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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
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
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
1Cor. 1:2 “To the
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
“The
“To those who are sanctified in Christ
Jesus
called to be saints”
it explains “the
“In Christ Jesus”
it indicates that the
sanctification of believers is totally according to the position of being in
Christ (see
“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
“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
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) There is not a place that is so corrupted
that the
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
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
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
“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
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
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
“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
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1)
Though the spiritual
life in the church at
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
“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
“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
“Brethren”
it is usually used as a general name for both male and
female believers. This word reminds believers in the church at
“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
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
“It has been declared to me concerning you
my brethren”
they might be
sent by Chloe to declare the conditions in the church at
“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
“I am of Apollos”
Apollos had ever
shepherded in the church at
“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
“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
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 (
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
“Except Crispus and Gaius”
“Crispus”
the ruler of the synagogue
was the first one who believed the Lord at
“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
“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
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
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 (
“Both Jews and Greeks”
Paul here uses
Greeks to represent all the Gentiles (
“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
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 Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Mary Zhou