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13 the work of each will come to light, for the Day[a] will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire [itself] will test the quality of each one’s work.(A) 14 If the work stands that someone built upon the foundation, that person will receive a wage. 15 But if someone’s work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved,[b] but only as through fire.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:13 The Day: the great day of Yahweh, the day of judgment, which can be a time of either gloom or joy. Fire both destroys and purifies.
  2. 3:15 Will be saved: although Paul can envision very harsh divine punishment (cf. 1 Cor 3:17), he appears optimistic about the success of divine corrective means both here and elsewhere (cf. 1 Cor 5:5; 11:32 [discipline]). The text of 1 Cor 3:15 has sometimes been used to support the notion of purgatory, though it does not envisage this.

13 their work will be shown for what it is,(A) because the Day(B) will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.(C) 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.(D) 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.(E)

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