1 Corinthians 1
BSB1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in Him you have been enriched in every way, in all speech and all knowledge, 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. 11 My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that I do not remember if I baptized anyone else. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 18 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. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 26 Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast in His presence. 30 It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 1
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1
- Themes from 1 Corinthians 1
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 1
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 1 Corinthians chapter 1, Paul addresses the church in Corinth, expressing his gratitude for their faith and the gifts they have received from God. He reminds them that they are called to be holy and to wait for the revelation of Jesus Christ. Paul then confronts the issue of divisions within the church, where some members are identifying themselves with particular leaders, such as Paul, Apollos, or Cephas. He argues that this kind of factionalism is contrary to the gospel, which emphasizes the unity of all believers in Christ. Paul emphasizes that Christ is the one who has been crucified for them, and that they should not boast in human leaders, but rather in the Lord. The chapter concludes with a reference to the wisdom of God, which is foolishness to the world, but is actually the power of God for salvation.
Context for the Chapter
1 Corinthians chapter 1 is part of a larger letter that Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, a city in ancient Greece. The church was experiencing divisions and factions, and Paul wrote to address these issues and to emphasize the importance of unity among believers. The chapter is also part of the larger narrative of the New Testament, which presents the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the central event of human history.
Heart Application
The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility and the recognition that all true wisdom and strength come from God. By applying this principle to our lives, we can avoid the kind of pride and boasting that can lead to division and strife, and instead strive for unity and cooperation with other believers.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the importance of unity among believers. The apostle Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are called to be holy and to wait for the revelation of Jesus Christ. He also warns them against divisions and factions within the church, and emphasizes the importance of the gospel, which is the power of God for salvation. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to focus on Christ and to strive for unity with other believers, rather than boasting in human leaders or worldly wisdom.
Voices from the Church
“The gospel is not a mere set of truths, but a living, breathing, powerful thing, which works mightily in the hearts of men.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The unity of the church is a most precious gift of God, and one that we should strive to maintain with all diligence.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction and Greeting (1:1-3) — Paul introduces himself and greets the church in Corinth, expressing his gratitude for their faith and the gifts they have received from God.
- Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:4-9) — Paul thanks God for the Corinthians and prays for their spiritual growth and maturity.
- Divisions in the Church (1:10-17) — Paul addresses the issue of divisions within the church, where some members are identifying themselves with particular leaders.
- The Wisdom of God (1:18-25) — Paul emphasizes the importance of the gospel, which is the power of God for salvation, and warns against the kind of wisdom that is based on human pride and boasting.
- Boasting in the Lord (1:26-31) — Paul concludes the chapter by emphasizing the importance of humility and the recognition that all true wisdom and strength come from God.
Core Doctrines
- The Unity of the Church
- This chapter teaches that the unity of the church is a most precious gift of God, and one that we should strive to maintain with all diligence.
- The Importance of Humility
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility and the recognition that all true wisdom and strength come from God.
- The Power of the Gospel
- The chapter presents the gospel as the power of God for salvation, and emphasizes its importance in the life of the church.
- The Role of Human Leaders
- The chapter highlights the importance of recognizing the role of human leaders in the church, and avoiding the kind of pride and boasting that can lead to division and strife.
Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1
- The Importance of Unity — This chapter teaches us that unity is a most precious gift of God, and one that we should strive to maintain with all diligence.
- The Dangers of Division — The chapter warns us against the kind of divisions and factions that can arise within a church, and emphasizes the importance of avoiding pride and boasting.
- The Power of the Gospel — The chapter presents the gospel as the power of God for salvation, and emphasizes its importance in the life of the church.
- The Role of Human Leaders — The chapter highlights the importance of recognizing the role of human leaders in the church, and avoiding the kind of pride and boasting that can lead to division and strife.
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility and the recognition that all true wisdom and strength come from God.
Themes from 1 Corinthians 1
- Unity — The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, and warns against divisions and factions within the church.
- Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility and the recognition that all true wisdom and strength come from God.
- The Gospel — The chapter presents the gospel as the power of God for salvation, and emphasizes its importance in the life of the church.
- Leadership — The chapter highlights the importance of recognizing the role of human leaders in the church, and avoiding the kind of pride and boasting that can lead to division and strife.
- Wisdom — The chapter emphasizes the importance of recognizing the wisdom of God, which is foolishness to the world, but is actually the power of God for salvation.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that divisions and factions can arise within a church, and how can we work to prevent them?
- How can we balance the importance of human leaders in the church with the need to avoid pride and boasting?
- What are some ways that we can emphasize the importance of the gospel in our own lives and in the life of our church?
- How can we cultivate humility and a recognition of our dependence on God in our daily lives?
- What are some ways that we can work to maintain unity with other believers, even in the face of disagreements and differences?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction and Greeting (1:1-3)
| 1:1 | Paul introduces himself and greets the church in Corinth, expressing his gratitude for their faith and the gifts they have received from God. |
| 1:2 | Paul thanks God for the Corinthians and prays for their spiritual growth and maturity. |
2. Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:4-9)
| 1:4 | Paul thanks God for the Corinthians and prays for their spiritual growth and maturity. |
| 1:5 | Paul reminds the Corinthians that they have been enriched in every way, and that they do not lack any spiritual gift. |
3. Divisions in the Church (1:10-17)
| 1:10 | Paul addresses the issue of divisions within the church, where some members are identifying themselves with particular leaders. |
| 1:11 | Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are all one in Christ, and that they should not be divided by their allegiance to human leaders. |
4. The Wisdom of God (1:18-25)
| 1:18 | Paul emphasizes the importance of the gospel, which is the power of God for salvation. |
| 1:19 | Paul reminds the Corinthians that the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God, and that the gospel is the power of God for salvation. |
5. Boasting in the Lord (1:26-31)
| 1:26 | Paul reminds the Corinthians that they were not chosen because of their wisdom or status, but because of God's grace. |
| 1:31 | Paul concludes the chapter by emphasizing the importance of humility and the recognition that all true wisdom and strength come from God. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 1 Corinthians chapter 1?
The main theme of 1 Corinthians chapter 1 is the importance of unity among believers, and the need to avoid divisions and factions within the church. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:10, 'I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.'
How can we balance the importance of human leaders in the church with the need to avoid pride and boasting?
We can balance the importance of human leaders in the church with the need to avoid pride and boasting by recognizing that all true wisdom and strength come from God. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:31, 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'
What is the significance of the gospel in 1 Corinthians chapter 1?
The gospel is presented as the power of God for salvation, and is emphasized as the central message of the church. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:18, '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.'
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 1:1 → Romans 1:1 | Both 1 Corinthians 1:1 and Romans 1:1 introduce the apostle Paul and greet the church in the name of Jesus Christ. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 1:9 → Philippians 1:6 | Both 1 Corinthians 1:9 and Philippians 1:6 emphasize the importance of God's faithfulness and the certainty of our salvation. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 1:10 → Psalm 133:1 | Both 1 Corinthians 1:10 and Psalm 133:1 emphasize the importance of unity among believers. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 1:18 → Isaiah 29:14 | Both 1 Corinthians 1:18 and Isaiah 29:14 emphasize the importance of the gospel and the wisdom of God. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 1:20 → Isaiah 19:11 | Both 1 Corinthians 1:20 and Isaiah 19:11 emphasize the foolishness of the world's wisdom compared to the wisdom of God. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 1:22 → John 4:48 | The Jews demand miraculous signs and the Gentiles look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 1:24 → Proverbs 3:19 | But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 1:26 → Jeremiah 9:23 | Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 1:28 → Psalm 8:2 | God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 1:31 → Jeremiah 9:24 | Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.' |
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Chosen to Be Holy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost impor |
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Gods Love by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being introduced in Alaska and compares it to the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of not standing in the |
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God's Dealing With Me - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the pastor shares his personal experiences and the impact of God's work in his life. He mentions a powerful message he preached and the warm spirit in the Sunday mo |
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A Divided Heart by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of a divided heart, emphasizing that such a condition leads to spiritual faultiness both individually and within the church. He warns that a divid |
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And They Crucified Him by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the av |
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Spiritual Treason by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses seven tests that can help believers evaluate the impact of their faith on various aspects of their lives. These tests include examining one's |
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"To the Jew first..." by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of considering the Jewish people as central to the church's mission. He argues that neglecting the Jews not only harms them bu |
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The Grace of Yielding - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of yielding and recognizing one's weaknesses. He refers to a verse from Acts chapter 17, where Paul speaks about God overlooking t |
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If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts by discussing the story of Paul's shipwreck and how he cast four anchors into the sea when all hope seemed lost. He then shares a personal anecd |
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(1 Corinthians) ch.1:1-1:24 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of appreciating the good in other believers while also acknowledging their faults. He emphasizes that believers should not onl |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1
In this chapter, the apostle Paul greets the church in Corinth and expresses his gratitude for their faith and the gifts they have received from God. He then addresses the issue of divisions within the church, where some members are identifying themselves with particular leaders. Paul emphasizes the importance of unity among believers and warns against the kind of pride and boasting that can lead to division and strife. He also presents the gospel as the power of God for salvation, and emphasizes its importance in the life of the church. As Paul writes, '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.' This chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, unity, and the gospel in the life of the church. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Unity
The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, and warns against divisions and factions within the church. This is a key theme of the chapter, and is relevant to the church today.
The Role of Human Leaders
The chapter highlights the importance of recognizing the role of human leaders in the church, and avoiding the kind of pride and boasting that can lead to division and strife.
The Power of the Gospel
The chapter emphasizes the importance of the gospel, which is the power of God for salvation. This is a key aspect of the Christian faith, and is relevant to the church today.