that in everything you were enriched in him, in all speech and all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Show the surrounding paragraph
1 Corinthians 1:5-7 sits inside this longer paragraph.
I always thank my God concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus; that in everything you were enriched in him, in all speech and all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; who will also confirm you until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Parallel Translations
-
that in everything you were enriched in him, in all speech and all knowledge;
even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
so that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
-
that in all thinges ye are made riche by him in all lerninge and in all knowledge
even as the testimony of Iesus Christ was confermed in you
so that ye are behynde in no gyft and wayte for the apperynge of oure lorde Iesus Christ
Show all 3 translations
-
That in all things ye are made rich in him, in all kinde of speach, and in all knowledge:
As the testimonie of Iesus Christ hath bene confirmed in you:
So that ye are not destitute of any gift: wayting for the appearing of our Lord Iesus Christ.
Cross-references (73)
- 2 Corinthians 9:11 (v5) you being enriched in everything to all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
- 2 Corinthians 8:7 (v5) But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this…
- Colossians 2:3 (v5) in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
- Philippians 1:9 (v5) This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
- Philippians 3:20 (v7) For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Show all 73 cross-references
- 2 Peter 3:12 (v7) looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements…
- Romans 15:14 (v5) I myself am also persuaded about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to…
- 1 Corinthians 12:8 (v5) For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
- 2 Timothy 1:8 (v6) Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the…
- Hebrews 9:28 (v7) so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting…
- James 3:13 (v5) Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.
- 1 John 3:2 (v7) Beloved, now we are children of God. It is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him; for…
- Revelation 1:2 (v6) who testified to God’s word and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, about everything that he saw.
- Ephesians 1:17 (v5) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him,
- Ephesians 6:19 (v5) on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News,
- Colossians 3:10 (v5) and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator,
- 1 Timothy 2:6 (v6) who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony in its own times,
- 2 Peter 3:18 (v5) But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
- Luke 17:30 (v7) It will be the same way in the day that the Son of Man is revealed.
- Romans 8:19 (v7) For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
- 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (v6) When I came to you, brothers, I didn’t come with excellence of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I…
- Ephesians 3:8 (v5) To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
- Titus 2:13 (v7) looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
- 1 Peter 4:13 (v7) But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.
- Jude 1:21 (v7) Keep yourselves in God’s love, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
- Acts 20:24 (v6) But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I…
- Romans 11:12 (v5) Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness?
- Romans 15:19 (v6) in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully…
- 1 Corinthians 13:2 (v5) If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t…
- 2 Corinthians 12:12 (v6) Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty works.
- Ephesians 2:7 (v5) that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus;
- Colossians 1:9-10 (v5) For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the…
- Revelation 19:10 (v6) I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, “Look! Don’t do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers…
- Mark 16:20 (v6) They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.
- Acts 2:4 (v5) They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.
- Acts 18:5 (v6) But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
- Acts 20:21 (v6) testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus.
- Acts 22:18 (v6) and saw him saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receive testimony concerning me from you.’
- Acts 23:11 (v6) The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify…
- Acts 28:23 (v6) When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and…
- 1 Corinthians 8:11 (v5) And through your knowledge, he who is weak perishes, the brother for whose sake Christ died.
- 1 Corinthians 13:8 (v5) Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where…
- 1 Corinthians 14:5-6 (v5) Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who…
- 1 Corinthians 14:26 (v5) What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, or…
- 2 Corinthians 4:6 (v5) seeing it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory…
- Galatians 3:5 (v6) He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you and does miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
- 2 Thessalonians 1:10 (v6) when he comes in that day to be glorified in his saints and to be admired among all those who have believed, because our testimony to you…
- Hebrews 2:3-4 (v6) how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those…
- Hebrews 10:36-37 (v7) For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise. “In a very little while, he who comes will come,…
- James 5:7-8 (v7) Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient…
- 1 Peter 1:13 (v7) Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober, and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of…
- 1 Peter 5:4 (v7) When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.
- Revelation 12:17 (v6) The dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep God’s commandments and hold Jesus’…
- Genesis 49:18 (v7) I have waited for your salvation, Yahweh.
- Matthew 25:1 (v7) “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom.
- Luke 12:36 (v7) Be like men watching for their lord, when he returns from the wedding feast; that when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to…
- Acts 11:21 (v6) The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
- Romans 15:4 (v5) For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the…
- 1 Corinthians 4:7-10 (v5) For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn’t receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not…
- 1 Corinthians 12:10 (v5) and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of…
- 2 Corinthians 12:13 (v7) For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you?…
- Colossians 3:4 (v7) When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (v7) and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead: Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:7 (v7) and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire,
- 1 Timothy 6:14-15 (v7) that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which in its own times he will show,…
- 2 Timothy 4:8 (v7) From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to…
- 1 John 5:11-13 (v6) The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have…
- Revelation 1:9 (v6) I John, your brother and partner with you in the oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called…
- Revelation 6:9 (v6) When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony…
- Revelation 12:11 (v6) They overcame him because of the Lamb’s blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn’t love their life, even to death.
- Acts 11:17 (v6) If then God gave to them the same gift as us, when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?”
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 (v7) Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the…
- Colossians 4:3-4 (v5) praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds,…
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (21 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
Private notes
Saved on this device only — never synced or sent anywhere.
John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv6–7 6. Even as the testimony, etc. Erasmus gives a…
6. Even as the testimony, etc. Erasmus gives a different rendering, to this effect, “that by these things the testimony of Christ was confirmed in them;” that is, by knowledge and by the word. The words, however, convey another meaning, and if they are not wrested, the meaning is easy — that God has sealed the truth of his gospel among the Corinthians, for the purpose of confirming it. Now, this might be done in two ways, either by miracles, or by the inward testimony of the Holy Spirit. Chrysostom seems to understand it of miracles, but I take it in a larger sense; and, first of all, it is certain, that the gospel is properly confirmed in our experience by faith, because it is only when we receive it by faith that we “set to our seal that God is true” (John 3:33.) And though I admit that miracles ought to have weight for the confirmation of it, yet we must go higher in search of the origin, namely this, that the Spirit of God is the earnest and seal. Accordingly, I explain these words in this manner — that the Corinthians excelled in knowledge, inasmuch as God had from the beginning given efficacy to his gospel among them, and that not in one way merely, but had done so both by the internal influence of the Spirit, and by excellence and variety of gifts, by miracles, and by all other helps. He calls the gospel the testimony of Christ, or respecting Christ, because the entire sum of it tends to discover Christ to us,
“In whom all the treasures of knowledge are hid” (Colossians 2:3.)
Read full note →
If any one prefers to take it in an active sense, on the ground that Christ is the primary author of the gospel, so that the Apostles were nothing but secondary or inferior witnesses, I shall not much oppose it. I feel better satisfied, however, with the former exposition. It is true that a little afterwards (1 Corinthians 2:1) the testimony of God must, beyond all controversy, be taken in an active sense, as a passive signification would not be at all suitable. Here, however, the case is different, and, what is more, that passage strengthens my view, as he immediately subjoins what it is — to know nothing but Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:2.)
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv5–7 He toucheth that by name, which they most abused.
He toucheth that by name, which they most abused.
Seeing that while we live here, we know but in part and prophesy in part, this word (All) must be refrained to the present state of the faithful: and by speech he meaneth not a vain kind of babbling, but the gift of holy eloquence, which the Corinthians abused.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv5–7 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by…
5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
Ver. 5. Ye are enriched] See here what is the Christian’s riches. And so David reckons of his wealth, Psa 119:32. He cannot be poor in whom the word of God dwells richly, Col 3:16, especially if he be free of discourse, able and willing to communicate. A dumb Christian is to be blamed, as well as a dumb minister.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv5–7 In every thing; in every grace and in every…
In every thing; in every grace and in every good gift, (for he is manifestly speaking of spiritual things), so as this general particle must not be extended to the things of this life, but restrained either to spiritual gifts, or spiritual, sanctifying habits. Thus we read of the riches of grace, Eph 1:7, and of the riches of Christ, Eph 3:8; nor is the metaphor improper, whether we consider riches as signifying plenty or abundance, or that which accommodateth a man in this life, and is fitted to men’s wants, to give them a supply.
In all utterance; the word may be translated, in everything, or, in all speech; but the first having been said before, it seems more proper here to translate it, in all word or speech, or in all utterance, as we translate it. If it be taken in the first sense, the gospel is by it understood, the doctrine of the gospel preached amongst them by Paul and Apollos, who preached among the Gentiles the riches of Christ, Eph 3:8. If we interpret it utterance, which our translators prefer, it signifies an ability to utter that knowledge which God hath given us, to the glory of God and the good of others, either in prayer or spiritual discourses.
Read full note →
And in all knowledge: some by knowledge here understand the gift of prophecy; but it more properly signifies the ability God had given them to comprehend in their understanding the mysteries of the gospel, the great and deep things of God. The apostle blesseth God both for the illumination of their minds by the ministry of the gospel, so as they knew the things of God, and also for the ability which God had given them to communicate this their knowledge to others.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv5–6 That in everything ye are enriched by him,.... This…
That in everything ye are enriched by him,.... This is still a continuation of the thanksgiving for this church, that they were "enriched", or plentifully and abundantly provided for by Christ, with all grace, with all the riches of grace; with his own unsearchable riches, of which they were made partakers, and the riches of glory, to which they were entitled by him; and all which come to them through his poverty, which makes his grace in the donation of these riches the more illustrious: and particularly the apostle is thankful, that they were enriched by Christ
in all utterance, and in all knowledge; that not only they had the knowledge of the truths and doctrines of the Gospel, concerning the person, offices, grace, and righteousness of Christ in the theory of them, or a speculative notion of them; but for the most part had a spiritual experimental knowledge of these things; and many of them had such large gifts of knowledge, elocution, and utterance, that they were richly qualified to preach the Gospel to others; nay, even had the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, so as to speak with divers tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv5–7 In all utterance and knowledge - Of divine things.…
In all utterance and knowledge - Of divine things. These gifts the Corinthians particularly admired. Therefore this congratulation naturally tended to soften their spirits, and I make way for the reproofs which follow.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv5–7 Verse 5. Ye are enriched - ye abound -…
Verse 5. Ye are enriched - ye abound - in all utterance] εν παντι λογω, In all doctrine; for so the word should certainly be translated and understood. All the truths of God relative to their salvation had been explicitly declared to them; and they had all knowledge; so that they perfectly comprehended the doctrines which they had heard.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv5–7 That in every thing - In every respect, or…
That in every thing - In every respect, or in regard to all the favors conferred on any of his people. You have been distinguished by him in all those respects in which he blesses his own children.
Ye are enriched by him; - compare the note at Rom 2:4. The meaning of this expression is, “you abound in these things; they are conferred abundantly upon you.” By the use of this word, the apostle intends doubtless to denote “the fact” that these blessings had been conferred on them abundantly; and also that this was a “valuable endowment,” so as to be properly called “a treasure.” The mercies of God are not only conferred abundantly on his people, but they are a bestowment of inestimable value; compare 2Co 6:10.
Read full note →
In all utterance - With the power of speaking various languages ἐν παντὶ λόγῳ en panti logō. That this power was conferred on the church at Corinth, and that it was highly valued by them, is evident from 1 Cor. 14; compare 2Co 8:7. The power of speaking those languages the apostle regarded as a subject of thanksgiving, as it was a proof of the divine favor to them; see 1Co 14:5, 1Co 14:22, 1Co 14:39.
And in all knowledge - In the knowledge of divine truth. They had understood the doctrines which they had heard, and had intelligently embraced them. This was not true of all of them, but it was of the body of the church; and the hearty commendation and thanksgiving of the apostle for these favors, laid the foundation for the remarks which he had subsequently to make, and would tend to conciliate their minds, and dispose them to listen attentively, even to the language of reproof.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv5–6 Rich in him in all knowledge. The apostles never…
Rich in him in all knowledge. The apostles never addressed any epistle, except to persons who had been previously converted to the faith. Nor is it reasonable to expect, that infidel and pagan nations, merely by reading the inspired writings, will be able, by the light that is in them, to elicit from the said book the truths of religion. Would they not be tempted to worship the wily serpent, that succeeded in deceiving Eve? and how will they know that this serpent is the devil? (Haydock)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv5–7 utterance--ALFORD from MENOCHIUS translates, "doctrine." Ye are rich in…
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 Co2 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 (Co1 1:20; Co1 3:18; Co1 4:19; 1Co. 13:1-14:40), previously gains their goodwill by congratulating them on having those gifts.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv5–7 5. Every thing—Every respect.
5. Every thing—Every respect.
Utterance—Preaching, prophesying, and tongues.
Read full note →
Knowledge—The perception of sacred doctrines, the discerning of spirits, and the interpretation of charismatic tongues.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv5–7 5. in every thing ye are enriched] Rather, Ye…
5. in every thing ye are enriched] Rather, Ye were enriched, i.e. at your baptism, when you entered into the covenant-union with Christ. The gifts of utterance, knowledge and the like, were the result of the favour of God towards you. It appears evident from the rest of the Epistle that the Apostle was thinking rather of the powers conveyed to the Corinthians by their translation into Christ, than of the use they had made of them. The Corinthians as a body were not as yet remarkable for their Christian knowledge, though many individuals had no doubt made great spiritual progress.
in all utterance] Literally, speech, discourse.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv5–7 (5) Ye are enriched.—Literally, ye were enriched. “Utterance” is…
(5) Ye are enriched.—Literally, ye were enriched. “Utterance” is the power of outward expression of that “knowledge” which dwells within.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv5–7 In everything; i.e. of course, every gift which belongs…
In everything; i.e. of course, every gift which belongs specially to the Christian life. In all utterance; i.e. in all "eloquence" (logw), or perhaps "in all doctrine (so Luther, Calvin, Meyer, etc.). The word for" utterance" is rhema; loges means "discourse" and "reason". (comp 2Co_8:7) Knowledge. From the word guests is derived the name Gnostic, which was applied to so many forms of ancient heresy. There was danger to the Corinthian Christians in the exaggerated estimate of what they took for gnosis, and many of them were tempted to pride themselves on purely intellectual attainments, which were valueless for the spiritual life. St. Clement of Rome also, in writing to them ("Ep. ad Corinthians 1.") speaks of their "mature and established knowledge.
Enrichment in Christ.
Read full note →
Paul"s view of the dignity of the Christian calling, of the privileges and honours of the Christian life, was both just and instructive, and may well assist us in our endeavour to live clear of and above the false and worldly standard with which we often meet. How could the grandeur and sacredness of our religious position be more effectively set before us than by this inspiriting language addressed by the apostle to the members of the Christian community at Corinth: "In everything ye were enriched in Christ"?
I A PARADOX, WHEN WE REGARD THOSE WHO WERE THUS ADDRESSED. In the house of one Justus, a proselyte to Judaism, who had become a Christian a house close by the Hebrew synagogue, in the wealthy, commercial, pleasure seeking city of Corinth, there assembled in a large apartment a company of disciples of the Nazarene. Some were of Jewish, some of Gentile race. Most, though not all, of the brotherhood were poor, and few were learned or of high station. Perhaps the families of Crispus the president, of Justus himself, and of Chloe from Cenchrea, were the persons in the assembly of most consideration; for Aquila, Apollos, and Sosthenes were absent. Some of those assembled to hear the letter of the apostle, who was the founder of the Church at Corinth, were Bondsmen, and few were persons of any note. When Titus and Trophimus, bearers of Paul"s Epistle, accompanied by the Corinthians Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, who had also just come from the apostle then labouring at Ephesus when these looked round upon the gathering of Corinthian Christians, they may well have started with astonishment as the language of the Epistle was read out, which described the abundant enrichment of these lowly, poor, unlettered disciples. Here was a company, including "not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble," but composed of the ignorant, the weak, the base, the despised of the world. A few Jewish merchants, a few handicraftsmen, a few slaves, a few industrious women, and perhaps a scholar or two, were declared to be "enriched in all things." It was a paradox; and it was a paradox which has been repeated again and again during the past nineteen centuries.
II A POSSIBILITY, WHEN WE THINK IN WHOM THIS ENRICHMENT TOOK PLACE. Nothing but the consciousness of a new life breathed into humanity, a new hope dawning upon the world, could account for these Corinthians being thus addressed by a teacher like Paul.
The language is so sweeping and unqualified, and the statement is made with so much confidence, that we feel that something very remarkable must have occurred to account for Paul addressing such persons in such language. The explanation is to be found hereIn him ye were enriched. It is in Christ that the wealth of God is placed at the disposal of the destitute children of men.
1. His Divine nature is a storehouse, a treasury of true wealth; in him all fulness dwells.
2. His ministry was an earnest of the greater blessings which should follow; for he was ever freely giving.
3. His death and sacrifice were the means of securing to us the fulness of God; he unlocked the treasury: "Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we, through his poverty, might be rich.
4. His ascension, so far from impoverishing the race he came to save, was the occasion of its enrichment. "He received gifts for men;" he poured out spiritual blessings from on high.
III A FACT, WHEN WE CONSIDER THE ACTUAL SPIRITUAL POSSESSIONS ENJOYED BY MANKIND THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. As the sun enriches the earth with luxuriant fruitfulness, as great men enrich a nation by their heroic deeds and saintly self sacrifice, so does Christ actually bestow untold blessings upon this race. Referring to the Epistle, we observe that wisdom and knowledge, faith and healing, miracles and prophecy, tongues and interpretation, were among the special instances of wealth with which the early Church was dowered. Yet the same Epistle assures us that love is a greater gift than all these. "See that ye abound in this grace also." The fruits of the Spirit are the riches of the Church. The unsearchable riches of Christ are made over to his redeemed and renewed people. To them it was said, "All things are yours.
APPLICATION. There is nothing in the resources or the purposes of God, nothing in the heart of Christ, to limit the extent to which this spiritual wealth may be diffused. T.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v7 So that ye come behind in no gift.
1Co_1:7-8
So that ye come behind in no gift.
Read full note →
Gift
This word plays a large part in this Epistle. As the form of the Greek indicates, it denotes in general every concrete product in which grace is embodied. The various powers, which so often in St. Pauls writings bear the name of χάρισματα, are certainly the effects of the supernatural life due to faith in Christ; but they fit in, notwithstanding, to pre-existing natural aptitudes in individuals and peoples. The Holy Spirit does not substitute Himself for the human soul; He sanctifies it and consecrates its innate talents to the service of the work of salvation. By this new direction He purifies them and exalts them, and enables them to reach their perfect development. This was what had taken place at Corinth, and it was thus especially that the apostolic testimony had been divinely confirmed in the Church. We see how Paul still carefully avoids (as in 1Co_1:5) speaking of the moral fruits of the gospel, for this was the very respect in which there was a grave deficiency at Corinth. (Prof. Godet.)
Gifts and graces
Gifts show what a man has; graces, what he is.
Gifts and prayer
In mining operations, the full and empty carriages or vessels being connected together, those which have been emptied are from time to time raised up the ascent by the descending of those that have been filled. In this way let the descent of Gods mercies and the gifts bestowed out of His fulness raise your empty vessels to receive again and again from His inexhaustible treasury all that you need. (R. Bickersteth.)
Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Waiting for the coming of the Lord
I. The object of expectation to all true believers. The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. It should rather have been rendered, the discovery or manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ. The primary idea is that of stripping off a garment, rolling away a curtain, or removing a screen; and under whichever of these aspects we contemplate the image depicted by the apostle, it will come home with equal power to our own consciousness of frailty, our own liability to death. Practically, that moment will be to us the manifestation of Christ as Judge, which shall strip off this garment of mortality, roll away the dark curtain of the grave, and remove the screen which divides us from the invisible world. The believer does not, like one conscious of unacknowledged and unrepented sin, start back from judgment with apprehension and alarm. It is not a Judge who will be manifested to his spiritual view, arrayed in lightnings and attended by ministers of wrath--it is not such a Judge, but our Lord Jesus Christ: yea, he can even say, with all the confiding appropriation of the Apostle Paul, Christ Jesus, my Lord, the excellency of whose knowledge is life eternal, and in whom I desire to be found, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
II. The mode of so preparing for the coming or manifestation of Christ Jesus, that it shall be, not the apprehension of impending evil, but the expectancy of certain and enduring good. The apostle speaks of God confirming these Corinthians unto the end. Confirming them, you will ask, in what? The reference is to the fourth verse, in which St. Paul speaks, first, of the producing cause, in which alone preparation had commenced or could commence, even the grace which had been given through Jesus Christ; and afterwards of the effect which had been produced thereby--that they were enriched in all utterance and in all knowledge; in which utterance, being the declaration of a good confession--and in which knowledge, being that which is to life eternal--he desires that through the same grace, and by the same power, they may he confirmed.
III. The consequence of being thus prepared by grace and confirmed of God unto the end: viz., that we shall be found blameless in the day of Jesus Christ. This word blameless is strictly a forensic term, applicable to the trial of the soul in the high court of heaven, and by God, the Judge of all. Whatever may be the discoveries of the last day, or to whomsoever made, of one thing we are certain, beyond all fear of a contingency, there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. (T. Dale, M. A.)
Waiting
1. We are all doing this in one way or another. Some watchful and faithful at our post, in the midst of a wicked world, like the sentry who died on guard in sinful Pompeii; some in slothful forgetfulness, like the foolish virgins; others in abject fear, like condemned criminals who wait the coming of the executioner; many, I trust, with patience, and hope, and peace.
2. Waiting is very hard work, far harder than doing. Waiting too for uncertainties, and better times which may never come; hoping against hope, with that hope deferred which maketh the heart sick, is one of the hardest of the tasks which we have to do. Waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ is also hard work, because of the sin which is in us and around us, but it is not hopeless or doubtful. In due time we shall reap if we faint not.
3. How may we best wait for this?
4. Though we are waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus, He is in a sense always with us.
5. We must wait for our Lords coming with our armour girded on and in the front of the battle. (H. J. W. Buxton, M. A.)
The coming of Christ
When we expect any one we turn our eyes that way, as the wife looks towards the sea when she expects her husbands return. Surely, then, if we look for Christ to come we shall keep our eyes heavenward, and our minds occupied with the country from which He cometh.
Christs second coming
We are not afraid to go alone on a journey to a strange place when we are sure that a friend will meet us at the end of the journey. The husband in a distant city telegraphs to his wife to come to him, and he will be at the station to receive her.
Faith and preparation as to the second coming of Christ
The coming of Christ literally refers to His appearing at the last day, but in its substantial meaning, and as to all its practical effects, it may be considered as equivalent to our death, because there not only is our future condition determined, but we enter into that scene in which His award shall fix us when He pronounces our final sentence. Let us, then, consider what is implied in the Christians waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I. A firm conviction that Christ will come. In any other state of mind the term waiting would be inapplicable. And, indeed, the second coming of Christ forms a part of the deliberate and cherished creed of every true disciple. It is not a mere speculation indulged in because it is agreeable; a conjecture suggested by appearances, and adhered to as being probable and useful; the result of a process of reasoning, liable to errors and doubts; it is a point of settled belief, which the Christian maintains because it is founded on the testimony of Him who is equally omniscient and true. It is the subject of a Divine prediction, of a Divine promise, of a Divine assurance; and therefore we cannot withhold our full assent to it without impeaching the absolute perfection of that absolutely perfect Being by whom it has been attested. And remember that it is not set down merely as one of a multitude of events which will happen, but as a constituent portion of that scheme which the Son of God undertook to execute as the Redeemer of sinful men. Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them who look for Him Christ will appear the second time, without sin, unto salvation.
II. That this event is the subject of habitual thought and contemplation. How, indeed, can it be otherwise, seeing it is so true and so important in His regard? Were it a merely probable circumstance, a fact of little interest, or nothing more than a dry abstract truth, the mind of the Christian could not entertain it with much cordiality, or look forward to the period of its being realised with any intensity of feeling. But how differently must he be affected towards it, when he considers its indubitable certainty--the touching concerns which it involves--the various attractions which it presents in its every aspect--and the bearing which it has on all that he now is, and all that he is to be for ever!
III. A diligent and faithful preparation for it. Unless we had this preparation, we could not with any propriety be said to wait for Christs coming, because, if unprepared for His coming, it would be an event to be feared and deprecated. Christ will come for two purposes: to reward His people and to punish His enemies. But if we are among the number of His enemies, then, when He comes, we must suffer the condemnation which He has threatened against all those who have refused or neglected to become what He required them to be. Those who wait for His coming, and are prepared for that event, are--
1. Believers. Relying on Christ in the exercise of a true faith, we may wait for His coming, because His merit, appropriated by that faith, has cancelled our guilt, the prevalence of which would have made His coming terrible, and has obtained for us a title to the celestial kingdom, which we never could have entered through any doings or deservings of our own.
2. Saints--holy persons. When Christ comes it is to conduct His people to their reward. But how can He take us into His Fathers house, if our principles and dispositions and habits are all in irreconcilable hostility to the exercises and enjoyments of that blessed abode? Nothing that defileth can enter into the New Jerusalem.
IV. A decided and ardent desire for it. The feeling is dictated by all our present experience, and by all our future prospects. There are evils from which that event alone can emancipate us, and there are enjoyments to which that event alone can introduce us. And if it be a right thing to wish for deliverance from the one, and for the attainment of the other, then it is right to wish for the second advent of Christ, because that is identified with both advantages.
1. Here you are subject to disease--to its pain, and its languishing, and its mortal issue. But when your Saviour comes He will put upon you the crown of life, and you shall neither sicken, nor suffer, nor die any more.
2. Here your reputation may be wounded from ignorance, envy, prejudice, or malevolence. But when your Saviour comes He will place you among those whom God hath justified, and whom no man can condemn--in whose society calumny cannot reach you, and reproach cannot hurt you.
3. Here you may have to struggle with the numerous ills and hardships of poverty. But when your Saviour comes you shall have no wants which He will not supply with inexhaustible abundance.
4. Here your cherished friends may betray you when you are most confiding, and those who were dear to you as your own soul may be torn from your embrace by the relentless hand of death. But when your Saviour comes He will wind up this scene of trial, and will take you where ingratitude and treachery and dissolution shall be unknown.
5. Here you have the plague of sin to trouble and torment you. But when your Saviour comes He will place you where you shall be beyond the reach of temptation, and beyond the fear and the capacity of transgressing.
6. Here your eye and your heart are often pained by the sight of abounding iniquity. But when your Saviour comes He will conduct you into a region as pure as it is happy.
7. Here your best services and highest attainments are mixed with much imperfection and weakness. But when your Saviour comes He will make you perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
8. Here all your enjoyments, however exquisite, multiplied, and prolonged, are but mingled at the best, and soon over. But when your Saviour comes He will impart to you a happiness immortal as the souls that are to enjoy it--as the uncreated source from which it is to flow.
9. Here it is a trial to your patience that the Cross of Christ should be such a rock of offence, and that He who bore its agony and its shame should be despised and rejected of men. But when your Saviour comes His enemies will be destroyed, the numberless trophies of His humiliation and His blood will be assembled to honour Him, and all the hosts of heaven will unite with all the redeemed from the earth, to ascribe to Him the blessing, and dominion, which He had so richly won.
V. The exercise of patience and resignation. Submission to the Divine arrangements is a necessary part of the Christian character, and particularly in this regard. You should wait for Christs second coming with patience, because--
1. The period of that coming is fixed by Gods appointment. It is a part of the plan which He has formed for your salvation. It originates in the same mercy which prompted Him to give up His Son to suffering and to death for you. And does not every view of the Divine perfections constrain you to acquiesce in all that has been fixed as to the second coming, as well as in all that took place with regard to the first coming of Christ?
2. It is conducive to your own improvement and advantage. The present is a scene of preparation for the future. Every temptation that you successfully resist; every obligation that you faithfully fulfil; every trial to which you patiently submit; every step that you advance in the career of godliness and virtue; every victory that you achieve over the devil, the world, and the flesh, by that faith and patience which characterisc the saints of God upon earth, will put a loftier note in your song of praise, and add another gem to your crown of righteousness and glory in heaven. Seeing, then, that your continual stay here is conducive to your everlasting benefit, let not your souls be cast down, and let not their desires for deliverance overstep the limits of devout resignation to the will of Him who has arranged your lot in this world with a view to your destiny beyond it, and whose redeeming mercy will lead Him to make all things work together for your good.
3. It is for the advantage of your brethren and fellow men. This was one of Pauls motives, when amidst his longings to depart and to be with Christ, he was still contented to remain where the great Head of the Church had ordained him to labour. Nevertheless, said he, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. (A. Thomson, D. D.)
The uncertainty of Christs coming
This blending of light and obscurity--
I. Leaves us in a state more suitable and more profitable than either absolute ignorance or perfect knowledge.
1. It awakens feelings which the former would fail to excite, and which--
2. The latter would quench as they arose.
II. It is specially adapted to keep alive expectation, by bringing emphatically before us the perpetual possibility of an immediate manifestation. It keeps us in a state of--
1. Lively hope;
2. Watchfulness;
3. Humility;
4. Fidelity;
5. Earnest inquiry after truth;
6. Reverence and dread. (W. A. Butler, M. A.)
The revelation of Jesus Christ
This revelation would do two things--
I. Confirm them unto the end (1Co_1:8). All is well that ends well. The end of the Christian will confirm the wisdom of his choosing such an end. Hence the end of a thing is better than the beginning. The world calls him a fool; the day of Christ will confirm his wisdom. The world calls him ignoble; the day of Christ will confirm his pretensions to greatness and glory. The world calls him poor; the day of Christ will confirm his claims to an inheritance incorruptible, &c. We are now confirming the testimony of Christ, and proving Him true (1Co_1:6). In that day Christ will confirm our testimony, and prove us true. It will be the manifestation of the sons of God.
II. Make them blameless. Then all imperfections will end. Sins damp mists will no longer rise to obscure the moral heavens. Lessons:
1. Encouragement to the faithful worker.
2. Confidence. Do circumstances look discouraging in your labours of love? Do long-looked-for wants tarry? Do the desired clouds refuse to break in blessings on the parched heart? Have faith. The blessing will come, though it tarry, for God is faithful, &c. (1Co_1:9). He will keep His promises, &c.
3. Stimulus. The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ will be a revelation of unrecognised or undeveloped gifts. Therefore come behind in no gift, &c. When that day dawns, the grand confirmation service will be held--confirming the good and the bad alike. (The Study.)
Who shall also confirm you unto the end.
The Christians strength
The writings of St. Paul contain frequent assurances to the converts of the continuance and increase of Gods blessing and the grace of Christ, and of strength to support them under their trials, to carry them through their difficulties, and to make them more than conquerors through Him who loved them (Rom_8:37; Php_1:6; Rom_8:31-32; Rom_8:38-39; 1Co_1:4, &c.). In what sense, and with what necessary restrictions, are such promises as these always to be understood? It is manifest, both from the reason of things and from Holy Writ, that some spiritual blessings are so entirely the work of God, that, when considered in themselves, it is impossible that man can contribute to them, or bear any part in their completion. Thus, forgiveness of sins; adoption into Gods family; a resurrection from the dead; and the gift of eternal life; though they suppose due preparations in man, repentance, faith, hope, charity, fixed purposes of obedience, and patient continuance in well-doing are in themselves the absolute gifts of God, simple in their nature, and, as far as we can perceive, admitting of no addition nor decrease. But there are other blessings or endowments, implying increase and variety, in the advancement of which man must bear his part, and work with God. Such are those graces which qualify the human soul for pardon, and peace, and everlasting glory; which are the rudiments or first principles of the heavenly character. For these set out, for the most part, from small and often imperceptible beginnings, and are strengthened and ripened into habits by exercise and godly discipline. When, therefore, St. Paul assures the converts that God will confirm them unto the end, that they may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, he does not comfort them with an assurance of support, divorced from all conditions and contingencies; nor does he lead us to believe that there are any particular persons whom God will at all events endow with an unfailing perseverance. Since, therefore, faith is spoken of in Scripture sometimes as Gods gift, sometimes as mans duty, it is manifest that the gift and the duty mutually imply each other. On the one hand, our faith can neither begin nor continue, nor be perfected, without Gods grace and blessing. On the other hand, we have no ground for supposing that He will confirm our faith until the end, unless we endeavour to hold fast our own faith, to improve it by acts of piety and obedience, and to abound in it more and more. Man is, of himself, strongly inclined to evil: he has a sinful nature stirring within him: his passions are continually provoking him to transgress the restraints of conscience and reason, and the laws revealed to him by his God. God, therefore, who well knows his indisposition to bear up against the power of corruption, mercifully promises to take him in hand, to discipline his imagination and affections (Eze_36:26; Deu_30:6). But though God thus promises to circumcise the hearts of His people, and to subdue them to His own purposes, in other passages of Holy Writ He calls upon them to circumcise their own hearts, and to master and mortify themselves (Deu_10:16, Jer_4:4; Eph_4:22; Col_3:5-6). But in order to complete the Christian character, man stands in need of continual improvement in righteousness and true holiness, the daily renewal of his mind, and confirmed habits of piety and obedience. But since, when unassisted, he has no power in himself to help himself, and is, at the best, a mere beginner in the trade of virtue, God has graciously promised to renew and to supply him with spiritual sufficiency (Eze_11:19-20; Eze_36:26-27). Yet these promises of grace and spiritual succour are accompanied with earnest exhortations to the performance of our duty, and pressing calls upon us to do that for ourselves which God has, in some sort, engaged to do for us (Eze_18:31; Eph_4:23-24). Hence it follows that Gods promises of help to perfect our inner man, require diligence and exertion on our part; that our prayers for renewal will bring no blessing with them, if we do not endeavour to renew the spirit of our own minds; and that it is worse than idle to presume that God will not leave nor forsake us, if we shrink from our duty, and leave and forsake ourselves (Eph_5:1; Col_3:14-15). I shall lay down a few practical lessons which the consideration of this subject naturally suggests.
1. You should make it your business to study the whole of Gods Word, and, as far as you are able, to compare and combine its contents; and you must not accustom yourselves to dwell on the particular parts of it to the exclusion of other portions which require an equal degree of consideration and deference.
2. You will learn from those statements of the scriptural doctrine which have been laid before you, the folly and presumption of relying on Gods goodness, and the grace and promises of Christ, without the exercise, on your own part, of religious labour and spiritual industry.
3. Whatever measure of religious industry you may exert, whatever progress you may make in the improvement of your souls and the reformation of your hearts and habits, still remember that you owe everything to God; that you are yourselves inclined to evil, and that it is your bounden duty to refer back all holy desires, good counsels, and just works to the Author and Giver of all goodness. (Bp. Bethel.)
Confirming grace
I. What does it include?--Confirmation.
1. In faith, holiness, love.
2. Unto the end.
II. How is it effected?
1. By Christ.
2. Through the means of grace.
III. Why is it so necessary?
1. That ye may be blameless.
2. In the day of Christ. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
Firm to the end
Steadfastness is one of the most important characteristics of a Christian. What are love, self-denial, patience, and faith without it? It is not the best regiment which makes the most headlong charge, but which can stand firm. The Spartans were forbidden by their laws to flee. In the Pass of Thermopylae stands a monument to Leonidas and his followers, bearing this inscription--Go, stranger, and tell at Lacedaemon that we died here in obedience to our laws. What we want, as soldiers of Christ, is not so much zeal, or enthusiasm, or outward profession, as firmness to the end, steadfastness to die, if need be, for the laws of our God. We find plenty of zealous professors, but after a time the fire dies out into dead ashes; they have no staying power. Note--
I. Some of the dangers of the Church now.
1. The restless spirit of the age. This is the result of various causes.
(1) The spread of education. Men are taught to cultivate their heads at the price of their hearts.
(2) The growth of cheap literature. The fact is, some of us in these days are getting too clever. We have got a few drops of learning, and we fancy that we can pour the whole ocean of knowledge into our poor little bottle. True education makes us humble, because it shows us our ignorance. What are the doubters and the unbelievers going to give you in exchange for what they rob you of? They can take away the Saviour, and only leave you your sins. They may scoff you out of believing in the resurrection. But can they laugh you out of believing in death?
2. A constant desire for something new, and, if possible, sensational. And, above all, these people want a religion made easy. They have no objection to being saved provided that the process is quick and cheap. They turn away from the thought of self-denial, &c.; they must be made good all at once. Beware of this mushroom religion; the best fruit is not that which ripens most quickly, and the best Christian certainly does not come to maturity all in a moment. The Persian fable tells us how a gourd wound itself round a lofty palm-tree, and in a few weeks climbed to its very top. The gourd asked the palm-tree its age, and the tree answered, An hundred years. Then the gourd answered boastingly that it had grown as tall as the palm in fewer days than the tree could count years. True, answered the palm-tree, every summer has a gourd climbed round me, as proud as thou art, and as short-lived as thou wilt be.
3. This is a specially busy age. Every walk of life is crowded, and competition is most keen. Now there is great danger in all this to a mans spiritual life, if he has not God with him in his work. He will become selfish and unscrupulous.
II. The means by which Christ will confirm you unto the end. (H. J. W. Buxton, M. A.)
Blameless in the day of … Christ.--
Unimpeached
So as to be unimpeached in the day of our Lord; for when the saints stand before the tribunal of Christ, they will not indeed be found to have been free from sin in their earthly life, but having persevered in the faith and in good works will find themselves under the wing and shelter of Gods righteousness, safe from all impeachment. Unimpeached of whom? Probably of the accuser of the brethren, the adversary Satan. But being found holy in Christ and blameless to God, who shall then lay an impeachment against Gods elect? It is God that justifieth (Col_1:22-23). (Canon Evans.)
Eternal blamelessness
I. Judicial. The word used here is the judicial one. A Christian is one against whom there is not only no condemnation, but no accusation. He is a sinner, yet no man, nor angel, nor devil, may accuse him, or mention his guilt to God.
II. Priestly. I might call it sacrificial. The word used in such places as Eph_1:4 is the same as that in 1Pe_1:19, the Lamb without blemish, and without spot. This unblemishedness has special reference to our fitness for worship and service.
III. Personal (Php_2:15; 1Th_3:13). We are forgiven and delivered from wrath that we may be personally holy; holy in heart and life; saved from sin, conformed to Christ. Holiness is to be everywhere in and about the man. If, then, you call yourself a Christian, consider how much is expected from you. Consider--
1. Your names. They are saint, Christian, redeemed from among men, follower of the Lamb. Do not these call you to blamelessness?
2. Your designations. You are the lights of the world, the salt of the earth; pilgrims, strangers, virgins, cross-bearers, kings and priests; a temple, a habitation of God.
3. Your calling. You are called to glory, honour, and immortality.
4. Your hopes.
5. Your companionships. They are all heavenly and pure. Old friendships are severed, and new ones formed. If you are Christians, then, be consistent. Be Christians out and out; Christians every hour, in every part, and in every matter. Beware of half-hearted discipleship. (H. Bonar, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv5–7 5. That in every thing ye are enriched by…
5. That in every thing ye are enriched by him. “The grace of God” (verse 4) had “enriched” them. In all utterance. The reference is especially, but not exclusively, to the supernatural gifts of tongues and of knowledge which were imparted to the early church. See 12:8–10; and 2 Cor. 8:7; 11:6.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
William B. Godbey 1900 · Public Domain On vv5–6 5. “Because you are enriched in him in all…
5. “Because you are enriched in him in all word and knowledge.” The E.V. gives this an active, whereas it has a passive, signification, meaning the simple fact that those Corinthians had the rich and invaluable treasure of God’s complete word and that priceless gift of the Holy Ghost (1
Corinthians 1Co 12:8) denominated “knowledge.” This spiritual gift means insight into divine truth, the omniscient Revelator revealing to the reader the spiritual meaning of His precious word, which He alone understands. Hence those Corinthians were wonderfully rich to have all the word and the spiritual knowledge of the same, i. e., insight into it, illuminated by the Holy Ghost, so they could understand it.
William B. Godbey, Commentary on the New Testament (1896–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain On vv5–7 that in everything [in every respect] ye were enriched…
that in everything [in every respect] ye were enriched in him, in all utterance [so that they were able to preach, teach, prophesy, and speak with tongues-- 1Co_12:8-10 ; 2Co_8:7 ; 2Co_11:6 ] and all knowledge [so that they had perception of doctrine, discerning of spirits, and interpretation of tongues];
J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v7 Three words are used in connection with the return…
coming
Three words are used in connection with the return of the Lord:
Read full note →
(1) Parousia, "personal presence," also used by Paul of the "coming" of Stephanas 1Co 16:17 of Titus 2Co 7:6; 2Co 7:7 and of his own "coming" to Philippi Php 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; 1Co 15:23; 1Th 4:14; 1Th 4:17 and to the destruction of the man of sin 2Th 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 2Th 1:7; 1Pe 1:7; 1Pe 1:13; 1Pe 4:13 of the sons of God in connection with the Lord’s return Rom 8:19 and of the man of sin 2Th 2:3; 2Th 2:6; 2Th 2:8 and always implies visibility.
(3) Epiphaneia, "appearing," trans. "brightness" 2Th 2:8 A.V.; "manifestation," R.V.), and means simply an appearing. It is used of both advents.; 2Ti 1:10; 2Th 2:8; 1Ti 6:14; 2Ti 4:1; 2Ti 4:8; Tit 2:13.
coming (Greek - revelation, unveiling).
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On v7 "Because what I have just said is true"
Therefore
"Because what I have just said is true"
Read full note →
you lack no spiritual gift
This can be stated in positive form. AT: "you have every spiritual gift" (See: Litotes)
the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ
Possible meanings are 1) "the time when God will reveal the Lord Jesus Christ" or 2) "the time when our Lord Jesus Christ will reveal himself."
you will be blameless
There will be no reason for God to condemn you.
God is faithful
"God will do everything he has said he will do"
his Son
This is an important title for Jesus, the Son of God. (See: Translating Son and Father)
translationWords
spirit
gift
reveal
blameless
day of the Lord
faithful
call
fellowship
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv5, 7 1:5 God had enriched the Corinthian church spiritually, specifically…
1:5 God had enriched the Corinthian church spiritually, specifically in eloquent words and knowledge. This probably refers to the spiritual messages and understanding (see 1:7) on which the church prided itself. Word and knowledge occur frequently in this letter: Paul acknowledges the abundant spiritual gifts that God has given the church in Corinth. Later, he corrects their distorted perspectives on these gifts (see 1:18–2:5; 3:18-20; 12:1–14:40).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.