughts of the wise…” : This refers to people who are clever, thoughtful, and often trying to understand the world around them. They’re thinking deeply about things. "...that they are vain." : This is the key part. “Vain” means lacking in truth, goodness, or moral uprightness. It means being self-centered, preoccupied with their own importance, and not truly concerned with what's right or true. They might be focusing on themselves rather than helping others or following God’s will. So, the whole verse is saying: God sees the deep thoughts of intelligent people, but these thoughts are often driven by self-interest and aren’t really about good things. Why is this a bit tricky? It's a warning against pride. We all have thoughts – we think about ourselves, our accomplishments, and what we want. But when those thoughts become excessive and lead us to be selfish or misguided, it can be a sign of a fall from grace. In short: This verse is a reminder that God sees our minds, but he also judges our intentions and the quality of our thinking – and warns against being overly focused on ourselves. Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, we could talk about: The context of this verse within 1 Corinthians How it relates to Christian ethics and humility

Definition: Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this really important verse from 1 Corinthians 3:21. It’s a powerful message about humility and our role in the world. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: “Therefore let no man glory in men.” This means that we shouldn't try to be seen as better or more important than others. It’s essentially saying, “Don’t put yourself on a pedestal.” Let’s unpack it further: "No man glorying..." : This is the key part. "Glory" means being admired and celebrated. But this verse says that we shouldn't be striving for that kind of admiration. "...in men." : This refers to people . It’s not about being better than men, but about focusing on them – the people around us. What does it mean in practice? Think of it like this: We're all just human beings with our own talents and abilities. Instead of trying to be more important than someone else, we should focus on being a good person – kind, honest, helpful, etc. We shouldn’t try to impress people by showing off our accomplishments or trying to dominate the conversation. The Bigger Picture - It's About Serving God: This verse is really about serving God . It’s a reminder that we are called to live a life of service and obedience to Him. By focusing on serving others and doing what’s right, we’re honoring God and fulfilling our purpose in this world. In short, it's a call to humility – to recognize that we are not the center of everything and that true importance comes from serving God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning of "humility" in more detail? Give some examples of how this principle applies to our daily lives?

Definition: Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from 1 Corinthians 3:22. It’s a really profound statement about our relationship with God and everything in the world. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says that we are all connected to God and everything around us. It’s a radical idea – that we’re not separate from God or anything else. Let’s unpack each part: “Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come;” This is a list of everything . It includes: God: The ultimate source and creator of everything. Our own lives: We are all part of our individual experiences and journeys. The world: All the physical things we see, experience, and interact with – people, animals, nature, etc. Time: The future, past, and everything that’s going to happen. “All are yours;” This is the key takeaway. It means everything belongs to God, and everyone has a part in it. It's not about us owning something specifically, but about our relationship with God and with each other. So, what does this mean practically? We are stewards: Think of us as being entrusted with caring for God’s creation – the world around us. Just like a steward manages resources for someone else, we're called to care for God's creations and use them wisely. We are part of a larger whole: We are all connected through God. Our actions have consequences that ripple outwards, affecting everything. It’s about humility: The verse emphasizes that we don't have ownership over anything. It reminds us to be humble and recognize our dependence on God. Why is this important? This verse is a reminder of the divine nature of reality. It challenges us to live in a way that honors God and seeks to be good stewards of all that exists – not for ourselves, but for God’s purposes. It’s about recognizing our interconnectedness and responsibility. --- Resources if you'd like to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1 Corinthians/3:22](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1 Corinthians/3:22) (This provides a verse-by-verse explanation and context.) The Bible Project: [https://thebibletrend.com/2016/07/18/corinthians-3-22/](https://thebibletrend.com/2016/07/18/corinthians-3-22/) (A great visual and explanation.) Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Discuss its significance within the broader context of 1 Corinthians? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: And ye are Christ’s; and Christ [is] God’s.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important verse from 1 Corinthians 3:23. It’s a really significant statement about the nature of Jesus Christ. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says that Jesus Christ is the real person who is God's Son. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “1 Corinthians 3:23” : This is a specific passage from a letter written to a church in Corinth, Greece. It’s important because it’s a crucial part of understanding the identity of Christ. “And ye are Christ’s” : This means “You are the person who is Christ.” It's saying that Jesus is the actual person, not just a symbolic representation or a copy of Him. He’s the true source of Christ’s identity. “and Christ [is] God’s” : This is where it gets really profound. “Christ” here means "Jesus." The word "is" tells us that Jesus is God. It emphasizes that Jesus isn't just a human being; He's divine – possessing the very essence of God. In simpler terms, it’s saying: Jesus is fully God and fully human – he’s the same person as God. Why is this important? This verse is a fundamental statement about Jesus’ identity in Christian belief. It highlights His divinity and makes Him uniquely God's Son. Important Note: This isn’t meant to diminish or downplay the importance of Jesus' human nature (His birth, life, death, and resurrection). It’s about who He is – his divine essence. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a different interpretation of the verse? Answer any specific questions you have about it?