Chapter 1

1:2  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, 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 ; 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, 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.

1:4  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 .

1:7  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 ; 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).

1:8  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 ; 5:5 ; 2 Corinthians 1:14 ; Philippians 1:6 Philippians 1:10 ; 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.

1:10  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 - scivsma , a cleft, or rent).

1:18  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 "Romans 1:16")

1:20  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, (See Scofield "Revelation 13:8") .

1:27  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 "Matthew 4:8") .

1:30  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 "Romans 3:21") .

redemption (See Scofield "Romans 3:24") .

1:31  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Lord

Jehovah. Jeremiah 9:24