1 Corinthians 1:4

KJV

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

KJV (with Strong's)

I thank {G2168} my {G3450} God {G2316} always {G3842} on {G4012} your {G5216} behalf {G4012}, for {G1909} the grace {G5485} of God {G2316} which {G3588} is given {G1325} you {G5213} by {G1722} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547};

Complete Jewish Bible

I thank my God always for you because of God’s love and kindness given to you through the Messiah Yeshua,

Berean Standard Bible

I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus.

American Standard Version

I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul commences his first letter to the Corinthian church with a profound expression of gratitude to God, acknowledging the divine grace freely bestowed upon the believers in Corinth through the person and work of Jesus Christ. This opening verse establishes a foundational theological premise, highlighting God's unmerited favor as the source of all spiritual blessings and setting a tone of thanksgiving that precedes Paul's subsequent addressing of the significant challenges and divisions within the Corinthian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the customary Pauline epistolary opening, specifically a thanksgiving section that immediately follows the salutation in [1 Corinthians 1:1-3](/1-corinthians/1-1-3 "1 Corinthians 1:1-3 - Paul's Salutation to the Corinthians"). Unlike some of his other letters where thanksgiving might be brief or absent due to severe issues (e.g., Galatians), Paul dedicates a significant portion of his opening to expressing gratitude for the Corinthians' spiritual endowment. This strategic literary choice underscores Paul's pastoral heart, affirming God's work among them before addressing the numerous moral and theological problems that plague the church, such as divisions ([1 Corinthians 1:10-17](/1-corinthians/1-10-17 "1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - Divisions in the Church")), immorality ([1 Corinthians 5](/1-corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Immorality in the Church")), and abuses of spiritual gifts ([1 Corinthians 12-14](/1-corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12-14 - Spiritual Gifts and Order")). By beginning with God's grace, Paul grounds his subsequent exhortations and corrections in the unwavering faithfulness of God and the enabling power of Christ.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city in Achaia, Greece, known for its strategic commercial location, diverse population, and a reputation for moral laxity (hence the term "Corinthianize" meaning to live immorally). The church itself was a diverse mix of Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, reflecting the city's demographics. This diversity, while a testament to the gospel's reach, also contributed to internal tensions and the importation of various cultural values and philosophical ideas that clashed with Christian ethics and theology. Paul had founded this church during his second missionary journey, spending eighteen months there ([Acts 18:1-18](/acts/18-1-18 "Acts 18:1-18 - Paul's Ministry in Corinth")), and maintained a deep pastoral concern for its spiritual well-being. The letter itself is written from Ephesus, likely around 55 AD, in response to reports of problems within the church and questions posed by the Corinthians themselves.

* **Key Themes:** The opening of 1 Corinthians introduces several themes crucial to the entire epistle. **Divine Grace** is paramount, emphasizing that God's unmerited favor is the source of all spiritual blessings and the foundation of Christian existence, a concept Paul elaborates on in passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Paul's consistent **Attitude of Thanksgiving** for the churches he served, even those with significant issues, highlights a pastoral model of affirming God's work before addressing human failings, mirroring his gratitude in [Philippians 1:3-6](/philippians/1-3-6 "Philippians 1:3-6 - Paul's Prayer and Thanksgiving for the Philippians"). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Centrality of Jesus Christ** as the indispensable mediator and channel through whom God's grace is bestowed, affirming Christ's preeminence as the source of all spiritual life and unity, a truth foundational to the New Testament as seen in [Colossians 1:17-18](/colossians/1-17-18 "Colossians 1:17-18 - Christ's Supremacy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thank (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** Derived from _eucháristos_ (grateful), this verb means "to be grateful" or "to express gratitude." Specifically, it refers to giving thanks, often in a religious context, as Paul does here to God. It signifies a deep appreciation and acknowledgment of a benefactor's goodness, reflecting a spiritual posture of gratitude for divine provision and favor.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This term denotes "graciousness," "favor," or "a gift freely bestowed." In theological terms, it refers to God's unmerited favor and benevolent action towards humanity, which is freely given rather than earned. It encompasses the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in a transformed life, including the spiritual blessings and gifts received by believers.
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** A primary verb meaning "to give," "bestow," or "deliver." It is used in a very wide application, encompassing the literal and figurative act of imparting something. In this context, it emphasizes the active impartation of God's grace to the Corinthians, highlighting that this grace is not something inherent to them but a deliberate, divine bestowal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I thank my God always on your behalf":** Paul begins with a personal declaration of gratitude, emphasizing his consistent (always) prayerful remembrance of the Corinthian believers. This thanksgiving is directed specifically to "my God," indicating a personal relationship with the divine source of all blessings, and is offered "on your behalf," highlighting his intercessory role and genuine concern for their spiritual welfare.
* **"for the grace of God":** This clause reveals the specific object of Paul's thanksgiving: God's grace. It underscores that the spiritual blessings and favor experienced by the Corinthians are not due to their own merit or effort, but are a result of God's unmerited, benevolent action towards them. This grace is the foundational reality upon which their Christian identity and experience are built.
* **"which is given you by Jesus Christ;":** This final phrase specifies the channel through which God's grace is imparted. The grace is "given" (a divine act of bestowal) to the Corinthians ("you") and crucially, it is "by Jesus Christ." This establishes Christ as the indispensable mediator and the very means by which God's favor and spiritual endowments are extended to humanity, making Him central to the entire Christian experience.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's opening employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Pauline Thanksgiving Formula**, a common epistolary convention in his letters where he expresses gratitude for his recipients, often for their faith, love, or spiritual gifts. This formula, however, is not merely a polite greeting but serves a theological and rhetorical purpose, establishing a positive rapport and affirming God's work before addressing difficult issues. The phrase "the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ" exemplifies **Emphasis on Divine Agency**, clearly attributing the source of all spiritual blessings to God and the means of their reception to Christ, thereby minimizing any human boasting. Furthermore, the verse subtly uses **Anticipation**, as this initial affirmation of grace foreshadows the subsequent discussions about spiritual gifts and the need for unity, all of which are rooted in this divine enablement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 1:4 lays the theological groundwork for the entire letter, establishing that the Corinthian church, despite its numerous flaws, is fundamentally a recipient of God's unmerited favor through Jesus Christ. This grace is not merely a concept but a dynamic divine power that has equipped them with spiritual gifts and a standing before God. Paul's thanksgiving for this grace underscores the truth that Christian existence is entirely dependent on God's initiative and Christ's mediation, not human merit or achievement. This foundational understanding of grace is crucial for the Corinthians to grasp as Paul addresses their divisions, moral failings, and misuse of spiritual gifts, reminding them that their identity and all they possess spiritually flow from this divine, unearned gift.

* [Romans 3:23-24](/romans/3-23-24 "Romans 3:23-24 - Justification by Grace")
* [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ with Every Spiritual Blessing")
* [2 Corinthians 9:15](/2-corinthians/9-15 "2 Corinthians 9:15 - Thanks Be to God for His Indescribable Gift!")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's opening in 1 Corinthians 1:4 offers a profound model for both individual believers and the church community today. It challenges us to cultivate a consistent posture of gratitude, recognizing that all our spiritual blessings, our very standing with God, and our ability to serve Him are entirely dependent on His unmerited grace, freely given through Jesus Christ. This perspective shifts our focus from our own performance or perceived shortcomings to the boundless generosity and faithfulness of God. Even when confronted with challenges, divisions, or imperfections within ourselves or our communities, we are called to first acknowledge and give thanks for the divine foundation of grace that undergirds everything. This foundational gratitude fosters humility, dependence on Christ, and a hopeful outlook, knowing that God's enabling grace is always at work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that all spiritual blessings come "by Jesus Christ" shape your view of your own spiritual journey and growth?**
* **In what areas of your life or your church community do you need to cultivate a deeper sense of thanksgiving for God's grace, even amidst challenges?**
* **How might adopting Paul's initial posture of gratitude, even when facing difficult truths, impact your approach to addressing problems in your relationships or community?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul begin with thanksgiving, especially given the problems in Corinth?**

Answer: Paul's decision to begin with thanksgiving in [1 Corinthians 1:4](/1-corinthians/1-4 "1 Corinthians 1:4 - Paul's Thanksgiving for the Corinthians") is a deliberate pastoral and rhetorical strategy. First, it establishes a positive rapport and affirms the genuine spiritual work God has already accomplished in the Corinthian believers, reminding them of their divine foundation in grace. This affirmation provides a necessary context for the subsequent corrections and exhortations. Second, it models a Christ-centered perspective, emphasizing God's faithfulness and grace as the ultimate reality, even when human failings are evident. By highlighting God's unmerited favor, Paul grounds his entire argument in the divine initiative, making it clear that any solutions to their problems must also come through God's grace in Christ, not through human wisdom or effort. This approach is consistent with Paul's practice in many of his letters, such as his opening to the Philippians in [Philippians 1:3-6](/philippians/1-3-6 "Paul's Thanksgiving for the Philippian Church").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 1:4 resonates deeply with the Christ-centered narrative of salvation, proclaiming that all divine grace and spiritual endowment flow exclusively through Jesus Christ. He is not merely the messenger of grace but its very embodiment and channel. God's unmerited favor, which humanity desperately needs due to sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")), is fully revealed and made accessible in Christ. His incarnation, sinless life, atoning death on the cross ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")), and victorious resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1-corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection")) are the means by which this grace is "given" to believers. Through faith in Him, we are united to Him, receiving not only forgiveness of sins but also every spiritual blessing ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")) and the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - The Blessing of Abraham Through Christ")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate "gift" of God's grace ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), and all subsequent manifestations of grace in the believer's life are mediated through His person and work, making Him the indispensable source and sustainer of our spiritual reality.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 1:8

¶ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

John 14:26

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Romans 6:17

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

John 15:26

¶ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 14:16

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

1 Timothy 1:14

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Acts 11:23

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.