1 Corinthians 1 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of 1 Corinthians 1

The First Epistle to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. After his conversion, Paul became a zealous missionary, spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Paul addresses the divisions and conflicts that had arisen within the church in Corinth in this chapter. He reminds the believers that their unity should be found in the message of the cross, which is the power and wisdom of God. Paul also emphasizes the importance of humility and the role of God’s grace in salvation, rather than human wisdom or status. Paul challenges the Corinthians to overcome their differences and focus on the unifying message of the gospel as we delve into this chapter. This passage also provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by the early church and the timeless principles of Christian unity and the centrality of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Paul establishes his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ by stating that he was called through the will of God. This is significant because it sets the tone for the entire letter as Paul’s authoritative teaching inspired by the divine will. Sosthenes is mentioned as a fellow believer, possibly the same Sosthenes who was the chief ruler of the synagogue in Corinth who was beaten by the Greeks in Acts 18:17. Here, he is referred to as a brother, signifying unity in the faith among believers.

Verse 2: “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:”

Paul addresses the letter to the church of God in Corinth, emphasizing their identity as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. Paul reminds the Corinthians of their set apart status in Christ and the expectations of holiness that come with their calling by identifying them as sanctified and called to be saints. Paul also highlights the unity of believers in Christ by including all who call on the name of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that they belong to Christ as their common Lord.

Verse 3: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul offers a customary greeting of grace and peace, invoking a blessing upon the Corinthian church from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace represents God’s unmerited favor towards us, and peace signifies the reconciliation and harmony that believers experience through Christ. This simple greeting carries profound meanings of divine favor and inner tranquility that believers can attain through their relationship with God and Jesus Christ. Paul establishes his authority as an apostle, sets the tone of the letter by emphasizing sanctification and calling to holiness, and extends a blessing of grace and peace to the recipients in these opening verses of 1 Corinthians. These verses lay the foundation for the themes of unity, holiness, and grace that permeate throughout the entire letter. They remind believers of their identity in Christ, their call to live as saints, and the blessings of peace and grace available to them through their relationship with God and Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

We can break down several important sections in 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 for deeper insight.

1. Verse 4: “I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. Paul begins by expressing his gratitude for the Corinthians in this verse. He acknowledges the grace that God has bestowed upon them through Jesus Christ. This sets the tone for the following verses where he will address some of the issues and divisions within the Corinthian church. It’s important to note that despite the challenges they were facing, Paul starts with thanksgiving, reminding them of the grace they have received.

2. Verse 5: “For in him you have been enriched in every way–with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge–“

Here, Paul highlights the ways in which the Corinthians have been enriched through Christ. They have been blessed with spiritual gifts, including the ability to speak and impart knowledge. This emphasizes the importance of these gifts within the body of believers and serves as a reminder that their abilities are a result of God’s grace.

1. Verse 6: “God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.”

Paul mentions that God is confirming the testimony about Christ among the Corinthians. This shows that the work being done in the Corinthian church is not of human origin but is divinely inspired. It reinforces the message that their faith is founded on the truth of Christ’s teachings and the testimony of the apostles.

1. Verse 7: “Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.”

Here, Paul reassures the Corinthians that they have been equipped with every spiritual gift they need as they await the return of Jesus Christ. This is a reminder that God provides believers with what they need to fulfill their calling and serve within the body of Christ. It also emphasizes the importance of eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus, which is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament.

1. Verses 8-9: “He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Paul concludes this section by assuring the Corinthians of God’s faithfulness. He mentions that God will keep them firm and blameless until the day of Jesus Christ’s return. This speaks to the idea of God’s faithfulness in preserving His followers and ensuring their ultimate sanctification. It also reinforces the importance of maintaining fellowship with Jesus Christ and the assurance of salvation for those who are called by God. These verses from 1 Corinthians 1 emphasize the themes of gratitude, spiritual enrichment, confirmation of faith, the provision of spiritual gifts, and God’s faithfulness in preserving believers. They serve as a reminder of the foundational truths of the Christian faith and the importance of remaining steadfast in our relationship with Christ as we await His return.

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of divisions within the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 1:10-17. Paul begins by urging the Corinthians to have unity and to be of the same mind and judgment. He emphasizes the importance of being united in faith and purpose, rather than being divided by personal preferences or allegiances to particular leaders.

Paul’s plea for unity among the Corinthians is significant because divisions were undermining the strength and witness of the early church. The presence of factions based on loyalty to different leaders like Paul, Apollos, or Cephas was creating discord and hindering the work of the gospel. Paul emphasizes the need for the Corinthians to be united, focusing on the core message of Christ crucified and working together towards advancing the kingdom of God.

The mention of the household of Chloe and their report of quarrels among the Corinthians sheds light on the practical issues faced by the church. This reference serves as a reminder that even in the early days of Christianity, communities of believers were not immune to conflicts and disagreements. The Corinthians’ behavior was contradictory to the message of the gospel which preaches love, unity, and reconciliation.

When Paul talks about being baptized in his name, it reflects the practice of baptism signifying identification with Christ and His teachings. Paul clarifies that his primary mission was preaching the gospel rather than performing baptisms himself by mentioning that he did not baptize many in Corinth. This distinction is essential in highlighting the centrality of the message of Christ crucified above any human intermediary, including the one delivering the message.

The Apostle Paul’s emphasis on preaching the gospel as the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes underscores the core message of Christianity. The gospel is the unifying factor that transcends divisions and brings believers together under the banner of faith in Christ. Paul’s humility in distancing himself from being the focus of the Corinthians’ allegiance sets an example for Christian leaders to prioritize the exaltation of Christ above themselves. The theme of unity among believers is reiterated throughout the New Testament in the broader context of the Bible. Jesus prays for unity among believers in John 17:20-23, emphasizing that their oneness will be a testimony to the world of God’s love. Romans 12:16 also instructs believers to live in harmony with one another and not to be proud but to associate with the lowly. These teachings emphasize the importance of unity, humility, and love in the body of Christ to fulfill its mission effectively.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

The Apostle Paul delivers a powerful message about the wisdom of the cross in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. The passage begins with “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Here, Paul is highlighting a stark contrast between those who are spiritually blind and those who have been enlightened by the truth of the gospel. The concept of the cross, which represents Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, may seem foolish to those who do not believe, but to believers, it is the ultimate demonstration of God’s power and love for humanity.

Moving on, Paul continues by stating, “For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’” This reference to Isaiah 29:14 highlights God’s sovereign authority over human wisdom and knowledge. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God confounding the wisdom of the world with His divine wisdom. This serves as a reminder that human intellect and reasoning are limited in comparison to God’s infinite wisdom.

Paul goes on to confront the worldly standards of wisdom and power by declaring, “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” Here, Paul addresses the cultural and religious expectations that hinder people from accepting the simplicity of the gospel message. The Jews, who sought signs and miracles, struggled to accept the idea of a crucified Messiah, while the Greeks, who valued intellectual pursuits, found the concept of salvation through a crucified savior to be nonsensical.

The passage culminates in Paul’s assertion of the paradoxical nature of God’s wisdom compared to human wisdom. He proclaims, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” This statement encapsulates the core theme of the passage – that the wisdom and power of God, as demonstrated through the cross, transcend human understanding and surpass worldly strength. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 serves as a poignant reminder of the counter-cultural nature of the gospel message. It challenges believers to embrace the seemingly foolish and weak aspects of Christianity as the very means through which God’s power and wisdom are displayed. This passage also underscores the importance of humility and faith in accepting God’s ways above human wisdom, echoing Proverbs 3:5-6 which exhorts believers to trust in the Lord with all their hearts and lean not on their own understanding.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

The Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, highlighting the counterintuitive nature of God’s choice in selecting those who would carry out His work. Let’s break this down into sections to uncover the deeper meaning within these verses.

First, in verse 26, Paul starts by saying, “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called.” He emphasizes that not many of them were wise by human standards, influential, or of noble birth. Paul is reminding the Corinthian believers of their former state before they encountered the Gospel. Paul underscores the idea that God’s grace extends beyond social distinctions and human achievements by pointing out their lack of worldly status or impressive credentials. This serves as a humbling message, that our standing with God is not based on what we bring to the table, but on His grace alone.

Moving on to verse 27, Paul continues by explaining God’s method of choosing the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. This concept aligns with other parts of the Bible that emphasize God’s tendency to use the weak and unexpected to display His power. For example, in the Old Testament, we see how God chose David, the youngest shepherd boy, to become the great King of Israel, showcasing that God’s ways are not man’s ways (1 Samuel 16:7). This theme of God using the lowly and ordinary to achieve extraordinary outcomes runs throughout the Bible, demonstrating that God’s power is not limited by human limitations. Paul further drives home this point in verse 28 by stating that God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are. This reveals God’s upside-down kingdom, where the weak confound the strong, and the humble are exalted (Matthew 23:12). God magnifies His glory by choosing the lowly and despised, working through the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His divine purposes. This should serve as a comfort to believers, knowing that no one is beyond God’s reach or use, regardless of their social status or past mistakes.

Verse 29 reaffirms that no one should boast before God. This echoes the sentiment found in Ephesians 2:8-9, which emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God and not something earned by human effort. Paul is reminding the Corinthians, and us, that our salvation is entirely due to God’s grace and not our own works. This eradicates any grounds for boasting or pride in our achievements because ultimately, everything we have is from God and for His glory.

Lastly, in verses 30-31, Paul concludes by stating that it is because of God that believers are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” Here, Paul emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the source of our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption. We find our true identity and purpose in Christ. Any boasting should be directed towards the Lord, who is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). God’s sovereignty in choosing the weak and lowly to confound the wise and strong is powerfully reminded in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. It challenges our worldly notions of success and status, pointing us towards a humble dependence on God’s grace. This passage draws attention to the transformative power of the Gospel, which transcends human limitations and exalts God’s glory above all else. It encourages believers to find their identity and worth in Christ alone, ultimately directing any praise or boasting towards the Lord.

After 1 Corinthians 1

The apostle Paul had heard troubling news about the church in Corinth. Divisions had arisen, with some claiming allegiance to Paul, others to Apollos, and still others to Cephas. This was deeply concerning, for the church should be united in Christ, not divided by human loyalties. The reverend knew he must address these matters directly as he considered them. The next chapter would explore Paul’s urgent plea for the Corinthians to put aside their petty squabbles and embrace the true foundation of their faith – the cross of Jesus Christ. Only by focusing on this central truth could the church hope to overcome the discord that threatened to tear it apart.