{For ye are yet carnal} (eti gar sarkikoi este).
Sarkikos, unlike sarkinos, like ikos formations, means
adapted to, fitted for the flesh (sarx), one who lives
according to the flesh (kata sarka). Paul by psuchikos
describes the unregenerate man, by pneumatikos the regenerate
man. Both classes are sarkinoi made in flesh, and both may be
sarkikoi though the pneumatikoi should not be. The
pneumatikoi who continue to be sarkinoi are still babes
(
(8870)ioi), not adults (	eleioi), while those who are still
sarkikoi (carnal) have given way to the flesh as if they were
still psuchikoi (unregenerate). It is a bold and cutting
figure, not without sarcasm, but necessary to reveal the
Corinthians to themselves. {Jealousy and strife} (z(886c)os kai
eris). Zeal (z(886c)os from ze(935c), to boil) is not necessarily
evil, but good if under control. It may be not according to
knowledge ( Ro 10:2 ) and easily becomes jealousy (same root
through the French _jaloux_) as zeal. Ardour may be like the
jealousy of God ( 2Co 11:2 ) or the envy of men ( Ac 5:17 ).
Eris is an old word, but used only by Paul in N.T. (see on 气Co
1:11|). Wrangling follows jealousy. These two voices of the
spirit are to Paul proof that the Corinthians are still
sarkikoi and walking according to men, not according to the
Spirit of Christ.