Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [1 Corinthians: Chapter 3].
\Sarkikos\, unlike \sarkinos\, like \ikos\ formations, means
adapted to, fitted for the flesh (\sarx\), one who lives
according to the flesh (\kata sarka\). Paul by \psuchikos\
describes the unregenerate man, by \pneumatikos\ the regenerate
man. Both classes are \sarkinoi\ made in flesh, and both may be
\sarkikoi\ though the \pneumatikoi\ should not be. The
\pneumatikoi\ who continue to be \sarkinoi\ are still babes
(\n•pioi\), not adults (\teleioi\), while those who are still
\sarkikoi\ (carnal) have given way to the flesh as if they were
still \psuchikoi\ (unregenerate). It is a bold and cutting
figure, not without sarcasm, but necessary to reveal the
Corinthians to themselves. {Jealousy and strife} (\z•los kai
eris\). Zeal (\z•los\ from \ze•\, to boil) is not necessarily
evil, but good if under control. It may be not according to
knowledge (Ro 10:2) and easily becomes jealousy (same root
through the French _jaloux_) as zeal. Ardour may be like the
jealousy of God (2Co 11:2) or the envy of men (Ac 5:17).
\Eris\ is an old word, but used only by Paul in N.T. (see on ¯1Co
1:11). Wrangling follows jealousy. These two voices of the
spirit are to Paul proof that the Corinthians are still
\sarkikoi\ and walking according to men, not according to the
Spirit of Christ.
3:4 {For when one saith} (\hotan gar leg•i tis\). Indefinite
temporal clause with the present subjunctive of repetition
(Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 972). Each instance is a case in point
and proof abundant of the strife. {Of Paul} (\Paulou\). Predicate
genitive, belong to Paul, on Paul's side. {Of Apollos}
(\Apoll•\). Same genitive, but the form is the so-called Attic
second declension. See the nominative \Apoll•s\ in verse 5.
{Men} (\anthr•poi\). Just mere human creatures (\anthr•poi\,
generic term for mankind), in the flesh (\sarkinoi\), acting like
the flesh (\sarkikoi\), not \pneumatikoi\, as if still
\psuchikoi\. It was a home-thrust. Paul would not even defend his
own partisans.
3:5 {What then?} (\ti oun;\). He does not say \tis\ (who), but
\ti\ (what), neuter singular interrogative pronoun. {Ministers}
(\diakonoi\). Not leaders of parties or sects, but merely
servants through whom ye believed. The etymology of the word
Thayer gives as \dia\ and \konis\ "raising dust by hastening." In
the Gospels it is the servant (Mt 20:26) or waiter (Joh 2:5).
Paul so describes himself as a minister (Col 1:23,25). The
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