1 Corinthians 3:16-17

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If someone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, which is what you are.”

— ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬‬ 

The concept of being the temple is both here and in 6:19. The main difference is that here the pronoun is plural. In 6:19, the pronouns are singular. This indicates Paul is talking about the group of believers collectively, i.e., the church. Since it is true that the Spirit inhabits individual believers (ch 6), it is also true that the Spirit inhabits the body as well. 

The context of this chapter is building on the foundation of Christ. Often we think of this as any good or fruitful work vs. being carnal or selfish. But because of the reference to the Corinthians’ argument over Apollos and Barnabas and Paul, this is likely referring to church leaders or those working in “ministry” (yes, I know we all should).

Their works will be burnt with fire/proving the motivation, stewardship, etc. So now Paul concludes that we are the temple (and because we are “in Christ” the true temple of God, this makes sense). 

I would take “anyone” then to be leaders/teachers. It could be the invisible infection of pride, dissension, etc (as Corinthians is known for). But the reference to all these other leaders makes me think Paul does not want any leader destroying the church or leading her astray. 

Leaders must be held accountable. God will discipline/punish those who ruin the church or defame her. The church is holy, set apart for God’s purposes. When someone diverts that mission or uses it for his own glory, that’s serious stuff.