Characteristics of the Carnal Christian Life in 1 Corinthians
In 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian believers as "carnal" (Greek: sarkikos), indicating a state of spiritual immaturity and worldliness despite their conversion [3]. This carnal state is characterized by behaviors and attitudes that hinder spiritual growth and unity within the church [2, 3].
One primary characteristic of the carnal Christian life in Corinth was division and contention [2, 4]. Paul explicitly states, "For whereas there is among you strife, and jealousy, and division, are ye not carnal and walk as men?" [6]. These divisions manifested as believers aligning themselves with different spiritual leaders, such as Paul or Apollos, rather than recognizing all ministers as servants of God working together [2, 4]. John Chrysostom notes that while the Corinthians had other sins like fornication, Paul chose to highlight jealousy and division as the specific marks of their carnality in this context [6].
The term "carnal" itself refers to a focus on the "flesh" or human nature, which is often contrasted with the spiritual [1, 5]. Unconverted individuals are described as having a "carnal mind, which is enmity against God" (Romans 8:6-7) [1]. While the Corinthian believers were indeed converted, their carnal behavior meant they were not yet able to receive "the deep things of God" [2, 3]. Paul describes them as "babes in Christ," requiring milk rather than solid food, because their spiritual development was stunted by their worldly attitudes [3].
Furthermore, the carnal life in Corinth was marked by a failure to live for God's glory and to consider the impact of their actions on others [7]. Paul later advises the Corinthians to "do everything for the glory of God" and to avoid giving offense, prioritizing what is best for others over personal privilege [7]. This principle stands in contrast to the self-centeredness implied by their divisions and strife. The carnal Christian, therefore, is one who, though a believer, still operates significantly under the influence of worldly patterns and human desires, rather than fully embracing the spiritual maturity and unity that Christ calls for [3, 6].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Carnal — Unconverted men are so called (1 Cor. 3:3). They are represented as of a "carnal mind, which is enmity against God" (Rom. 8:6, 7). Enjoyments that minister to the wants and desires of man's animal nature are so called (Rom. 15:27; 1 Cor. 9:11). The ceremonial of the Mosaic law is spoken of as "carnal," because it related to things outward, the bodies of men and of animals, and the purification of the flesh (Heb. 7:16; 9:10). The weapons of Christian warfare are "not carnal", that is, they are not of man's device, nor are wielded by human power (2 Cor. 10:4).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 3 (introduction): PAUL COULD NOT SPEAK TO THEM OF DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTHS, AS THEY WERE CARNAL, CONTENDING FOR THEIR SEVERAL TEACHERS; THESE ARE NOTHING BUT WORKERS FOR GOD, TO WHOM THEY MUST GIVE ACCOUNT IN THE DAY OF FIERY JUDGMENT. THE HEARERS ARE GOD'S TEMPLE, WHICH THEY MUST NOT DEFILE BY CONTENTIONS FOR TEACHERS, WHO, AS WELL AS ALL THINGS, ARE THEIRS, BEING CHRIST'S. (1Co. 3:1-23) And I--that is, as the natural (animal) man cannot receive, so I also could not speak unto you the deep things of God, as I would to the spiritual; but I was compelled”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 3:1: Here, I. Paul blames the Corinthians for their weakness and nonproficiency. Those who are sanctified are so only in part: there is still room for growth and increase both in grace and knowledge, Pe2 3:18. Those who through divine grace are renewed to a spiritual life may yet in many things be defective. The apostle tells them he could not speak to them as unto spiritual men, but as unto carnal men, as to babes in Christ, Co1 3:1. They were so far from forming their maxims and measures upon the ground of divine revelation, and entering into the spirit of the ”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 3 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO 1 CORINTHIANS 3 In this chapter the apostle returns to the charge of schisms and contentions upon the Corinthians, which were the occasion of the epistle; and reproves them for their divisions, which were about their ministers; and gives them their just and due character, and who, though they were useful and commendable in their places, were not to be gloried in; and especially it was a great piece of weakness and folly, to set up one against another, when they had an equal interest in them all. Having, in the latter part of the pr”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 2: Augustine — City of God, Christian Doctrine — CHAP. 2. --OF CARNAL LIFE, WHICH IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD NOT ONLY OF LIVING IN BODILY INDULGENCE, BUT ALSO OF LIVING IN THE VICES OF THE INNER MAN. (part 2): part is used for the whole, flesh being named, while man is referred to, as in the quotations above cited. Since, then, Scripture uses the word flesh in many ways, which there is not time to collect and investigate, if we are to ascertain what it is to live after the flesh (which is certainly evil, though the nature of flesh is not itself evil), we must carefully examine that passage ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: had been unable by nature, one might perhaps have been forgiven them; but since it was from choice, they were bereft of all excuse. He then speaks of the particular point also which makes them carnal. “For whereas there is among you strife, and jealousy, and division, are ye not carnal and walk as men?” Although he had fornications also and uncleannesses of theirs to speak of, he sets down rather that offence which 45 he had been a good while endeavoring to correct. Now if “jealousy” makes men carnal, it is high time for us to bewail bitterly, an”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 10:31: 10:31-33 Paul concludes his discussion by summarizing the two principles that are to guide Christian behavior in issues like this: (1) Believers are to do everything for the glory of God (see Col 3:17; 1 Pet 4:11); (2) believers are not to give offense and should avoid doing anything that would harm another person’s Christian faith (cp. 1 Cor 8:9, 13; 1 Jn 2:10). Christians’ behavior is to be guided by what is best for others rather than by personal privilege (cp. Rom 14:13-15, 19-21; 15:1-2). These two basic principles lie at the heart of Paul’s advice on”