In the Greco-Roman world during Paul's time, highly regarded individuals who excelled in rhetoric and philosophy were known as sophists. Successful rhetoricians had devoted followers, paying for discipleship. Both style and substance were important. Paul, however, doesn't reject persuasion. His ministry revolves around it, using winsome intelligence. But he refuses to conform to secular culture by relying on manipulative rhetoric for credibility. Instead, Paul focuses on faithfully conveying the message, relying solely on the Spirit's power to persuade and transform through the gospel. A good herald faithfully proclaims another's message.

Paul imparts God's wisdom, not the wisdom of famous orators or worldly wisdom-seeking power. It's a mystery that was once hidden but is now revealed. God reveals this mystery to believers, remaining hidden to unbelievers. God reveals His wisdom to His people through the Spirit, searching out even the deepest secrets. Only God knows His thoughts through His Spirit. The Spirit helps believers understand God's revealed wisdom, not dependent on their intelligence. Paul imparts wisdom from the Spirit, not human wisdom. Those with the Spirit comprehend God's wisdom, possessing "the mind of Christ."

Paul laments the Corinthians' immaturity, causing divisions over church teachers. Instead of behaving like people with the Spirit, they act like infants. The Corinthians should have matured, but they display jealousy and strife as if lacking the Spirit. Paul and Apollos were instruments through whom the Corinthians believed in the gospel. It is foolish for the Corinthians to rank God's servants based on their roles or show allegiance to one over another. The servant who plants the seed and the one who waters it are workers in the field. Only God causes the seed to grow, and they should not compete against each other. God rewards each servant based on their faithfulness in completing their work.

Church leaders like Paul and Apollos are considered God's coworkers, working under His supervision and blessing. Paul uses metaphors of farming and construction to describe the church. Church teachers must be cautious in how they contribute to building God's church. Paul distinguishes church teachers from the rest of the church, regarding them as the builders, while the rest of the church is considered the building. Paul has laid the foundation by founding the Corinthian church, and others may build upon it, like Apollos teaching the Corinthians. Each builder must be careful in how they build upon Paul's foundation, aligning with the gospel and avoiding deviation for stability. On judgment day, God will evaluate the quality of every builder's work. Builders should use high-quality materials, reflecting motives centered on the gospel and avoiding worldly wisdom. The church is regarded as God's temple, and God warns against destroying it. Christians belong to God through the Messiah and should not be divided over superior teachers. All church teachers are gifts from God, and His people should not fear; he is sovereign.