Paul, in 1Cor. 3, speaks to the church about Christian service. He tells the Corinthians that believers are fellow workers with God (vs. 9). Paul was God’s instrument to minister and explain the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9.15). Further on in this letter Paul will say that certain teachings were directly given to him from the Lord (11.23). Other accounts were received by Paul from those who were eyewitnesses of the sufferings and resurrection of Christ (15.3).

Paul urges the Corinthians to be wise builders upon the foundation laid by him as the master builder (vs.10). The Corinthians have, metaphorically speaking, all sorts of materials that may be used (vs. 12). It seems that 1Cor. 3.15 intimates that Christians will pass through holy fire to purge them from less than pure motives and deficient works done in the flesh. Therefore, Paul lists items of high value that are only refined in the fire, while some works are “burned up” (vss. 12-14).

In Num. 31.22-23, the command for the Gentile plunder that Israel captured was to be purified through fire (possibly to change its idolatrous design as well) and the “water of purification.” This seems like a prophetic word concerning the salvation of the nations in a metaphor.

Zechariah 9.10-11 gives the prophecy that the Lord will speak peace to the nations and will rule over all the earth. His promise to release from the waterless pit is to those who have the blood of the covenant upon them (see Heb. 10.22, 12.24, 1Pe. 1.2).

The scene in Zechariah culminates in salvation: On that day the Lord their God will save them, as the flock of his people;
for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land (9.16 ESV). The language and imagery suggests things very similar to what Paul says in 1Cor. 3.

The New Jerusalem will be constructed of gold and have streets of gold to reflect the glory of the Savior (Rev.21.21). The walls are made out of precious jewels while the gates are lustrous pearls (vss.19-21). Perhaps the saints’ residences will be in accord to their dedication while they were on earth.

All the glory in that place reflects Christ’s being and work and not our own strivings and efforts. Whatever we accomplish, spiritually, in this life, was all planned and effected by Jesus: O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works (Is. 26.12 ESV). In Acts 1.1, Luke explains that his former treatise was about what Jesus “began” to do. The implication is that all the redemptive events following, until His return, are activites by Him.