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 their's and our's:
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;
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:
8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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.
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.
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?
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;
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:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
1 Paul, G3972 called G2822 to be an apostle G652 of Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 through G1223 the will G2307 of God, G2316 and G2532 Sosthenes G4988 our brother, G80
2 Unto the church G1577 of God G2316 which G3588 is G5607 at G1722 Corinth, G2882 to them that are sanctified G37 in G1722 Christ G5547 Jesus, G2424 called G2822 to be saints, G40 with G4862 all G3956 that in G1722 every G3956 place G5117 call upon G1941 the name G3686 of Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 our G2257 Lord, G2962 both G5037 theirs G846 and G2532 ours: G2257
3 Grace G5485 be unto you, G5213 and G2532 peace, G1515 from G575 God G2316 our G2257 Father, G3962 and G2532 from the Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ. G5547
4 I thank G2168 my G3450 God G2316 always G3842 on G4012 your G5216 behalf, G4012 for G1909 the grace G5485 of God G2316 which G3588 is given G1325 you G5213 by G1722 Jesus G2424 Christ; G5547
5 That G3754 in G1722 every thing G3956 ye are enriched G4148 by G1722 him, G846 in G1722 all G3956 utterance, G3056 and G2532 in all G3956 knowledge; G1108
6 Even as G2531 the testimony G3142 of Christ G5547 was confirmed G950 in G1722 you: G5213
7 So that G5620 ye G5209 come behind G5302 in G1722 no G3361 G3367 gift; G5486 waiting for G553 the coming G602 of our G2257 Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ: G5547
8 Who G3739 shall G950 also G2532 confirm G950 you G5209 unto G2193 the end, G5056 that ye may be blameless G410 in G1722 the day G2250 of our G2257 Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ. G5547
9 God G2316 is faithful, G4103 by G1223 whom G3739 ye were called G2564 unto G1519 the fellowship G2842 of his G846 Son G5207 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 our G2257 Lord. G2962
10 Now G1161 I beseech G3870 you, G5209 brethren, G80 by G1223 the name G3686 of our G2257 Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 that G2443 ye G3004 all G3956 speak G3004 the same thing, G846 and G2532 that there be G5600 no G3361 divisions G4978 among G1722 you; G5213 but G1161 that ye be G5600 perfectly joined together G2675 in G1722 the same G846 mind G3563 and G2532 in G1722 the same G846 judgment. G1106
11 For G1063 it hath been declared G1213 unto me G3427 of G4012 you, G5216 my G3450 brethren, G80 by G5259 them which are of the house G3588 of Chloe, G5514 that G3754 there are G1526 contentions G2054 among G1722 you. G5213
12 Now G1161 this G5124 I say, G3004 that G3754 every one G1538 of you G5216 saith, G3004 I G1473 G3303 am G1510 of Paul; G3972 and G1161 I G1473 of Apollos; G625 and G1161 I G1473 of Cephas; G2786 and G1161 I G1473 of Christ. G5547
13 Is G3307 Christ G5547 divided? G3307 G3361 was G4717 Paul G3972 crucified G4717 for G5228 you? G5216 or G2228 were ye baptized G907 in G1519 the name G3686 of Paul? G3972
14 I thank G2168 God G2316 that G3754 I baptized G907 none G3762 of you, G5216 but G1508 Crispus G2921 and G2532 Gaius; G1050
15 Lest G3363 any G5100 should say G2036 that G3754 I had baptized G907 in G1519 mine own G1699 name. G3686
16 And G1161 I baptized G907 also G2532 the household G3624 of Stephanas: G4734 besides, G3063 I know G1492 not G3756 whether I baptized G907 any G1536 other. G243
17 For G1063 Christ G5547 sent G649 me G3165 not G3756 to baptize, G907 but G235 to preach the gospel: G2097 not G3756 with G1722 wisdom G4678 of words, G3056 lest G3363 the cross G4716 of Christ G5547 should be made of none effect. G2758
18 For G1063 the preaching G3056 of the cross G4716 is G2076 to them G3303 that perish G622 foolishness; G3472 but G1161 unto us G2254 which are saved G4982 it is G2076 the power G1411 of God. G2316
19 For G1063 it is written, G1125 I will destroy G622 the wisdom G4678 of the wise, G4680 and G2532 will bring to nothing G114 the understanding G4907 of the prudent. G4908
20 Where G4226 is the wise? G4680 where G4226 is the scribe? G1122 where G4226 is the disputer G4804 of this G5127 world? G165 hath G3471 not G3780 God G2316 made foolish G3471 the wisdom G4678 of this G5127 world? G2889
21 For G1063 after G1894 that in G1722 the wisdom G4678 of God G2316 the world G2889 by G1223 wisdom G4678 knew G1097 not G3756 God, G2316 it pleased G2106 God G2316 by G1223 the foolishness G3472 of preaching G2782 to save G4982 them that believe. G4100
22 For G2532 G1894 the Jews G2453 require G154 a sign, G4592 and G2532 the Greeks G1672 seek G2212 after wisdom: G4678
23 But G1161 we G2249 preach G2784 Christ G5547 crucified, G4717 unto the Jews G2453 a stumblingblock, G3303 G4625 and G1161 unto the Greeks G1672 foolishness; G3472
24 But G1161 unto them G846 which G3588 are called, G2822 both G5037 Jews G2453 and G2532 Greeks, G1672 Christ G5547 the power G1411 of God, G2316 and G2532 the wisdom G4678 of God. G2316
25 Because G3754 the foolishness G3474 of God G2316 is G2076 wiser than G4680 men; G444 and G2532 the weakness G772 of God G2316 is G2076 stronger than G2478 men. G444
26 For G1063 ye see G991 your G5216 calling, G2821 brethren, G80 how that G3754 not G3756 many G4183 wise men G4680 after G2596 the flesh, G4561 not G3756 many G4183 mighty, G1415 not G3756 many G4183 noble, G2104 are called:
27 But G235 God G2316 hath chosen G1586 the foolish things G3474 of the world G2889 to G2443 confound G2617 the wise; G4680 and G2532 God G2316 hath chosen G1586 the weak things G772 of the world G2889 to G2443 confound G2617 the things which are mighty; G2478
28 And G2532 base things G36 of the world, G2889 and G2532 things which are despised, G1848 hath G1586 God G2316 chosen, G1586 yea, and G2532 things which G3588 are G5607 not, G3361 to G2443 bring to nought G2673 things that are: G5607
29 That G3704 no G3361 G3956 flesh G4561 should glory G2744 in his presence. G1799 G846
30 But G1161 of G1537 him G846 are G2075 ye G5210 in G1722 Christ G5547 Jesus, G2424 who G3739 of G575 God G2316 is made G1096 unto us G2254 G5037 wisdom, G4678 and righteousness, G1343 and G2532 sanctification, G38 and G2532 redemption: G629
31 That, G2443 according as G2531 it is written, G1125 He that glorieth, G2744 let him glory G2744 in G1722 the Lord. G2962
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, `even' them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called `to be' saints, with all that call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, their `Lord' and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;
5 that in everything ye were enriched in him, in all utterance and 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 revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
8 who shall also confirm you unto the end, `that ye be' unreproveable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, through 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 perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it hath been signified unto me concerning you, my brethren, by them `that are of the household' of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I mean, that each 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 into the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, save Crispus and Gaius;
15 lest any man should say that ye were baptized into my 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 in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made void.
18 For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.
22 Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness;
24 but unto them that 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 behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, `are called':
27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;
28 and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, `yea' and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are:
29 that no flesh should glory before God.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
31 that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
1 Paul, a called apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother,
2 to the assembly of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all those calling upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place -- both theirs and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
4 I give thanks to my God always concerning you for the grace of God that was given to you in Christ Jesus,
5 that in every thing ye were enriched in him, in all discourse and all knowledge,
6 according as the testimony of the Christ was confirmed in you,
7 so that ye are not behind in any gift, waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
8 who also shall confirm you unto the end -- unblamable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ;
9 faithful `is' God, through whom ye were called to the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
10 And I call upon you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that the same thing ye may all say, and there may not be divisions among you, and ye may be perfected in the same mind, and in the same judgment,
11 for it was signified to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe, that contentions are among you;
12 and I say this, that each one of you saith, `I, indeed, am of Paul' -- `and I of Apollos,' -- `and I of Cephas,' -- `and I of Christ.'
13 Hath the Christ been divided? was Paul crucified for you? or to the name of Paul were ye baptized;
14 I give thanks to God that no one of you did I baptize, except Crispus and Gaius --
15 that no one may say that to my own name I did baptize;
16 and I did baptize also Stephanas' household -- further, I have not known if I did baptize any other.
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but -- to proclaim good news; not in wisdom of discourse, that the cross of the Christ may not be made of none effect;
18 for the word of the cross to those indeed perishing is foolishness, and to us -- those being saved -- it is the power of God,
19 for it hath been written, `I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the intelligence of the intelligent I will bring to nought;'
20 where `is' the wise? where the scribe? where a disputer of this age? did not God make foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 for, seeing in the wisdom of God the world through the wisdom knew not God, it did please God through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing.
22 Since also Jews ask a sign, and Greeks seek wisdom,
23 also we -- we preach Christ crucified, to Jews, indeed, a stumbling-block, and to Greeks foolishness,
24 and to those 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 see your calling, brethren, that not many `are' wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;
27 but the foolish things of the world did God choose, that the wise He may put to shame; and the weak things of the world did God choose that He may put to shame the strong;
28 and the base things of the world, and the things despised did God choose, and the things that are not, that the things that are He may make useless --
29 that no flesh may glory before Him;
30 and of Him ye -- ye are in Christ Jesus, who became to us from God wisdom, righteousness also, and sanctification, and redemption,
31 that, according as it hath been written, `He who is glorying -- in the Lord let him glory.'
1 Paul, [a] called apostle of Jesus Christ, by God's will, and Sosthenes the brother,
2 to the assembly of God which is in Corinth, to [those] sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all that in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both theirs and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and [the] Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God always about you, in respect of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus;
5 that in everything ye have been enriched in him, in all word [of doctrine], and all knowledge,
6 (according as the testimony of the Christ has been confirmed in you,)
7 so that ye come short in no gift, awaiting the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
8 who shall also confirm you to [the] end, unimpeachable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God [is] faithful, by whom ye have been called into [the] fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all say the same thing, and that there be not among you divisions; but that ye be perfectly united in the same mind and in the same opinion.
11 For it has been shewn to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of [the house of] Chloe, that there are strifes among you.
12 But I speak of this, that each of you says, *I* am of Paul, and *I* of Apollos, and *I* of Cephas, and *I* of Christ.
13 Is the Christ divided? has Paul been crucified for you? or have ye been baptised unto the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I have baptised none of you, unless Crispus and Gaius,
15 that no one may say that I have baptised unto my own name.
16 Yes, I baptised also the house of Stephanas; for the rest I know not if I have baptised any other.
17 For Christ has not sent me to baptise, but to preach glad tidings; not in wisdom of word, that the cross of the Christ may not be made vain.
18 For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but to us that are saved it is God's power.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and set aside the understanding of the understanding ones.
20 Where [is the] wise? where scribe? where disputer of this world? has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom has not known God, God has been pleased by the foolishness of the preaching to save those that believe.
22 Since Jews indeed ask for signs, and Greeks seek wisdom;
23 but *we* preach Christ crucified, to Jews an offence, and to nations foolishness;
24 but to those that [are] called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ God's power and God's wisdom.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For consider your calling, brethren, that [there are] not many wise according to flesh, not many powerful, not many high-born.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world, that he may put to shame the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world, that he may put to shame the strong things;
28 and the ignoble things of the world, and the despised, has God chosen, [and] things that are not, that he may annul the things that are;
29 so that no flesh should boast before God.
30 But of him are *ye* in Christ Jesus, who has been made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness, and holiness, and redemption;
31 that according as it is written, He that boasts, let him boast in [the] Lord.
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 to the assembly of God which is at Corinth; those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I always thank my God concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;
5 that in everything you were enriched in him, in all speech and all knowledge;
6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
7 so that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
8 who will also confirm you until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
10 Now I beg you, brothers,{The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."} through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it has been reported to me concerning you, my brothers, by those who are from Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now I mean this, that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and, "I follow Christ."
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, except Crispus and Gaius,
15 so that no one should say that I had baptized you into my own name.
16 (I also baptized the household of Stephanas; besides them, I don't know whether I baptized any other.)
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel--not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn't be made void.
18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing."
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn't know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.
22 For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom,
23 but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is 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 you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;
27 but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;
28 and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are:
29 that no flesh should boast before God.
30 But of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
31 that, according as it is written, "He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord."
1 Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the purpose of God, and Sosthenes the brother,
2 To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been made holy in Christ Jesus, saints by the selection of God, with all those who in every place give honour to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I give praise to my God for you at all times, because of the grace of God which has been given to you in Christ Jesus;
5 So that in him you have wealth in all things, in word and in knowledge of every sort;
6 Even as the witness of the Christ has been made certain among you:
7 So that having every grace you are living in the hope of the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
8 Who will give you strength to the end, to be free from all sin in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God is true, through whom you have been given a part with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
10 Now I make request to you, my brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you will all say the same thing, and that there may be no divisions among you, so that you may be in complete agreement, in the same mind and in the same opinion.
11 Because it has come to my knowledge, through those of the house of Chloe, that there are divisions among you, my brothers.
12 That is, that some of you say, I am of Paul; some say, I am of Apollos; some say, I am of Cephas; and some say, I am Christ's.
13 Is there a division in Christ? was Paul nailed to the cross for you? or were you given baptism in the name of Paul?
14 I give praise to God that not one of you had baptism from me, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 So that no one may be able to say that you had baptism in my name.
16 And I gave baptism to the house of Stephanas; but I am not certain that any others had baptism from me.
17 For Christ sent me, not to give baptism, but to be a preacher of the good news: not with wise words, for fear that the cross of Christ might be made of no value.
18 For the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us who are on the way to salvation it is the power of God.
19 As it says in the holy Writings, I will put an end to the wisdom of the wise, and will put on one side the designs of those who have knowledge.
20 Where is the wise? where is he who has knowledge of the law? where is the man of this world who has a love of discussion? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For because, by the purpose of God, the world, with all its wisdom, had not the knowledge of God, it was God's pleasure, by so foolish a thing as preaching, to give salvation to those who had faith in him.
22 Seeing that the Jews make request for signs, and the Greeks are looking for knowledge:
23 But we give the good news of Christ on the cross, a hard thing to the Jews, and a foolish thing to the Gentiles;
24 But to those of God's selection, Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power and the wisdom of God.
25 Because what seems foolish in God is wiser than men; and what seems feeble in God is stronger than men.
26 For you see God's design for you, my brothers, that he has not taken a great number of the wise after the flesh, not the strong, not the noble:
27 But God made selection of the foolish things of this world so that he might put the wise to shame; and the feeble things that he might put to shame the strong;
28 And the low things of the world, and the things without honour, did God make selection of, yes, even the things which are not, so that he might make as nothing the things which are:
29 So that no flesh might have glory before God.
30 But God has given you a place in Christ Jesus, through whom God has given us wisdom and righteousness and salvation, and made us holy:
31 So that, as it is said in the holy Writings, Whoever has a desire for glory, let his glory be in the Lord.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 1
1Co 1:1-31. The Inscription; Thanksgiving for the Spiritual State of the Corinthian Church; Reproof of Party Divisions: His Own Method of Preaching Only Christ.
1. called to be—Found in some, not in others, of the oldest manuscripts Possibly inserted from Ro 1:1; but as likely to be genuine. Translate, literally, "a called apostle" [Conybeare and Howson].
through the will of God—not because of my own merit. Thus Paul's call as "an apostle by the will of God," while constituting the ground of the authority he claims in the Corinthian Church (compare Ga 1:1), is a reason for humility on his own part (1Co 15:8, 10) [Bengel]. In assuming the ministerial office a man should see he does so not of his own impulse, but by the will of God (Jer 23:21); Paul if left to his own will would never have been an apostle (Ro 9:16).
Sosthenes—See my Introduction. Associated by Paul with himself in the inscription, either in modesty, Sosthenes being his inferior [Chrysostom], or in order that the name of a "brother" of note in Corinth (Ac 18:17) might give weight to his Epistle and might show, in opposition to his detractors that he was supported by leading brethren. Gallio had driven the Jews who accused Paul from the judgment-seat. The Greek mob, who disliked Jews, took the opportunity then of beating Sosthenes the ruler of the Jewish synagogue, while Gallio looked on and refused to interfere, being secretly pleased that the mob should second his own contempt for the Jews. Paul probably at this time had showed sympathy for an adversary in distress, which issued in the conversion of the latter. So Crispus also, the previous chief ruler of the synagogue had been converted. Saul the persecutor turned into Paul the apostle, and Sosthenes the leader in persecution against that apostle, were two trophies of divine grace that, side by side, would appeal with double power to the Church at Corinth [Birks].
2. the church of God—He calls it so notwithstanding its many blots. Fanatics and sectaries vainly think to anticipate the final sifting of the wheat and tares (Mt 13:27-30). It is a dangerous temptation to think there is no church where there is not apparent perfect purity. He who thinks so, must at last separate from all others and think himself the only holy man in the world, or establish a peculiar sect with a few hypocrites. It was enough for Paul in recognizing the Corinthians as a church, that he saw among them evangelical doctrine, baptism, and the Lord's Supper" [Calvin]. It was the Church of God, not of this or of that favorite leader [Chrysostom].
at Corinth—a church at dissolute Corinth—what a paradox of grace!
sanctified—consecrated, or set apart as holy to God in (by union with) Christ Jesus. In the Greek there are no words "to them that are"; translate simply, "men sanctified."
called to be saints—rather, "called saints"; saints by calling: applied by Paul to all professing members of the Church. As "sanctified in Christ" implies the fountain sources of holiness, the believer's original sanctification in Christ (1Co 6:11; Heb 10:10, 14; 1Pe 1:2) in the purposes of God's grace, so "called saints" refers to their actual call (Ro 8:30), and the end of that call that they should be holy (1Pe 1:15).
with all that in every place call upon … Christ—The Epistle is intended for these also, as well as for the Corinthians. The true Catholic Church (a term first used by Ignatius [Epistle to the Smyræans, 8]): not consisting of those who call themselves from Paul, Cephas, or any other eminent leader (1Co 1:12), but of all, wherever they be, who call on Jesus as their Saviour in sincerity (compare 2Ti 2:22). Still a general unity of discipline and doctrine in the several churches is implied in 1Co 4:17; 7:17; 11-16; 14-33, 36. The worship due to God is here attributed to Jesus (compare Joe 2:32; Mt 4:10; Ac 9:14).
both theirs and ours—"in every place which is their home … and our home also"; this is added to include the Christians throughout Achaia, not residing in Corinth, the capital (2Co 1:1). Paul feels the home of his converts to be also his own. Compare a similar phrase in Ro 16:13 [Conybeare and Howson]. "Ours" refers to Paul and Sosthenes, and the Corinthians' home [Alford]. Beza better explains, "Both their Lord and our Lord." All believers have one and the same Lord (1Co 8:6; Eph 4:5); a virtual reproof of the divisions of the Corinthians, as if Christ were divided (1Co 1:13).
3. peace—peculiarly needed in the Corinthian church, on account of its dissensions. On this verse see on Ro 1:7.
4. He puts the causes for praise and hope among them in the foreground, not to discourage them by the succeeding reproof, and in order to appeal to their better selves.
my God—(Ro 1:8; Php 1:3).
always—(Compare Php 1:4).
the grace … given you—(Compare 1Co 1:7).
by … Christ—literally, "IN Jesus Christ" given you as members in Christ.
5. utterance—Alford from Menochius translates, "doctrine." Ye are rich in preachers or the preaching of the word, and rich in knowledge or apprehension of it: literally "(the) word (preached)." English Version (as in 2Co 8:7) is better: for Paul, purposing presently to dwell on the abuse of the two gifts on which the Corinthians most prided themselves, utterance (speech) and knowledge (1Co 1:20; 3:18; 4:19; 1Co 13:1-14:40), previously gains their goodwill by congratulating them on having those gifts.
6. According as the testimony of (of, and concerning) Christ (who is both the object and author of this testimony [Bengel]; 1Co 2:1; 1Ti 2:6; 2Ti 1:8) was confirmed among [Alford] you; that is, by God, through my preaching and through the miracles accompanying it (1Co 12:3; Mr 16:20; 2Co 1:21, 22; Ga 3:2, 5; Eph 4:7, 8; Heb 2:4). God confirmed (compare Php 1:7; Heb 2:3), or gave effect to the Gospel among (or better as English Version, "in") the Corinthians by their accepting it and setting their seal to its truth, through the inward power of His Spirit, and the outward gifts and miracles accompanying it [Calvin].
7. ye come behind—are inferior to other Christians elsewhere [Grotius].
in no gift—not that all had all gifts, but different persons among them had different gifts (1Co 12:4, &c.).
waiting for … coming of … Christ—The crowning proof of their "coming behind in no gift." Faith, hope, and love, are all exercised herein (compare 2Ti 4:8; Tit 2:13). "Leaving to others their MEMENTO MORI (remember death), do thou earnestly cherish this joyous expectation of the Lord's coming" [Bengel]. The Greek verb implies, "to expect constantly, not only for a certain time, but even to the end till the expected event happens" (Ro 8:19, [Tittmann, Greek Synonyms of the New Testament]).
8. Who—God, 1Co 1:4 (not Jesus Christ, 1Co 1:7, in which case it would be "in His day").
unto the end—namely, "the coming of Christ."
blameless in the day of … Christ—(1Th 5:23). After that day there is no danger (Eph 4:30; Php 1:6). Now is our day to work, and the day of our enemies to try us: then will be the day of Christ, and of His glory in the saints [Bengel].
9. faithful—to His promises (Php 1:6; 1Th 5:24).
called—according to His purpose (Ro 8:28).
unto … fellowship of … Jesus—to be fellow heirs with Christ (Ro 8:17-28), like Him sons of God and heirs of glory (Ro 8:30; 2Th 2:14; 1Pe 5:10; 1Jo 1:3). Chrysostom remarks that the name of Christ is oftener mentioned in this than in any other Epistle, the apostle designing thereby to draw them away from their party admiration of particular teachers to Christ alone.
10. Now—Ye already have knowledge, utterance, and hope, maintain also love.
brethren—The very title is an argument for love.
by … Christ—whom Paul wishes to be all in all to the Corinthians, and therefore names Him so often in this chapter.
speak … same thing—not speaking different things as ye do (1Co 1:12), in a spirit of variance.
divisions—literally, "splits," "breaches."
but—"but rather."
perfectly joined together—the opposite word to "divisions." It is applied to healing a wound, or making whole a rent.
mind … judgment—the view taken by the understanding, and the practical decision arrived at [Conybeare and Howson], as to what is to be done. The mind, within, refers to things to be believed: the judgment is displayed outwardly in things to be done [Bengel]. Disposition—opinion [Alford].
11. (1Co 11:18).
by them … of … house of Chloe—They seem to have been alike in the confidence of Paul and of the Corinthians. The Corinthians "wrote" to the apostle (1Co 7:1), consulting him concerning certain points; marriage, the eating of things offered to idols, the decorum to be observed by women in religious assemblies. But they said not a syllable about the enormities and disorders that had crept in among them. That information reached Paul by other quarters. Hence his language about those evils is, "It hath been declared unto me," &c.; "It is reported commonly" (1Co 5:1, 2). All this he says before he refers to their letter, which shows that the latter did not give him any intimation of those evils. An undesigned proof of genuineness [Paley, Horæ Paulinæ]. Observe his prudence: He names the family, to let it be seen that he made his allegation not without authority: he does not name the individuals, not to excite odium against them. He tacitly implies that the information ought rather to have come to him directly from their presbyters, as they had consulted him about matters of less moment.
contentions—not so severe a word as "divisions," literally, "schisms" (1Co 1:10, Margin).
12. this I say—this is what I mean in saying "contentions" (1Co 1:11).
every one of you saith—Ye say severally, "glorying in men" (1Co 1:31; 1Co 3:21, 22), one, I am of Paul; another, I am of Apollos, &c. Not that they formed definite parties, but they individually betrayed the spirit of party in contentions under the name of different favorite teachers. Paul will not allow himself to be flattered even by those who made his name their party cry, so as to connive at the dishonor thereby done to Christ. These probably were converted under his ministry. Those alleging the name of Apollos, Paul's successor at Corinth (Ac 18:24, &c.), were persons attracted by his rhetorical style (probably acquired in Alexandria, 1Co 3:6), as contrasted with the "weak bodily presence" and "contemptible speech" of the apostle. Apollos, doubtless, did not willingly foster this spirit of undue preference (1Co 4:6, 8); nay, to discourage it, he would not repeat his visit just then (1Co 16:12).
I of Cephas—probably Judaizers, who sheltered themselves under the name of Peter, the apostle of the circumcision ("Cephas" is the Hebrew, "Peter" the Greek name; Joh 1:42; Ga 2:11, &c.): the subjects handled in the seventh through ninth chapters were probably suggested as matters of doubt by them. The church there began from the Jewish synagogue, Crispus the chief ruler, and Sosthenes his successor (probably), being converts. Hence some Jewish leaven, though not so much as elsewhere, is traceable (2Co 11:22). Petrism afterwards sprang up much more rankly at Rome. If it be wrong to boast "I am of Peter," how much more so to boast I am of the Pope!" [Bengel].
I of Christ—A fair pretext used to slight the ministry of Paul and their other teachers (1Co 4:8; 2Co 10:7-11).
13. Is Christ divided?—into various parts (one under one leader, another under another) [Alford]. The unity of His body is not to be cut in pieces, as if all did not belong to Him, the One Head.
was Paul crucified for you?—In the Greek the interrogation implies that a strong negative answer is expected: "Was it Paul (surely you will not say so) that was crucified for you?" In the former question the majesty of "Christ" (the Anointed One of God) implies the impossibility of His being "divided." in the latter, Paul's insignificance implies the impossibility of his being the head of redemption, "crucified for" them, and giving his name to the redeemed. This, which is true of Paul the founder of the Church of Corinth, holds equally good of Cephas and Apollos, who had not such a claim as Paul in the Corinthian Church.
crucified … baptized—The cross claims us for Christ, as redeemed by Him; baptism, as dedicated to Him.
in the name—rather, "into the name" (Ga 3:27), implying the incorporation involved in the idea of baptism.
14. I thank God's providence now, who so ordered it that I baptized none of you but Crispus (the former ruler of the synagogue, Ac 18:8) and Gaius (written by the Romans Caius, the host of Paul at Corinth, and of the church, Ro 16:23; a person therefore in good circumstances). Baptizing was the office of the deacons (Ac 10:48) rather than of the apostles, whose office was that of establishing and superintending generally the churches. The deacons had a better opportunity of giving the necessary course of instruction preparatory to baptism. Crispus and Gaius were probably among the first converts, and hence were baptized by Paul himself, who founded the church.
15. Lest—not that Paul had this reason at the time, but God so arranged it that none might say [Alford].
16. household of Stephanas—"The first-fruits of Achaia," that is, among the first converted there (1Co 16:15, 17). It is likely that such "households" included infants (Ac 16:33). The history of the Church favors this view, as infant baptism was the usage from the earliest ages.
17. Paul says this not to depreciate baptism; for he exalts it most highly (Ro 6:3). He baptized some first converts; and would have baptized more, but that his and the apostles' peculiar work was to preach the Gospel, to found by their autoptic testimony particular churches, and then to superintend the churches in general.
sent me—literally, "as an apostle."
not to baptize—even in Christ's name, much less in my own.
not with wisdom of words—or speech; philosophical reasoning set off with oratorical language and secular learning, which the Corinthians set so undue a value upon (1Co 1:5; 2:1, 4) in Apollos, and the want of which in Paul they were dissatisfied with (2Co 10:10).
cross of Christ—the sum and substance of the Gospel (1Co 1:23; 2:2), Christ crucified.
be made of none effect—literally, "be made void" (Ro 4:14); namely, by men thinking more of the human reasonings and eloquence in which the Gospel was set forth, than of the Gospel itself of Christ crucified, the sinner's only remedy, and God's highest exhibition of love.
18. preaching, &c.—literally, "the word," or speech as to the cross; in contrast to the "wisdom of words" (so called), 1Co 1:17.
them that perish—rather, "them that are perishing," namely, by preferring human "wisdom of words" to the doctrine of the "cross of Christ." It is not the final state that is referred to; but, "them that are in the way of perishing." So also in 2Co 2:15, 16.
us which are saved—In the Greek the collocation is more modest, "to them that are being saved (that are in the way of salvation) as," that is, to which class we belong.
power of God—which includes in it that it is the wisdom of God" (1Co 1:24). God's powerful instrument of salvation; the highest exhibition of God's power (Ro 1:16). What seems to the world "weakness" in God's plan of salvation (1Co 1:25), and in its mode of delivery by His apostle (1Co 2:3) is really His mighty "power." What seems "foolishness" because wanting man's "wisdom of words" (1Co 1:17), is really the highest "wisdom of God" (1Co 1:24).
19. I will destroy—slightly altered from the Septuagint, Isa 29:14. The Hebrew is, "The wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." Paul by inspiration gives the sense of the Spirit, by making God the cause of their wisdom perishing, &c., "I will destroy," &c.
understanding of the prudent—literally, "of the understanding ones."
20. Where—nowhere; for God "brings them to naught" (1Co 1:19).
the wise—generally.
the scribe—Jewish [Alford].
the disputer—Greek [Alford]. Compare the Jew and Greek of this world contrasted with the godly wise, 1Co 1:22, 23. Vitringa thinks the reference is to the Jewish discourses in the synagogue, daraschoth, from a Hebrew root "to dispute." Compare "questions," Ac 26:3; Tit 3:9. If so, "wise" refers to Greek wisdom (compare 1Co 1:22). Paul applies Isa 33:18 here in a higher sense; there the primary reference was to temporal deliverance, here to external; 1Co 1:22, which is in threefold opposition to 1Co 1:18 there, sanctions this higher application; the Lord in the threefold character being the sole ground of glorying to His people.
of this world … of this world—rather, "dispensation (or age) … world"; the Greek words are distinct. The former is here this age or worldly order of things in a moral point of view, as opposed to the Christian dispensation or order of things. The latter is the world viewed externally and cosmically.
made foolish—shown the world's philosophy to be folly, because it lacks faith in Christ crucified [Chrysostom]. Has treated it as folly, and not used its help in converting and saving men (1Co 1:26, 27) [Estius].
21. after that—rather, "whereas."
in the wisdom of God—in the wise arrangement of God.
world by wisdom—rather, "by its wisdom," or "its philosophy" (Joh 1:10; Ro 1:28).
knew not God—whatever other knowledge it attained (Ac 17:23, 27). The deistic theory that man can by the light of nature discover his duty to God, is disproved by the fact that man has never discovered it without revelation. All the stars and moon cannot make it day; that is the prerogative of the sun. Nor can nature's highest gifts make the moral day arise; that is the office of Christ. Even the Jew missed this knowledge, in so far as he followed after mere carnal world wisdom.
it pleased God—Paul refers to Jesus' words (Lu 10:21).
by the foolishness of preaching—by that preaching which the world (unbelieving Jews and Gentiles alike) deem foolishness.
save them that believe—(Ro 1:16).
22. For—literally, "Since," seeing that. This verse illustrates how the "preaching" of Christ crucified came to be deemed "foolishness" (1Co 1:21).
a sign—The oldest manuscripts read "signs." The singular was a later correction from Mt 12:38; 16:1; Joh 2:18. The signs the Jews craved for were not mere miracles, but direct tokens from heaven that Jesus was Messiah (Lu 11:16).
Greeks seek … wisdom—namely, a philosophic demonstration of Christianity. Whereas Christ, instead of demonstrative proof, demands faith on the ground of His word, and of a reasonable amount of evidence that the alleged revelation is His word. Christianity begins not with solving intellectual difficulties, but with satisfying the heart that longs for forgiveness. Hence not the refined Greeks, but the theocratic Jews were the chosen organ for propagating revelation. Again, intellectual Athens (Ac 17:18-21, &c.) received the Gospel less readily than commercial Corinth.
23. we—Paul and Apollos.
Christ crucified—The Greek expresses not the mere fact of His crucifixion, but the permanent character acquired by the transaction, whereby He is now a Saviour (Ga 3:1) crucified was the stone on which the Jews stumbled (Mt 21:44). The opposition of Jew and Gentile alike shows that a religion so seemingly contemptible in its origin could not have succeeded if it had not been divine.
unto the Greeks—the oldest manuscripts read "unto the Gentiles."
24. called—(compare 1Co 1:26). The same class as the "us which are (being) saved" (1Co 1:18); the elect, who have obeyed the call; called effectually (Ro 8:28, 30).
Christ—"Crucified" is not here added, because when the offense of the cross is overcome, "Christ" is received in all His relations, not only in His cross, but in His life and His future kingdom.
power—so meeting all the reasonable requirements of the Jews who sought "a sign." The cross (the death of a slave), which to the Jews (looking for a temporal Messiah) was a "stumbling-block," is really "the power of God" to the salvation of all who believe.
wisdom of God—so really exhibiting, and in the highest degree (if they would but see it), that which the Greeks sought after—wisdom (Col 2:3).
25. foolishness of God—that is, God's plan of salvation which men deem "foolishness."
weakness of God—Christ "crucified through weakness" (2Co 13:4, the great stumbling-block of the Jews), yet "living by the power of God." So He perfects strength out of the weakness of His servants (1Co 2:3; 2Co 12:9).
26. ye see—rather, from the prominence of the verb in the Greek, "see" or "consider" (imperative) [Alford from Vulgate and Irenæus].
your calling … are called—Instead of the words in italics, supplied by English Version, supply, "were your callers." What Paul is dwelling on (compare 1Co 1:27, 28) is the weakness of the instrumentality which the Lord employed to convert the world [Hinds and Whately; so Anselm]. However, English Version accords well with 1Co 1:24. "The whole history of the expansion of the Church is a progressive victory of the ignorant over the learned, the lowly over the lofty, until the emperor himself laid down his crown before the cross of Christ" [Olshausen].
wise … after the flesh—the wisdom of this world acquired by human study without the Spirit. (Contrast Mt 16:17).
27. the foolish things—a general phrase for all persons and things foolish. Even things (and those, too, foolish things) are chosen by God to confound persons, (and those too persons who are wise). This seems to me the force of the change from neuter to masculine.
to confound—The Greek is stronger, "that He might confound (or put to shame)." God confounds the wise by effecting through His instruments, without human wisdom, that the worldly wise, with it, cannot effect, namely, to bring men to salvation.
chosen … chosen—The repetition indicates the gracious deliberateness of God's purpose (Jas 2:5).
28. yea, and things which are not—Yea is not in the Greek. Also some of the oldest manuscripts omit "and." Thus the clause, "things which are not" (are regarded as naught), is in apposition with "foolish … weak … base (that is, lowborn) and despised things." God has chosen all four, though regarded as things that are not, to bring to naught things that are.
29. no flesh … glory—For they who try to glory (boast) because of human greatness and wisdom, are "confounded" or put to shame (1Co 1:27). Flesh, like "the flower of the field," is beautiful, but frail (Isa 40:6).
in his presence—We are to glory not before Him, but in Him [Bengel].
30. But … ye—in contrast to them that "glory" in worldly wisdom and greatness.
of him are—not of yourselves (Eph 2:8), but of Him (Ro 11:36). From Him ye are (that is, have spiritual life, who once were spiritually among the "things which are not." 1Co 1:28).
in Christ—by living union with Him. Not "in the flesh" (1Co 1:26, 29).
of God—from God; emanating from Him and sent by Him.
is made unto us—has been made to us, to our eternal gain.
wisdom—unattainable by the worldly mode of seeking it (1Co 1:19, 20; contrast Col 2:3; Pr 8:1-36; Isa 9:6). By it we become "wise unto salvation," owing to His wisdom in originating and executing the plan, whereas once we were "fools."
righteousness—the ground of our justification (Jer 23:5, 6; Ro 4:25; 2Co 5:21); whereas once we were "weak" (Ro 5:6). Isa 42:21; 45:24.
sanctification—by His Spirit; whereas formerly we were "base." Hereafter our righteousness and sanctification alike shall be both perfect and inherent. Now the righteousness wherewith we are justified is perfect, but not inherent; that wherewith we are sanctified is inherent, but not perfect [Hooker]. Now sanctification is perfect in principle, but not in attainment. These two are joined in the Greek as forming essentially but one thing, as distinguished from the "wisdom" in devising and executing the plan for us ("abounded toward us in all wisdom," Eph 1:8), and "redemption," the final completion of the scheme in the deliverance of the body (the position of "redemption" last shows that this limited sense is the one intended here). Lu 21:28; Ro 8:23; Eph 1:14; 4:30.
redemption—whereas once we were "despised."
31. glory in … Lord—(Jer 9:23, 24)—in opposition to "flesh glorying in His presence" (1Co 1:29). In contrast to morbid slavish self-abasement, Paul joins with humility the elevating consciousness of our true dignity in Christ. He who glories is to glory in the Lord, not in the flesh, nor in the world.