so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 1:7
What does 1 Corinthians 1:7 mean?
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1 Corinthians 1:7
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It's easy to read "not lacking in any gift" and think of spiritual talents, but Paul's pointing to a deeper truth: their waiting itself is a gift from God. This means the very season of anticipation, with all its uncertainties, is where God is actively equipping them, not leaving them empty-handed.
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 divisions and immaturity he sees in the Corinthian church, who are prioritizing certain spiritual gifts and leaders over others. He's reminding them that these gifts are given by God to equip them as they wait for Jesus' return, not to cause pride or competition among themselves. This verse sets the stage for him to explain how these gifts should actually function within the community, emphasizing unity and Christ's ultimate glory.
Ever feel like you're missing something, like there's a piece of the puzzle you just can't find? Paul assures the Corinthians they're not lacking.
Paul is reminding the Corinthian believers that God has already equipped them with everything they need. The phrase "not lacking in any gift" isn't about having every possible spiritual talent; it's about possessing all the necessary divine provisions to live faithfully and effectively as they wait for Jesus' return.
Life can feel like a series of waiting periods – waiting for answers, waiting for change, waiting for the future. Paul frames this waiting with a powerful purpose.
The waiting Paul speaks of isn't passive or anxious. It's an active, hopeful anticipation of Jesus' glorious return – "the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ." This future event is the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan, and it's the lens through which believers should view their present lives.
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Understand the original words
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 a young, vibrant community dealing with the intense challenges of integrating diverse people and the immature use of spiritual gifts. Paul's letter reminds them that their present gifts are authentic, even as they eagerly await Christ's return.
c. AD 41-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches in cities like Antioch, Lystra, and Derbe. These new Christian communities were often comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, now accompanied by Silas, travels through Asia Minor again and then into Europe, founding the church in Corinth. He spends about 18 months in Corinth, facing significant opposition but seeing many believe.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends over two years in Ephesus, a major Roman city, ministering and writing letters. During this time, he likely receives reports from Corinth, possibly through Chloe's household, about the issues in the church there.
c. AD 55
Paul writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul pens this letter to the church in Corinth, addressing divisions, moral issues, and theological misunderstandings, including their misuse of spiritual gifts.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is imprisoned in Rome, where he writes letters like Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon. This period marks a later stage in his ministry, but the foundational issues he addressed in Corinth continue to be relevant.
This passage echoes the same theme of waiting expectantly for Christ's return and calls for clear thinking and self-control in preparation.
Philippians 3:20-21It reinforces the believer's 'citizenship' in heaven, looking forward to Christ's transformation of our humble bodies into glorious ones, mirroring the anticipation in 1 Corinthians.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-10This passage describes the 'revealing' of the Lord Jesus in flaming fire when he comes to be glorified in his saints, connecting directly to the event Paul mentions.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11While 1 Corinthians 1:7 speaks of not lacking gifts, chapter 12 details the variety of spiritual gifts given by the same Spirit, showing the source and purpose of these endowments.
It's easy to read "not lacking in any gift" and think of spiritual talents, but Paul's pointing to a deeper truth: their waiting itself is a gift from God. This means the very season of anticipation, with all its uncertainties, is where God is actively equipping them, not leaving them empty-handed.
Paul is addressing the divisions and immaturity he sees in the Corinthian church, who are prioritizing certain spiritual gifts and leaders over others. He's reminding them that these gifts are given by God to equip them as they wait for Jesus' return, not to cause pride or competition among themselves. This verse sets the stage for him to explain how these gifts should actually function within the community, emphasizing unity and Christ's ultimate glory.
Paul is addressing the divisions and immaturity he sees in the Corinthian church, who are prioritizing certain spiritual gifts and leaders over others. He's reminding them that these gifts are given by God to equip them as they wait for Jesus' return, not to cause pride or competition among themselves. This verse sets the stage for him to explain how these gifts should actually function within the community, emphasizing unity and Christ's ultimate glory.
"so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ," — It's easy to read "not lacking in any gift" and think of spiritual talents, but Paul's pointing to a deeper truth: their waiting itself is a gift from God. This means the very season of anticipatio…
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Last reviewed October 2026