1 Corinthians 8:6
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Notice how Paul doesn't just say "one God" and "one Lord," but emphasizes their distinct roles: God the Father is the source of all things and the purpose for which we exist, while Jesus Christ is the agent through whom all things came and the means by which we exist. This shows Jesus isn't just another divine figure, but is intimately involved in creation and our very being as the Father's unique partner.
yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' questions about eating food sacrificed to idols. He's just explained that while idols are nothing and there's technically no "other god," many believers were struggling with the implications of this for their faith and community. This verse serves as the foundational truth – a reminder of their ultimate allegiance to the one true God and Lord, Jesus Christ, which should guide how they navigate these complex issues.
Paul grounds our faith in a powerful theological truth: God is the ultimate source and purpose of everything. How does this change how we view our world?
The Father: Source and Goal
Paul starts by focusing on God the Father. He declares two crucial things about Him:
This truth is revolutionary! It means our lives have meaning and direction rooted in the Creator Himself.
Paul immediately connects the Father to Jesus Christ, highlighting Jesus' essential role in God's plan. What does this tell us about Jesus?
Jesus: The Means and the Way
Paul then turns to Jesus, declaring Him our 'one Lord'. This title is significant, echoing the Old Testament concept of God's sovereign rule.
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He states that 'through him are all things and through him we exist.' This is profound:
This isn't just a statement of Jesus' importance; it's a declaration of His divine work in both creation and our salvation.
In a world filled with countless gods and lords, Paul proclaims a radical, exclusive truth. Why is this unity so important?
One God, One Lord: A Singular Focus
Paul's declaration of 'one God' and 'one Lord' is a direct counter-statement to the polytheistic and idolatrous environment of Corinth. Imagine the pagan temples teeming with deities!
This truth calls us to examine where our ultimate allegiance lies. Is it truly with the one God and one Lord?
Understand the original words
Theos · Greek Noun
The supreme, eternal Creator and ruler of the universe, who is the source of all existence and the ultimate object of worship and devotion. In the New Testament, God is revealed as the Father of Jesus Christ, emphasizing relationship and the covenantal basis of salvation.
Kyrios · Greek Noun
A title emphasizing authority, ownership, and masterhood. In the New Testament, it is specifically applied to Jesus as the Messiah and the sovereign ruler over all of creation and the church.
Christos · Greek Noun
The eternal Son of God and the Messiah, who acts as the agent of creation, redemption, and reconciliation. He is the mediator through whom all things were made and through whom believers have access to the Father.
In the vibrant, polytheistic melting pot of Corinth, Paul reminds believers that their identity and allegiance are singularly focused on one God and one Lord, Jesus Christ, distinguishing them from the surrounding pagan worship.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, is crucified. His followers believe this event atones for sin and demonstrates God's power.
c. 30-60 AD
Early Church Growth and Ministry
The apostles and early believers spread the message of Jesus Christ across the Roman Empire, establishing new communities of faith.
c. 50-52 AD
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spends significant time in Corinth, a major Roman city known for its bustling trade and diverse religious practices, establishing a church there.
c. 53-57 AD— this verse
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Ephesus to the church in Corinth. He addresses issues of division, immorality, and doctrinal confusion within the community.
Mid-1st century AD
Tensions Over Food Sacrificed to Idols
The church in Corinth grappled with how to live out their faith in a pagan society, particularly concerning whether it was permissible to eat meat that had been offered in idol temples.
This Old Testament passage lays the foundation for the 'one God' mentioned in 1 Corinthians, emphasizing God's singular nature and calling Israel to love Him exclusively.
John 1:3This verse echoes the 'through whom are all things' by stating that all things were made through the Word (Jesus), highlighting His divine role in creation.
Colossians 1:16This passage parallels 1 Corinthians 8:6 by affirming that all things were created through Christ and for Christ, reinforcing His centrality in both creation and purpose.
Hebrews 1:2This verse speaks of God appointing His Son heir of all things, through whom also He made the universe, connecting Jesus to the ongoing administration and origin of creation.
Ephesians 4:6This verse speaks of 'one God and Father of all,' providing a broader context for the 'one God, the Father' from whom all things originate and for whom we exist.
Notice how Paul doesn't just say "one God" and "one Lord," but emphasizes their distinct roles: God the Father is the source of all things and the purpose for which we exist, while Jesus Christ is the agent through whom all things came and the means by which we exist. This shows Jesus isn't just another divine figure, but is intimately involved in creation and our very being as the Father's unique partner.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' questions about eating food sacrificed to idols. He's just explained that while idols are nothing and there's technically no "other god," many believers were struggling with the implications of this for their faith and community. This verse serves as the foundational truth – a reminder of their ultimate allegiance to the one true God and Lord, Jesus Christ, which should guide how they navigate these complex issues.
Paul is addressing the Corinthians' questions about eating food sacrificed to idols. He's just explained that while idols are nothing and there's technically no "other god," many believers were struggling with the implications of this for their faith and community. This verse serves as the foundational truth – a reminder of their ultimate allegiance to the one true God and Lord, Jesus Christ, which should guide how they navigate these complex issues.
"yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist." — Notice how Paul doesn't just say "one God" and "one Lord," but emphasizes their distinct roles: God the Father is the source of all things and the purpose for which we exist, while Jesus Christ i…
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Last reviewed October 2026
