1 Corinthians 1:4-7
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It's easy to focus on Paul's "thanks," but notice he's always giving thanks. This isn't just a polite opening; it reveals his constant, deep awareness of God's ongoing work in people's lives, not just in their initial conversion.
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, a community struggling with division and immaturity, often caused by pride in their spiritual gifts and leaders. He begins by offering thanks for their spiritual richness, emphasizing that these gifts are a direct result of God's grace, not their own merit. This sets the stage for his subsequent correction, reminding them that their unity and conduct should reflect the very grace they've received in Christ.
Paul starts by thanking God, not the Corinthians, for their spiritual blessings. Why is this significant? It points to the ultimate source of everything good.
Paul's opening is a masterclass in gratitude. He thanks God for them, specifically because of the grace God gave them. This isn't about their achievements or character, but about God's unearned favor poured out through Jesus.
Source of All Goodness
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a community struggling with division. He grounds their shared identity not in their earthly leaders, but in the shared grace they received.
In a church fractured by cliques and personalities (as we see later in this chapter), Paul anchors their unity in a foundational truth: they all belong to Christ Jesus because they share the same divine grace.
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Unity in Christ Jesus
Understand the original words
ploutizō · Greek Verb
To be made wealthy or abundant in spiritual resources. It denotes a surplus of spiritual gifts, grace, and virtues provided by God through the Holy Spirit.
martyrion · Greek Noun
A formal witness or evidence given to establish the truth of a message, specifically the gospel concerning Jesus. It implies both the content of the message and the act of declaring it publicly.
bebaioō · Greek Verb
To be established, ratified, or verified as true; in a spiritual sense, it refers to the authentication of the gospel through the Holy Spirit or apostolic authority.
charisma · Greek Noun
A spiritual endowment or favor given by God’s grace to believers for the edification of the body of Christ. These are freely bestowed and not earned.
apokalypsis · Greek Noun
An unveiling or uncovering of something hidden. In theology, it refers to the glorious, visible return of Christ at the end of the age.
The church in Corinth was planted by Paul amidst a diverse and often morally challenging Roman provincial city, making their enduring faith and the grace they received all the more remarkable.
c. AD 40-41
Claudius becomes Emperor
Claudius, the fourth Roman emperor, ascended to the throne after the assassination of Caligula. His reign saw significant administrative changes and a relative period of stability in the Roman Empire.
c. AD 49
Edict of Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled the Jewish population from Rome due to disturbances involving 'Chrestus.' This likely included Aquila and Priscilla, who later met Paul.
c. AD 50
Paul Founds the Church in Corinth
While traveling on his second missionary journey, Paul established a Christian community in the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Corinth. He stayed here for about 18 months.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
During his third missionary journey, Paul spent a significant amount of time in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor. From Ephesus, he likely wrote letters to the Corinthian church.
c. AD 55— this verse
First Corinthians Written
Paul wrote this letter from Ephesus to address divisions, moral issues, and theological questions within the church in Corinth. He expresses his gratitude for their faith and the grace God has given them.
c. AD 57
Paul Visits Corinth
Following the writing of 1 Corinthians, Paul made at least one more visit to Corinth. His relationship with the church continued to be complex.
This passage echoes the idea of being blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing, directly linking our spiritual benefits to our identity in Him, just as Paul thanks the Corinthians for the grace given them in Jesus.
Romans 6:23It highlights the free gift of God being eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, reinforcing that the grace received is a divine impartation, not something earned, aligning with the reason for Paul's thanksgiving.
2 Timothy 1:9This verse speaks of God saving us and calling us with a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which was given in Christ Jesus before the ages began, directly stating the origin of the grace Paul acknowledges.
1 Peter 4:10It reminds believers to use their God-given gifts to serve one another, stating that each has received a gift, which connects the concept of grace given in Christ to practical living and mutual service within the community.
It's easy to focus on Paul's "thanks," but notice he's always giving thanks. This isn't just a polite opening; it reveals his constant, deep awareness of God's ongoing work in people's lives, not just in their initial conversion.
Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, a community struggling with division and immaturity, often caused by pride in their spiritual gifts and leaders. He begins by offering thanks for their spiritual richness, emphasizing that these gifts are a direct result of God's grace, not their own merit. This sets the stage for his subsequent correction, reminding them that their unity and conduct should reflect the very grace they've received in Christ.
Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, a community struggling with division and immaturity, often caused by pride in their spiritual gifts and leaders. He begins by offering thanks for their spiritual richness, emphasizing that these gifts are a direct result of God's grace, not their own merit. This sets the stage for his subsequent correction, reminding them that their unity and conduct should reflect the very grace they've received in Christ.
"I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you—…" — It's easy to focus on Paul's "thanks," but notice he's always giving thanks. This isn't just a polite opening; it reveals his constant, deep awareness of God's ongoing work in people's lives, not j…
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Last reviewed October 2026
