31 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly-mere infants in Christ.
31 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
31 But I, brothers,
31 But for right now, friends, I'm completely frustrated by your unspiritual dealings with each other and with God. You're acting like infants in relation to Christ,
31 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.
31 Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:1
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:1-4
(Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-4)
The most simple truths of the gospel, as to man's sinfulness and God's mercy, repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, stated in the plainest language, suit the people better than deeper mysteries. Men may have much doctrinal knowledge, yet be mere beginners in the life of faith and experience. Contentions and quarrels about religion are sad evidences of carnality. True religion makes men peaceable, not contentious. But it is to be lamented, that many who should walk as Christians, live and act too much like other men. Many professors, and preachers also, show themselves to be yet carnal, by vain-glorious strife, eagerness for dispute, and readiness to despise and speak evil of others.