ACC ~ 1 Corinthians 3 v10

BUILD PROPERLY ON THE FOUNDATION. ORIGEN: This warning applies to you and me as well. If I do not build properly on the foundation already laid for me, then the fire will consume my work on the day of judgment. COMMENTARY ON 1 CORINTHIANS 1.15.18-20.

WHAT WE BUILD COHERES WITH THE FOUNDATION. AMBROSIASTER: The wise master builder is one who preaches the same gospel as that which was preached by the Savior. Afterward other people build on the foundation, sometimes well and sometimes badly. We need to pay attention to make sure that what we build coheres with the foundation, because if it is crooked or lightweight it will collapse, though the foundation itself will remain intact. Even when people have taught badly, the name of Christ endures, because it is the foundation, although the bad teaching collapses. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

CHRIST IS THE FOUNDATION. CHRYSOSTOM: Paul is not exalting himself by taking the example of a skilled master builder, because whatever skill he possesses comes entirely from the grace of God that has been given to him. Furthermore, because it is grace, it is not divided but rests securely on the one foundation, which is Christ. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 8.6.

PRESERVING THE FOUNDATION. THEODORET OF CYR: We need to build on the foundation, not overthrow it. COMMENTARY ON THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 181.

THE PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE ARCHITECTURE 1 CORINTHIANS 3:11-15

OVERVIEW: Paul uses the metaphor of architecture to describe the Christian life: There is no other foundation (AMBROSIASTER) than Jesus Christ (ORIGEN) to which the faithful are firmly cemented (CHRYSOSTOM). This same foundation was laid for the Gentiles in Paul’s ministry (ORIGEN). Though the foundation is the same for all the faithful, they may choose to build with different moral materials (CHRYSOSTOM, THEODORET OF CYR). To sin after repentance and faith is to build once again on hay and straw (ORIGEN). On a scale from the highest-grade materials (jewels) to the lowest (straw), the builder chooses materials for good or ill (PELAGIUS). Each one’s quality of work will be tested in final judgment (AUGUSTINE) and will become clear (AMBROSIASTER). Wood, hay and straw will not survive the fire of judgment (PELAGIUS). One who is saved by faith may yet have to be tested by fire (AMBROSIASTER). When one who has faith continues to pursue a wicked life, his faith will not protect him from punishment, because his work will be burned like hay in the fire, as distinguished from gold (CHRYSOSTOM). The good works offered up by faith must be offered in this life, for when the gate of death once closes there is no future opportunity in the world to come for human freedom to repair sins (GREGORY THE GREAT). Though heretics may want to be called Christian, the substantial proclamation underlying the name Christian is not honored (AUGUSTINE). The eternal destiny of the teacher does not finally depend exclusively on the irresponsible choices of his pupils (THEODORET OF CYR).

1 Cor