building, A still more frequent figure ; as the church is so often compared to a temple which is in the course of erection, and of which ministers are the builders, Eph. 2, 20-22, 1 Pet. 2, 5. Union and fidelity in labour are required of those en- gaged in tilling the same farm, or in the erection of the same building ; and they are no less required in those engaged in cultivating the vineyard of the Lord, or in erecting his tem- ple. The apostle drops the former, and carries out the latter figure.
10. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foun- dation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
According to the grace of God given unto me. Paul often speaks of his apostolic ofiice as a grace or favour which he had received of God, but here, as in 15, 10, the reference is more general. By the grace of God he means all the gifts and in- fluences of the Spirit, which not only qualified hun for his work, but rendered him so laborious and faithful. Here, as elsewhere, he attributes to God all he was, and all that he was enabled to accomplish.
As a wise master-builder. Wise (o-o<^os), i. e. skilful. The word is familiarly used of artificers. Paul was not only a la- bourer, but an (apxi-TiKTiov) architect. To him was revealed the whole plan of the building, and he was inspired to de- velope that plan, and to prescribe the way in which it should be carried out. He laid the foundation. The same idea as was expressed above by saying, " I have planted, ApoUos wa- tered." He began the work in Corinth. Those who came after him were to carry on the edifice which he had com- menced. The building must be erected upon the foundation and according to it. And, therefore, he adds, Let every man (i. e. every builder) take heed how he buildeth thereujyon. In the whole context he is speaking of ministers, and therefore this clause must be considered as a warning addressed to them. They are to take heed how^ i. e. with what materials, they carried on the building of this holy temple. FideHty as well as diligence is required in a minister. No matter how labori- ous he may be, unless he employs the proper materials, he will lose his reward. Nothing but truth can be safely used in the development of Christian character, or in building up the