Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [1 Corinthians: Chapter 3].
The carpenters have need of caution how they carry out the plans
of the original architect. Successive architects of great
cathedrals carry on through centuries the original design. The
result becomes the wonder of succeeding generations. There is no
room for individual caprice in the superstructure.
3:11 {Other foundation} (\themelion allon\). The gender of the
adjective is here masculine as is shown by \allon\. If neuter, it
would be \allo\. It is masculine because Paul has Christ in mind.
It is not here \heteron\ a different kind of gospel (\heteron
euaggelion\, Ga 1:6; 2Co 11:4) which is not another (\allo\,
Ga 1:7) in reality. But another Jesus (2Co 11:4, \allon
I•soun\) is a reflection on the one Lord Jesus. Hence there is no
room on the platform with Jesus for another Saviour, whether
Buddha, Mahomet, Dowie, Eddy, or what not. Jesus Christ is the
one foundation and it is gratuitous impudence for another to
assume the role of Foundation. {Than that which is laid, which is
Christ Jesus} (\para ton keimenon, hos estin I•sous Christos\).
Literally, "alongside (\para\) the one laid (\keimenon\),"
already laid (present middle participle of \keimai\, used here as
often as the perfect passive of \tith•mi\ in place of
\tetheimenon\). Paul scouts the suggestion that one even in the
interest of so-called "new thought" will dare to lay beside Jesus
another foundation for religion. And yet I have seen an article
by a professor in a theological seminary in which he advocates
regarding Jesus as a landmark, not as a goal, not as a
foundation. Clearly Paul means that on this one true foundation,
Jesus Christ, one must build only what is in full harmony with
the Foundation which is Jesus Christ. If one accuses Paul of
narrowness, it can be replied that the architect has to be narrow
in the sense of building here and not there. A broad foundation
will be too thin and unstable for a solid and abiding structure.
It can be said also that Paul is here merely repeating the claim
of Jesus himself on this very subject when he quoted Ps
118:22f. to the members of the Sanhedrin who challenged his
authority (Mr 11:10f.; Mt 21:42-45; Lu 20:17f.). Apostles and
prophets go into this temple of God, but Christ Jesus is the
chief corner stone (\akrog•naios\, Eph 2:20). All believers are
living stones in this temple (1Pe 2:5). But there is only one
foundation possible.
3:12 {Gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble}
(\chrusion, argurion, lithous timious, xula, chorton, kalam•n\).
http://www.ccel.org/r/robertson_at/wordpictures/htm/1CO3.RWP.html (5 of 10) [28/08/2004 09:11:04 a.m.]