1.
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
2.
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
them
1 Corinthians 1:2-9; 1 Corinthians 1:2-9 in contrast with 1Co 10-13, illustrate a distinction constantly made in the Epistles between the believer's position in Christ Jesus, in the family of God, and his walk, or actual state. Christian position in grace is the result of the work of Christ, and is fully entered the moment that Christ is received by faith ; John 1:12; John 1:13; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:15-17; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:3-14; Ephesians 2:4-9; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 5:10. The weakest, most ignorant, and fallible believer has precisely the same relationships in grace as the most illustrious saint. All the after work of God in his behalf, the application of the word to walk and conscience ; John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26 the divine chastenings ; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:10; Hebrews 12:10 the ministry of the Spirit Ephesians 4:11; Ephesians 4:12 the difficulties and trials of the path 1 Peter 4:12; 1 Peter 4:13 and the final transformation at the appearing of Christ 1 John 3:2 have for their object to make the believer's character conform to his exalted position in Christ. He grows in grace, not into grace.
3.
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
4.
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
for the grace
Grace (imparted). 1 Corinthians 3:10; Romans 6:1; 2 Peter 3:18.
5.
That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
6.
Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
7.
So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
coming
Three words are used in connection with the return of the Lord:
(1) Parousia, "personal presence," also used by Paul of the "coming" of Stephanas 1 Corinthians 16:17 of Titus 2 Corinthians 7:6; 2 Corinthians 7:7 and of his own "coming" to Philippi Philippians 1:26. The word means simply personal presence, and is used of the return of the Lord as that event relates to the blessing of the saints ; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and to the destruction of the man of sin 2 Thessalonians 2:8.
(2) Apokalupsis, "unveiling," "revelation." The use of this word emphasizes the visibility of the Lord's return. It is used of the Lord 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 4:13 of the sons of God in connection with the Lord's return Romans 8:19 and of the man of sin 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:8 and always implies visibility.
(3) Epiphaneia, "appearing," trans. "brightness" 2 Thessalonians 2:8 A.V.; "manifestation," R.V.), and means simply an appearing. It is used of both advents. ; 2 Timothy 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:13.
coming (Greek - revelation, unveiling).
8.
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
day of our Lord Jesus
The expression "day of Christ," occurs in the following passages: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 1:10; Philippians 2:16. A.V. has "day of Christ," 2 Thessalonians 2:2 incorrectly, for "day of the Lord" ; Isaiah 2:12; Revelation 19:11-21 The "day of Christ" relates wholly to the reward and blessing of saints at his coming, as "day of the Lord" is connected with judgment.
9.
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
10.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
divisions
(Greek - σχίσμα , a cleft, or rent).
11.
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12.
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13.
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14.
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15.
Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16.
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
saved
(See Scofield "")
19.
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20.
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
this world
age. kosmos = world-system. 1 Corinthians 2:12; John 7:7; John 7:7 (See Scofield "John 7:7") .
21.
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22.
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23.
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24.
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26.
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27.
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
world
kosmos = mankind. (See Scofield "") .
28.
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29.
That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
wisdom from God, or, wisdom from God, even righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.
righteousness (See Scofield "") .
redemption (See Scofield "") .
31.
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Lord
Jehovah. Jeremiah 9:24