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1 Corinthians Chapter One

                             

I. Content of the Chapter

 

Divisions in the Church

A.  Paul’s greeting (v.1-3);

B.  Paul’s thanks to God for saints in Corinth (v.4-9);

C.  Facts of divisions (v.10-12);

D.  Main reason for divisions ---- lack of respect for Christ who has been crucified (v.13-17);

E.  The message of the cross is foolishness according to the wisdom in the world (v.18-23);

F.   But to those that called Christ God's power and God's wisdom. (v. 24-31);

 

II. Verse by Verse Commentary

 

1Cor. 1:1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God and Sosthenes our brother

YLT: “Paul a called apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God and Sosthenes the brother ”

Meaning of Words: “apostle”: an ambassador he that is sent; “Paul”: minute;

Literal Meaning: “through the will of God” it shows that his identity is totally of the will of God not of himself.

  “Be an apostle of Jesus Christ” it indicates that: 1) He is of the Lord; 2) He is sent by the Lord; 3) He receives the authority of interpreting the truth; 4) He is not proud of his ministry but faithful to fulfill the mission entrusted by the Lord.

  “And Sosthenes our brother” “and” shows that Paul and Sosthenes put their signatures on this epistle together but actually it is written by Paul only (16:21). There is a definite article “the” before “brother” in the original showing that Sosthenes was a brother that the church in Corinth was familiar with; “Sosthenes” he might be the ruler of the synagogue and was beaten because of receiving the gospel preached by Paul (Acts 18:17).

  That Paul here put his signature with Sosthenes together was because he was a member of the church in Corinth. At that time he was following Paul to Ephesus to help the works of the gospel. And he was rather familiar with the conditions of the church in Corinth and had been honored by local saints. 

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The author changed his name as “Paul” after his being saved and was willing to be “minuteness” (the meaning in the literal). The servants of God should not exalt themselves but serve others humbly (Matt. 20: 26-28).

2)    The position of the evangelists is not out of talent or biblical knowledge but are called and sent by God. Every worker of God should have the experience of calling.

3)    If we do not know the will of God we are unworthy of being workers of God.

4)    Everyone who serves God should put aside his own mind but chooses the mind of God. Therefore he should work to please God without being affected by the feeling of himself or others.

5)    The one who is sent should keep the commandment of the one who sends him. The message of the Lord’s worker should not be of himself but be entrusted by God.

6)    What a minister should introduce him is not his worldly position or title but the proof that he really speaks through the will of God.

7)    The servant of Christ by the will of God has to be confident that God will be with him and help him to fulfill the great mission.

8)    The messenger of Christ should be firstly with Him and dwell in Him and let the word of the Lord abide in him (John 15:7). Then he can go out to preach the Lord’s word for Him.

9)    Even though Sosthenes is not very famous in the Scripture Paul still respects him and puts his signature with him. Therefore the workers of the Lord should firstly honor others and the church shall then honor them. He who is proud and despises others should never be a good servant of the Lord.

10)  That Paul puts his signature with Sosthenes not only shows his humbleness but also manifests that he is an example of believers in Corinth and lives in the principle of the testimony of the body.

 

1Cor. 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be saints with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours:

YLT: “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:”

Meaning of Words: “saints”: those who are sanctified to God;

Literal Meaning: “to the church of God which is at Corinth” “at Corinth” it indicates that the testimony of the church on the earth is manifested locally. “Of God”: the church is of God not of man.

  “The church of God” it only appears thrice in the New Testament (Acts 20:28; 2Cor. 1:1). It is particularly necessary to emphasize for Corinthians that the church is “of God” for they regarded the church wrongly as “of man” and divided according to man.

  “To those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be saints” it explains “the church of God at Corinth” pointing that the church is comprised of believers in every place.

  “In Christ Jesus” it indicates that the sanctification of believers is totally according to the position of being in Christ (see Rom. 8:2). “Be sanctified” it refers to being separated from the world unto God. “Called” be called by God. “Saints” it particularly refers to the identity and position of believers. Though the Corinthians were young in life (3:1) and their life condition was unholy (5:1) Paul still called them “saints” because they had been saved by the Lord and were separated unto God in identity and position.

  “With all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord” “call on” here does not describe a kind of action but a kind of man. In the concept of the apostle he was supposed to think that “believers” were “those who called on the name of the Lord”. “Call on the name of the Lord” has become the unusual character of them in the daily life of believers at that time.

Though this epistle was particularly written to saints at Corinth it was aso fit for all those who confess Christ is their lord all over the world. Problems in the churches in every place may not be completely the same with that in the church at Corinth. However since the nature of men is all corrupted though different in degree all the problems in the churches in every place are almost similar except slight differences. Therefore we believers should take heed to all the messages that God preaches by His servants to different churches. “He that has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies” (Rev. 2:7 11 17 29; 3:6 13 22).

“Both theirs and ours” these words are only added in the greeting of this book among all the epistles written by Paul. The apostle intended to enlarge and further the sight of those who caused the divisions at Corinth. Christ is not only the Lord of them but also the Lord of all those who call on the name of the Lord in every place.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    There is not a place that is so corrupted that the church of God cannot be built there.

2)    Unless we know the great honor of the status and nature of “saints” we should not live a holy or triumphant life on the earth.

3)    To dwell in Christ is the secret of leading a triumphant life on the earth.

4)    “To call on the name of the Lord” it is supposed to be the character and mark of every believer in life. Men in the world rely on their intelligence and talent but we rely on the Lord’s grace and blessing.

5)    Paul writes this epistle not only to have fellowship with saints at Corinth but also with all those who call on the name of the Lord in every place. It shows that his fellowship is not restricted by regions. He is willing to have communion with everyone in the name of the Lord. He is really a man that has no spirit of divisions.

6)    Spiritual principles should be applied in various places for the conditions and problems concerning the old creation and the new creation obtained after being saved in every place are generally the same.

7)    If we can know the nature of the church as Paul ---- the full and perfect and all-inclusive Christ ---- “Christ is theirs and ours” we will in no wise be divided for we all partake of Christ.

8)    Christ is not only our Lord and also the Lord of all those who call on the name of the Lord. Since all of us are of the Lord we should love one another. 

 

1Cor. 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

YLT: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!”

Meaning of Words: “grace”: favor grace liberality pleasure thank;

Literal Meaning: “grace” is the free gift bestowed by God. The greatest grace for men is that they can possess and enjoy God Himself.

“Peace” does not refer to peaceful or smooth environment but quite and restful mood in one’s heart. In other words peace is a kind of mood of those who have already enjoyed God’s salvation that brings peace between God and men and men themselves.

  “From God our Father” God is the God of the world but the Father of us. God is the source of grace and peace. We believers are vessels of enjoying grace and peace.

  “And the Lord Jesus Christ” Paul mentions God the Father and the Lord Jesus in the same tone showing that the Lord Jesus and God the Father are equal.

  “To you” “you” refers to believers. God is origin and the Lord Jesus is the channel. God’s grace and peace fall into believers through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Christians are those who enjoy the grace of God and therefore their life must have its pleasantness. The Christianity that has no attraction is not real Christianity.

2)    Grace is a gift that men can not obtain by themselves for men are unworthy of receiving grace through themselves.

3)    Grace is the source of peace and peace is the fruit of grace. it is impossible for man to obtain the peace of God without seeking the grace of God first.

4)    “Grace” is the origin of all blessings. And those who have received grace shall have peace in their life.

5)    We should not seek peace outside of God. The shortcut of peace is to keep the will of God.

6)    The “peace” of believers is neither in connection with the objective environment nor be affected by any other external thing.

7)    All the spiritual good should be obtained through Jesus Christ.

 

1Cor. 1:4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus

YLT: “I give thanks to my God always concerning you for the grace of God that was given to you in Christ Jesus ”

Literal Meaning: “I thank my God always concerning you” according to the real condition of the church at Corinth at that time it seemed to be of nothing to be praised. However when Paul’s eyes surpassed men and were fixed on God he could give thanks spontaneously. “My God” it indicates that his thanks are based on his experience in God and knowledge of God in the past.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    No matter how childish or infirm of a believer is there are always some gracious works of God on him that are worthy of thanks.

2)    We should see the works of God on others but see the corruption and infirmity in us. Thus we shall not be proud.

3)    The workers of the Lord should see common believers with an optimistic attitude so as to not be discouraged or dismayed.

 

1Cor. 1:5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge

YLT: “that in every thing ye were enriched in him in all discourse and all knowledge ”

Meaning of Words: “be enriched”: make rich; “all”: the whole any every;

Literal Meaning: “that you were enriched in everything by Him” “in Him” it shows that the “richness” Paul relates to is not worldly or material but spiritual (see 2Cor. 8:7).

  “Be enriched”: be extremely rich. The grace that God bestowed to believers at Corinth in Christ was rather rich but the problem was that they “failed to appreciate the blessing” and did not know how to enjoy the grace of God positively.

  “In all utterance and all knowledge” “utterance” refers to the outside ability of expression. “Knowledge” relates to the inside ability of apprehension. Both of them are gifts given by the Spirit (1Cor. 12:8). The Corinthians might boast of both of the two gifts. Paul here pointed it out particularly and might desire to lead them a church live worthy of the gifts that they had received.

  The original of the word “utterance” is the same with the word “word” (“logos”) which means the expression of God’s mind. Here it suggested that believers at Corinth had already obtained the word of God in the Lord and had the ability of apprehending the word of God ---- “knowledge”. These were good gifts for them. And they had abundant gifts for them to appropriate and enjoy.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Therefore we are also “enriched” in everything but many believers do not have such spiritual sight.

2)    We can only appropriate and enjoy all the richness blessed by God in Christ. We can obtain nothing without Christ.

3)    The gifts of God shall also bring us responsibility. The more believers receive the gifts of God the more responsibilities he shall obtain to put the gifts into practice in life and share with others.

4)    That one has merely gifts does not mean he is spiritual. One who has obtained gifts should not be proud but use them humbly for the Lord.

5)    The words of a man who has utterance but no knowledge may not be beneficial to others and even harmful to others. He who has knowledge only but no utterance can only give limited help to others.

 

1Cor. 1:6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you

YLT: “according as the testimony of the Christ was confirmed in you ”

Meaning of Words: “testimony”: witness; “confirm”: stabilitate establish;

Literal Meaning: “even as the testimony of Christ” it refers to the gospel preached by Paul for Christ.

“Be confirmed in you” the effect produced by the gospel in believers at Corinth sufficiently proves its verity and faithfulness.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    We bear witness concerning “Christ” not “ourselves”.

2)    When we preach the gospel of Christ we bear witness with our mouth on one hand and on the other hand we manifest the gospel through our walking (Phil. 1:27). The effect shall be better when the two points are practiced together.

 

1Cor. 1:7 so that you come short in no gift eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ

YLT: “so that ye are not behind in any gift waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ ”

Literal Meaning: “so that you come short in no gift” “gift” refers to giving the grace including three aspects of meaning: 1) salvation (Rom. 5:15) especially the blessing of eternal life (Rom. 6:23); 2) the good blessing of God (Rom. 11:29) especially the heavenly gifts (Heb. 6:4); 3) the special gifts of the Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11). According to the context the above-mentioned “utterance and knowledge” (v.5) may be refer to the third kind of spiritual gifts.

  The so-called “come short in no gift” is not a comparison among individual believers but a description of the condition of the whole church. The spiritual gifts at Corinth are not less than any other church.

“Eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ” “the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ” refers to the second coming of the Lord. When the Lord comes again He shall firstly reveal to those who love Him (see 2Tim. 4:8; 1Thess. 4:13-18).

“Wait” it contains a meaning of “perfect expectation”. Since the faithfulness of the gospel was proved in the hearts of believers at Corinth a kind of eager expectation had been produced towards the Lord’s second coming.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Though the spiritual life in the church at Corinth was not mature (see 1Cor. 3:1-3) their gifts were sufficient. Therefore the growth of spiritual life and sufficient gifts are not one thing. He who has gifts may not be mature spiritually. He who is mature in spiritual life may not have abundant gifts.

2)    Those who have great gifts are prone to be honored and supported by others but it may bring them a crisis ---- if they do not have good spiritual life they will steal the glory of God and boast of their works and even seek vain profit through gifts and finally be rejected by God.

3)    Gifts are given after the Lord’s ascension and do not depend on the advantages of those who receive the gifts. Therefore those who have obtained gifts shall not be proud but humbly use the gifts for the Lord.

4)    The chief purpose of gifts is to build the church so as to satisfy the Lord when He comes again. Gifts are not given to show off any individual.

5)    The hope of believers is not at present but in the future. It does not lie in our own achievements but in the manifestation of the glory of Christ.

 

1Cor. 1:8 who will also confirm you to the end that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

YLT: “who also shall confirm you unto the end -- unblamable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

Literal Meaning: “who will also confirm you to the end “confirm” the word in verse six points that the Lord gave assurance to believers at Corinth in the past and means in this verse the Lord’s guarantee in the future. “Confirm…to the end” it is not to confirm for only a period of time but to confirm continually to the end.

  Note that Paul gives thanks for things that God shall fulfill not for what is accomplished by believers at Corinth.

“That you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ”the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (see Phil. 1:6) that is the day when the Lord comes again the day when the Lord Jesus appears (v.8). “Blameless” it is supposed to not refer to the perfectness of believers in actions or morality but mean that believers have kept the position before the Lord.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    When we are saved if we have really experienced to be confirmed by the Lord (v.6) we shall be confirmed by the Lord to the end for no one shall seize us out of my hand (John 10:28). No one can condemn those who are “confirmed” by the Lord (Rom. 8:34).

2)    Believers should know whom I have believed and be persuaded that He is able to keep for that day the deposit I have entrusted to him (2Tim. 1:12).

3)    If we cannot have faith before God for others ---- believe that God may restore and build them in His grace ---- we will see only the weakness of others and cannot give thanks for them.

4)    That God gives the Spirit to us riches (v.7) is really a guarantee leading to the blessings that we shall enjoy in the future.

 

1Cor. 1:9 God is faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

YLT: “faithful God through whom ye were called to the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Meaning of Words: “fellowship”: communion participation intercourse benefaction;

Literal Meaning: “God is faithful” “faithful” here relates to the calling of God.

“By whom you were called” believers at Corinth are called to be saints by God (see v.2). God will fulfill all that is started by God to the end. Otherwise He is not faithful.

“Into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord” “His Son” connects the faithful God with us. “Our Lord” shows that the relation of Him with us is the relationship between the lord and the servant. “Jesus” refers to His humanity and “Christ” His divinity.

“Into the fellowship” it reveals that the purpose of God’s calling is that His Son and us shall enter into a new relationship namely a kind of intimate relationship of partners. We shall inherit all that the Lord Jesus shall inherit.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    God is faithful. If He has not called us no one shall be a Christian. We are not become Christians spontaneously.

2)    God has not chosen and called us without purpose. God calls us into the fellowship with His Son and enjoy all His fullness with Him.

3)    On one hand we have fellowship with Christ and on the other hand we have fellowship with all the saints. The will of God is to make us have communion with one another in Christ not have divisions among us.

4)    Since God is willing to pay great cost to let believers partake of the Lord’s life He shall never let us be lost from His hands.

5)    To have fellowship with the Lord indicates not only that all the fullness of Christ is ours but also that both what I am and what I have ---- my talent my time and my property ---- belong to Him. All that I have should belong to Him just as that all His fullness also belongs to me.

6)    If believers can center about Christ in their life there will be no difficulty of divisions.

 

1Cor. 1:10 “Now I plead with you brethren by 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 perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. ”

   YLT: “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 ”

Meaning of Words: “division”: schism split gap; “mind”: thought; “judgment”: opinion; “be jointed together”: complete thoroughly repair adjust mend;

The Background: “all speak the same thing” it was an idiom used by Greeks to encourage members of the same group to hold together.

  “Be perfectly joined together” it means being restored to its original state. Writers in ancient times applied this word to describe the harmonious and friendly atmosphere and cooperative condition that were restored after the completion of warring against one another.

Literal Meaning: “brethren” there is a word “but” before “brethren” which shows that the real condition in the church at Corinth is unworthy of its identity.

  “Brethren” it is usually used as a general name for both male and female believers. This word reminds believers in the church at Corinth that they are of the same blood and the same life.

“By the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” according to the custom of the Hebrews the name of a man represents his person. Paul pleads them by “the name of Jesus Christ” which means that he speaks according to what the Lord Jesus is and what He has. If they refuse Paul’s exhortation they do not respect the Lord Himself.

“I plead with you that you” the word “plead” shares the same etymon with the word “Comforter” which means that one is called to stand near someone to be his patron to comfort and encourage him. It shows that Paul has not commanded them with his authority of apostle but called on them gently in the position of a brother.

“All speak the same thing” this is the first step of being jointed together. To speak different words can only deepen and exacerbate the divisions.

“But that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” “the same judgment” refers to the same opinion;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:23) so it must be one. Christ is the Head of the church (Eph. 5:23). To confess the authority of Christ in the oneness of the church is the only way for eliminating contentions and receiving on matters involved different views.

2)    Satan has sowed discords among the people of God from of old. The deceits that Satan practices today are just like that it had practiced in the church at Corinth. It caused contentions by manipulating men’s weakness so as to destroy the testimony of the gospel and humiliate the name of God.

3)    Exalting man’s name causes contentions. Only exalting the name of the Lord shall bring oneness to those who are of God. We should forsake all others names outside Christ in order to hold fast in the oneness of the Lord.

4)    The main element that causes divisions is holding different opinions. If the mind of Christ Jesus is in Christians (Phil. 2:5) there will be naturally oneness.

 

1Cor. 1:11 “For it has been declared to me concerning you my brethren by those of Chloe's household that there are contentions among you.”

   YLT: “for it was signified to me concerning you my brethren by those of Chloe that contentions are among you;”

Literal Meaning: “by those of Chloe's household” “Chloe” was a sister in the church at Corinth. She might be very rich so she owned some servants. “Those of Chloe's household” might be believers who were originally servants in Chloe’s house.

  “It has been declared to me concerning you my brethren” they might be sent by Chloe to declare the conditions in the church at Corinth. “Be declared” to state clearly it indicates that Paul has no doubt of it.

  “There are contentions among you” “contentions” show that they not only hold different views but also have developed into quarrelling with one another.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Unless we are willing to let others know that we are the origin of the message we should not give away any message of brothers or sisters.

2)    Many Christians know that they should not commit fornication or idolatry or hatred or murder but do not know that division and strife are also of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21) and are condemned by God.

 

1Cor. 1:12 “Now I say this that each of you says "I am of Paul " or "I am of Apollos " or "I am of Cephas " or "I am of Christ."”

   YLT: “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.'”

Literal Meaning: “now I say this” Paul here pointed out the reason for their divisions ---- they divided for they followed different leaders.

“I am of Paul” Paul built the church at Corinth.

“I am of Apollos” Apollos had ever shepherded in the church at Corinth and he was well-known for his good eloquence (Acts 18:24-19:1).

“I am of Cephas” “Cephas” was Aramaic and was “Peter” in Greek which means “rock”. The Lord had ever given the key to Peter to open the door of the Jewish church and the Gentile churches (Matt. 16:9; Acts 2:14 40-41; 10:44-48). Though there was no record that Pater had ever been to Corinth there was still no doubt that he was the apostle that many believers respected in the early church in every place.

“I am of Christ” it shows that one belongs to Christ. Probably they thought that only they were of Christ and the rest were not. Paul did not rebuke them that “be of Christ” was wrong but their attitude of showing off themselves and despising others by suggesting that others were not of Christ

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Exalting the spiritual giant is the main reason for the divisions in the church.

2)    The greatest problem in the church is that saints are unsatisfied with their ministers (see Heb. 13:7 17).

3)    From ancient times to the present many Christians like to declare that they only are those who follow Christ truly. The narrow mind of men is prone to make men involved in the “illusion” that only they walk in the right way.

4)    When believers insist on opinions seemingly right and see only the part instead of the whole they cannot have fellowship with others thus bringing loss to the church of God.

5)    Many Christians who think they stand in right position can only judge others and reject them. Such so-called right position is actually the position of sect. They may not “confess” they are sects but they really “act” according to the principle of sects.

 

1Cor. 1:13 “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

   YLT: “Hath the Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? or to the name of Paul were ye baptized;”

Literal Meaning: “is Christ divided”? ---- The word “divide” indicates that they have divided the body of the Lord into many opposite flocks. In fact Christ is the Head of the church (Eph. 4:15) and the church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22). Since the head cannot be divided the body can also not be divided. Christ is one the body of Christ is also one (1Cor. 12:12).

“Was Paul crucified for you”? ---- The crucified Lord Jesus Christ is the only origin of salvation for believers.

“Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” ---- Christians in the early church were baptized in the name of Christ (Acts 2:38; 8:16). If man is baptized in one name it indicates that he will henceforth belong to that name. Christians through the baptism declares that they “have been unto Christ” (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    “Is Christ divided”? ---- Christ cannot be divided. The cooperative Christ is one so Christ will not give us two different minds. The differences among children of God are because of having not held fast the Head.

2)    We may have disputes in face of difficulty. But it is not the way of resolving the difficulties. If we are willing to kneel down with one accord and confess Christ is the Head the problem will be easily resolved.

3)    Divisions in the church are denying the oneness of the body of Christ.

4)    There are wrong elements in any contention. There must be problems in anything that destroys the oneness between Christ and His body.

5)    If one chooses the preachers of words according to his own pleasure he just casts his faith of anchor wrongly unto to men. He who pursues leaders among men is just despising the Lord who was crucified for us.

6)    Faithful servants of the Lord never establish special relationship between believers and them but always bring believers to the Lord.

7)    The cross is the accordance of the faith of Christians. And the spiritual reality of the baptism is that Christians shall be unto the Lord and be united with the Lord (Rom. 6:3-5). The foundation of the oneness of Christians is to exalt the cross and be baptized in the name of the Lord.

8)    The baptism declares one’s faith of committing himself unto Christ so it has nothing to do with the one who baptizes. To exalt the name of man (he who baptizes) shows that one has forgotten he had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and had been faithful to Him.

 

1Cor. 1:14 “I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius ”

   YLT: “I give thanks to God that no one of you did I baptize except Crispus and Gaius --”

Literal Meaning: “I thank God” Paul thanks God for he had not baptized many believers when he preached at Corinth lest he should leave unnecessary pretence.

“Except Crispus and Gaius” “Crispus” the ruler of the synagogue was the first one who believed the Lord at Corinth (Acts 18:8) when Paul went to preach there. “Gaius” might be the believer at Corinth who received Paul into his house (see Rom. 16:23).

“That I baptized none of you” obviously the ministers do not have to baptize others.

 

1Cor. 1:15 “lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name.”

   YLT: “that no one may say that to my own name I did baptize;”

Literal Meaning: “lest anyone should say”: there is not any undue action that makes men misunderstand.

“That I had baptized in my own name” the purpose of the baptism is to bring men unto the Lord Himself. He that baptizes a vessel of the Lord only should not have the owner-member relationship with the one that is baptized. However many believers who are baptized often boast that they are baptized by someone. 

 

1Cor. 1:16 “Yes I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides I do not know whether I baptized any other. ”

   YLT: “and I did baptize also Stephanas' household -- further I have not known if I did baptize any other.”

Literal Meaning: “I also baptized the household of Stephanas” this Stephanas was not that Stephen who was martyred for the Lord (see Acts 6:5). Stephanas here was a zealous believer in the church at Corinth. When Paul wrote this letter Stephanas seemed to be sent by the church to Ephesus to serve Paul (see 1Cor. 16:17-18).

“The household of Stephanas” there was also another example that the whose household were baptized ---- Cornelius (Acts 10:24 48)

“Besides I do not know whether I baptized any other” “I do not know” it shows that Paul did not care about whom he had baptized but more about the spiritual condition of believers.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    He who works for the Lord should pay attention to the condition of the church and believers before God and care about them (see 2Cor. 11:28-29). He shall not take notice of other things too much lest he have distraction.

2)    It is truly important for the church to “bring men to believe and be baptized to the Lord” (see Mark 16:16). However if we count the number of those whom we baptize more that that of those who have really been saved and heartily desire to seek the Lord we will seek the performance before men only not seek to give good account to God.

 

1Cor. 1:17 “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel not with wisdom of words lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.”

   YLT: “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;”

The Background: “wisdom of words”: it referred to the philosophical rhetoric technique that the Greeks were zealous for at that time. The Greeks liked wisdom (this word is the same one with “philosophy” in the original). The Corinthians were also influenced by such atmosphere and yearned madly for the worldly philosophy and flowery language.

Literal Meaning: “for Christ did not send me to baptize” it does not mean Paul thinks believers do not need baptism. And Paul’s words have sufficiently proved that baptism is not so indispensable concerning the matter of being saved.

“Not with wisdom of words” “wisdom of words”: to subdue one’s heart by eloquently argument and colorful wording.

“Lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect” “the cross of Christ” and “wisdom of words” are opposite ---- utterly distinct messages and opposite effects. If one side is more emphasized the other one shall be ignored.

Note that the original of “words” is plural which suggests divisions and differences. The original of “the cross” is singular which shows oneness and completeness.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Paul does not depreciate the importance of baptism. And the baptism is an action that shows the obedience of man unto God not a part of the gospel that makes men saved.

2)    “Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel.” ---- Divisions in the church today are on account of the more emphasis on customs than the gospel.

3)    The crisis of the church at Corinth was that she was invaded by the spirit and atmosphere of the world ---- pay attention to wisdom of words but ignore the cross of Christ. Likewise the crisis in the church today is that she is invaded by the currents and styles of times ---- preach the gospel by worldly way (e.g. add to the fun by rock music) but finally detract from the truth of the gospel.

4)    To preach by wisdom of words may bring men to the one who preaches thus obscuring the value of the cross. To preach the cross faithfully will make men believe what God has done by Christ. That is not of men’s technique.

5)    The knowledge in the world can only bring men to men. Only the gospel of the cross can bring men to God. If philosophy in the world can save men and satisfy men the gospel of the cross shall be made redundant.

6)    What the world really needs is not knowledge but a Savior. There are enough teachers in the world. What the world really lacks are ministers that can really preach Christ.

7)    Christians should not be affected by the world but shall influence the world. The works of evangelists are not to catch the thoughts of the times in the world or be enslaved by them but to correct the spirit of the world.

8)    The nature of the cross is making men boast of nothing. The cross makes all men in the world stand in the position of sinners to receive the salvation of God. No one can think he is better than others. Therefore the best way to deal with the contentions in the church is make believers know the real meaning of the cross.

 

1Cor. 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

   YLT: “for the word of the cross to those indeed perishing is foolishness and to us -- those being saved -- it is the power of God ”

Meaning of Words: “message”: word utterance expression;

Literal Meaning: “for the message of the cross” “the message of the cross” in short it mentioned that the Lord Jesus was crucified on the cross and shed His blood to save sinners. This message includes the manner of preachment as well as the true meaning.

“Is foolishness to those who are perishing” “those who are perishing” it does not refer to those whose spirits have already perished in hell but those who still live but are hardened in heart and unwilling to believe the Lord and running to perdition. “Foolishness” in the unbelievers’ opinion the knowledge of salvation is very unreasonable and even ridiculous and only those who are foolish will receive.

“But to us who are being saved” just when the one who has believed the Lord received Him has his “spirit” been reborn and been saved (John 3:6-7; Titus 3:5) ---- this is “being saved”. As for the full salvation it includes the salvation of soul and salvation of body. Today the “soul” of believers is gradually renewed and changed and is experiencing the salvation (1Pet. 2:2). The “bodies” of believers shall rise again and be transformed into the images of glory when the Lord comes again (Rom. 8:23-24; 1Cor. 15:51-53).

“It is the power of God” it indicates that it is really difficult to receive the message of the cross through our own mind. However we have already been saved which is a great proof of the power of God (see Rom. 1:16).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    This verse speaks of one strict fact that there are two sorts of men among all human beings: one is those who are perishing and the other is those who have been saved. There is none other sort of men. Though men like wisdom of men only the gospel can bring salvation.

2)    The accomplishments of man concerning rationality and the accumulation of wealth in society make men ignore the basic fact that men need the power of God’s salvation.

 

1Cor. 1:19 “For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."”

   YLT: “for it hath been written `I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and the intelligence of the intelligent I will bring to nought;'”

Literal Meaning: “for it is written” the following scriptures are quoted from the Book of Isaiah (29:14).

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise” “wisdom” relates more to the creative viewpoint on things.

“And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent” “understanding” relates more to the apprehension of things.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Man may think the gospel is difficult to receive through his own wisdom. It is true that God likes to fulfill His will by some ways that are foolish in men’s eyes.

2)    We shall not come to God with our natural wisdom or understanding after we are saved for these are forsaken by God. Instead we shall come to God simply and humbly like an innocent baby so as to receive the revelation of God (see Matt. 11:25).

 

1Cor. 1:20 “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? ”

   YLT: “where the wise? where the scribe? where a disputer of this age? did not God make foolish the wisdom of this world?”

Literal Meaning: “where is the wise?” ---- “The wise”: like the Greek philosopher…

“Where is the scribe?” ---- “The scribe”: like the Jewish Bible scholars…

“Where is the disputer of this age?” ---- “Disputer”: like the Roman layers (see 24:1)…

“Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” ---- “Wisdom of this world” refers to wisdom of men. The above-mentioned three kinds of men are typical examples of the most lettered and intellectual men. “Foolish” it is an evaluation in the sight of God.

 

1Cor. 1:21 “For since in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not know God it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”

   YLT: “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.”

Literal Meaning: “it pleased God through the foolishness of the message” “the foolishness of the message” refers to “the message of the cross” (see v.18).

  “In the wisdom of God” though “the message of the cross” seems to be foolish in the eyes of man it is actually perfect truth that can satisfy the righteousness of God as well as deal with the helplessness of man. Therefore it is the wisdom of God.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The good will of God is that He often hides spiritual things from the wise and understanding and reveals them to babies (see Matt. 11:25-26).

2)    We should not know God by man’s wisdom but by faith. By faith we are forgiven and have received life and the teachings of the Holy Spirit so that we shall know God and God’s works.

 

1Cor. 1:22 “For Jews request a sign and Greeks seek after wisdom;”

   YLT: “Since also Jews ask a sign and Greeks seek wisdom ”

Literal Meaning: “Jews request a sign” “sign” refers to supernatural phenomenon.

“And Greeks seek after wisdom” “wisdom” refers to the rationality deduction and logics of men.

The feature of the Jews is seeking to see signs to prove the presence of God (Judges 6:36-40; Matt. 12:38-39; 27:39-42). The feature of the Greeks is paying attention to rationality so the renowned philosophers such as Socrates Plato Aristotle and etc were all Greeks.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    There also two kinds of men in Christianity: the Lee’s sect seeks sign and the modernism seeks wisdom. But both of them have distracted from the right way.

2)    True believers of Christ also seek sign and wisdom but neither signs like performance (see Matt. 12:38-39) nor wisdom in the world (1Cor. 2:6).

3)    Where there is Christ there is sign. Where there is Christ there is wisdom. The greatest sign that believers can experience in their life is Christ. The best wisdom that believers can experience in their life is also Christ.

 

1Cor. 1:23 “but we preach Christ crucified to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness ”

   YLT: “also we -- we preach Christ crucified to Jews indeed a stumbling-block and to Greeks foolishness ”

Literal Meaning: “but we preach Christ crucified” “preach” refers to the action of preachment showing that the content of the preachment is of God not of the preacher himself. “Crucified” it is a present participle of perfect tense in the original which indicates that the effect of Christ’s crucifixion is always new (see Heb. 10:12; Rev. 5:6).

“To the Jews a stumbling block” for the Jews hoped that the Messiah their Savior would come to deliver them from the political persecution of the Roman Empire in supernatural power not come to be a prisoner mocked and humiliated by men unto death on the cross.

“And to the Greeks foolishness” the Gentiles who pay attention to wisdom cannot understand how can a weak man who died in failure deal with their problems.

Enlightenment in the Word: Christians are men who neither like sign nor wisdom but men who love the Savior ---- Christ crucified.

 

1Cor. 1:24 “but to those who are called both Jews and Greeks Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

   YLT: “and to those called -- both Jews and Greeks -- Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God ”

Literal Meaning: “but to those who are called” being called by God is the first step for man’s being saved (Rom. 8:30).

“Both Jews and Greeks” Paul here uses Greeks to represent all the Gentiles (Rom. 1:13-14).

“Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” “the power of God” makes us believe the message of the cross and be saved (see v.18). “The wisdom of God” makes Him please to save men through the foolishness of the message (v.21). “The wisdom of God” makes Christ incarnated to be crucified on the cross for us and “the power of God” makes Him risen from the dead (Eph. 1:20). Therefore Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God to us who are saved.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    When believers encounter problems we should let Christ resolve them for us for Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

2)    In order to eliminate the spirit of divisions in the church the apostle should exalt Christ and His cross are the power of God and the wisdom of God so as to abandon the wisdom of men ---- enlightenment opinions viewpoints and etc and destroy the power of men ---- organizations patterns promotions pursuit and etc. Therefore we shall regard the full Christ and the secret cross as our sole wisdom and power thus the oneness shall be manifested and the divisions shall be eliminated. Therefore things divide men but Christ unites men.

 

1Cor. 1:25 “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

   YLT: “because the foolishness of God is wiser than men and the weakness of God is stronger than men;”

Literal Meaning: “because the foolishness of God is wiser than men” it means that what seems to be foolishness in the eyes of men is actually wiser than all the wisdom of men.

“And the weakness of God is stronger than men” it says that what seems to be weakness in the eyes of men is actually stronger than all that men can do with men’s power.

It is not really say that God is “foolish” and “weak” and it is a. this verse means ---- though the message is the foolishness of God this foolishness is still stronger than the wisdom of men; although the crucifixion of Christ is regarded as the weakness of God His weakness is still stronger than men’s power; for the cross regarded as foolishness by men can deliver men from death and Christ regarded as weakness by men has overcome the devil who has the might of death.

 

1Cor. 1:26 “For you see your calling brethren that not many wise according to the flesh not many mighty not many noble are called.”

   YLT: “for see your calling brethren that not many wise according to the flesh not many mighty not many noble;”

Literal Meaning: “that not many wise according to the flesh” “not many” shows that there are not many wise among them but only a few. An English noble woman had ever borne witness she could be saved because of such a petty difference. There are many believers in the church who are insignificant. It is not because those who are afflicted and lowly are willing to be Christians but God desires to manifest His power in those who are most negligible in the eyes of men.

“Not many mighty not many noble are called” those who are in the leading classed in society are characterized by both “might” and “nobility”. However those elements that make men promoted in the world e.g. knowledge intellect power wealth status privilege and etc. cannot bring men to God and salvation.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The election and salvation of God are not because of our advantages but totally of His mercy.

2)     Since God has not elected us according to our position in the world we should not be with respect of persons (James 2:1).

 

1Cor. 1:27 “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;”

   YLT: “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;”

Literal Meaning: “but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise” “choose” is before calling (v.24-26). God had elected us in eternity according to His foreknowledge and then calls us in time.

 

1Cor. 1:28 “and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen and the things which are not to bring to nothing the things that are ”

   YLT: “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 --”

Literal Meaning: “and the base things of the world” “base” is opposite to “noble” (v.26) and refers to those who are born lowly and contains the meaning of “low morality” (see Matt. 9:13; 1Cor. 6:11).

“And the things which are despised God has chosen” it means being regarded as nothing as others (see 1Cor. 4:13).

“And the things which are not” “not” is “zero” which refers to those who do not exist at all in the eyes of men in the world.

“To bring to nothing the things that are” “bring nothing”: to make something leave unused; “the things that are” they have nothing actually but they think they have something (see Gal. 6:3).

God has chosen the things that are not so that the things which are will lose their function.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    God likes to choose men who are insignificant in the eyes of men in the world and makes them glorify Him. If Christians exalt great men or famous men but despise humble saints they should be exposed by this verse.

2)    God’s election that is contrary to normal principles ---- “the foolish” “the weak” “the base things” “things which are not” ---- is for the purpose of destroying all men’s boasts outside of Christ but boasting of the crucified Christ only. Oh those who have really been selected will always increasingly know their foolishness weakness humbleness and nothing and know that only Christ is our wisdom: righteousness holiness and redemption. He is our all.

 

1Cor. 1:29 “that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

   YLT: “that no flesh may glory before Him;”

Literal Meaning: “that no flesh” it refers to all the mankind;

“No … should glory in His presence” God has His purpose to arrange such salvation ---- no one has no boast in any case.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    No matter what we do before men we have nothing to boast of before God.

2)    God has not chosen men according to the natural conditions of them for the purpose of giving all glory to Himself not men.

 

1Cor. 1:30 “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--”

   YLT: “and of Him ye -- ye are in Christ Jesus who became to us from God wisdom righteousness also and sanctification and redemption ”

Literal Meaning: “but of Him you are in Christ Jesus” “but” shows that it is totally opposite to what is described above. “You” is emphatic in the original which is strongly opposite to those who boast of wisdom in the world. “In Christ Jesus”: be united with Christ and enjoy all the fullness of Him and all that He has accomplished. “Of Him (God)” God is the origin of salvation. 

“Who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--” “righteousness and sanctification and redemption” are the explanation for wisdom.

Christ is our “wisdom”. Through Him all our problems in our life can be resolved. He is our “righteousness” in the past that makes us saved. And He is our “holiness” now that makes us lead a sanctified life. And He is our “redemption” in the future that fulfills the redemption of our body.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)      Salvation is according to the position in Christ not the accomplishments in the world or the merits of man himself.

2)      Since our salvation is of God our way after being saved is also of God. He guides us in the way of righteousness for His name’s sake (Ps. 23:3).

3)      What is opposite to all false wisdom is the wisdom of God. In Jesus Christ God’s wisdom has become ours. All wisdom today hides in His words today.

4)      Christ is the wisdom of God (v.24) that makes us obtain salvation. Christ is our wisdom that makes us fully experience the salvation. We should not only see the Savior who died for us on the mount of Golgotha but also see the Lord in us who lives for us.

5)      Christ is our wisdom that makes us know God. Christ is our righteousness that justifies us before God. Christ is our sanctification that makes us partakers of God’s divine nature. Christ is our redemption that makes us like Him (1John 3:2).

6)      Wisdom outside of Christ actually casts man into the foolishness of hell. Righteousness outside of Christ is actually transgression and condemnation. Sanctification outside of Christ is actually filth and sins. And redemption outside of Christ is only bondage and slavery.

 

1Cor. 1:31 “that as it is written "He who glories let him glory in the LORD." ”

   YLT: “that according as it hath been written `He who is glorying -- in the Lord let him glory.'”

Literal Meaning: “as it is written” the following scripture is quoted from the Book of Jeremiah according to its meaning (9:24).

“He who glories let him glory in the LORD” we have nothing to boast of before God (v.29) but we can boast about what Christ has done for us (see Gal. 6:14). The purpose of the salvation of the cross is to make men dare not boast of any advantage of them but boast of Jesus Christ only.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Reason Why Believers Cannot Be Divided

A.   Though we call the name of the Lord in every place we are actually are sanctified in Christ Jesus (v.2).

B.   Christ is theirs and ours (v.2).

C.   God called us into the fellowship of His Son (v.9).

D.   Christ is not divided (v.13).

E.   It is Christ that crucified for us not any worker (v.13).

F.    We baptize in the name of the Lord not in the name of any worker (v.13).

G.   Any action of division is exalting the wisdom of God but despising the wisdom of God (v.21).

 

In Christ

A.   Be sanctified in Christ (v.2);

B.   Grace is given in Christ Jesus (v.4);

C.   Be enriched in everything in Him (v.5);

D.   That we are in Christ Jesus is of God (v.30);

 

What is Christ?

A.   Christ is their lord and our lord (v.3)

B.   The Lord Jesus is our partner ---- have fellowship (v.9).

C.   Christ is the Lord who sends (v.17).

D.   Christ is the power of God and wisdom of God (v.24).

E.   Christ is our wisdom: righteousness sanctification and redemption (v.30).

 

Four Things that We shall Give Thanks

A.   Give thanks for the grace given by God to believers (v.4);

B.   Give thanks for gifts given by God to believers (v.5);

C.   Give thanks for the testimony of Christ confirmed in believers (v.6);

D.   Give thanks for assurance of God that He shall confirm believers to the end (v.8).

 

Three Things that We shall Give Thanks

A.   Review ---- “you were enriched in everything by Him” (v.5);

B.   The present condition ---- “you come short in no gift” (v.7);

C.   The prospect ---- “He will also confirm you to the end” (v.8);

 

The Way of Dealing with the Contentions in the Church

A.   To exalt the sole name ---- “I plead with you brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.10; see Acts 4:!2);

B.   To know the only Lord personally ---- “Is Christ divided?” (v.13; see 1Tim. 2:5);

C.   To apply the only cross ---- “Was Paul crucified for you?” (v.13; see Gal. 6:14);

 

True Wisdom

A.   To preach the gospel without wisdom of words (v.17);

B.   The message of the cross (v.18);

C.   The way of God’s salvation (v.21);

D.   Christ is God’s wisdom (v.24).

E.   Christ is our wisdom (v.30).

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou