whole passage has reference to doctrine. Paul had preached the truth ; those who came after him must take heed what they preached.
12. 13. Now, if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble ; every man's work shall be made manifest : for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire ; and the fire shall try every man's work, of what sort it is.
In consistency with the context, gold, silver and precious stones, can only mean truth ; and wood, hay and stubble, error. If by the foundation which Paul had laid were intend- ed the first converts in Corinth, then the above terms would naturally be understood of good and bad members of the church. The sense would then be, ' I laid the foundation of the church in Corinth by receiving true believers to its com- munion ; let others take heed with what kind of members they build up the church.' But as the foundation which Paul laid is expressly declared to be Jesus Christ, or the truth concern- ing his person and work, the words above mentioned must refer to true and false doctrines. * I have laid the foundation of Christ crucified ; do you take heed with what kind of doc- trine you carry on the work.' Besides, the whole discussion has reference to preachers and their duties. Precious stones here mean stones valuable for building, such as granite and marble. Gold and silver were extensively employed in adorn- ing ancient temples, and are therefore appropriately used as the symbols of pure doctrine. Wood, hay, and stubble are the perishable materials out of which ordinary houses were built, but not temples. Wood for the doors and posts ; Aay, (xo/>Tos,) dried grass mixed with mud for the walls ; and straw^ (KoAa/tr;,) for the roof. These materials, unsuitable for the tem- dle of God, are appropriate symbols of false doctrines.
Every marCs work shall be made (or, become) manifest. In this life it may be disputed whether a man's doctrines are true or false. He may have great confidence in their truth, and set himself above his brethren and even above the Bible. But his work hereafter will appear in its true character. For the day shall declare it. The day does not mean indefinitely time^ ' Time shall declare it ; ' nor the day of tribulation ; nor the day of light and knowledge as distinguished from the