1:3 1:3

1 Corinthians 1:4

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Bible Versions

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
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};
I thank my God always for you because of God’s love and kindness given to you through the Messiah Yeshua,
I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus.
I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;

In 1 Corinthians 1:4, the Apostle Paul opens his first letter to the church in Corinth with a heartfelt expression of gratitude. This verse sets a positive and grace-filled tone, as Paul thanks God for the spiritual blessings bestowed upon the Corinthian believers through Jesus Christ, even before addressing the significant challenges and divisions within their community.

Context

This verse initiates Paul's correspondence with the church in Corinth, a prominent and culturally diverse city in ancient Greece known for its commerce and, at times, its moral complexities. Despite the numerous issues Paul would later confront in this letter—including factions, immorality, and theological disputes—he begins by affirming God's gracious work among them. This strategic opening highlights Paul's pastoral approach: to acknowledge God's faithfulness and the spiritual gifts present in the church before offering correction. It reminds the Corinthians, and us, of the divine foundation upon which their faith was built, rooted in the unmerited favor of God given through Jesus Christ.

Key Themes

  • Divine Grace: The core of Paul's thanksgiving is "the grace of God." This refers to God's unmerited favor, His benevolent action towards humanity that is freely given, not earned. It is the divine enablement and blessing that underpins the Christian life and salvation. Paul consistently emphasizes this foundational truth throughout his epistles, such as in Ephesians 2:8, where he states salvation is by grace through faith.
  • Paul's Thanksgiving: Paul's practice of beginning his letters with thanksgiving for his recipients is a hallmark of his ministry. His gratitude here is genuine and directed towards God, acknowledging that all spiritual blessings originate from the divine source. This attitude of thanksgiving, even in the face of future difficulties, serves as a powerful example for believers to always recognize and appreciate God's work in their lives and in the lives of others, echoing sentiments found in 2 Corinthians 9:15.
  • Christ as the Giver: The phrase "given you by Jesus Christ" is vital. It explicitly states that all the grace and spiritual endowments the Corinthians received came directly through Christ. He is the essential mediator and the channel through whom God's favor is extended to humanity. This emphasizes the indispensable role of Jesus Christ as the source of all spiritual blessings and the center of Christian faith, reminding us that in Him all things hold together.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "grace" in this verse is charis (χάρις). This term denotes unmerited favor, kindness, or a gift freely bestowed. In a theological context, it refers to God's self-giving love and mercy extended to humanity despite our unworthiness. Paul's use of charis here emphasizes that the spiritual gifts and blessings received by the Corinthians were not a result of their own merit or effort, but purely a generous divine endowment.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 1:4 offers profound insights for believers today:

  1. A Foundation of Gratitude: Like Paul, we are called to cultivate a spirit of consistent thanksgiving for God's grace in our lives and in the lives of our fellow believers, even when facing challenges. This attitude shifts our perspective from problems to divine provision.
  2. Reliance on Grace: This verse reminds us that our standing with God and all the spiritual blessings we enjoy are purely by His grace, not by our works or achievements. This fosters humility and reliance on God's undeserved favor.
  3. Christ-Centered Living: All true spiritual blessings and the ability to live a godly life flow from and through Jesus Christ. Our focus should always be on Him as the ultimate source of all good things, empowering us for every good work.
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.

  • 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.
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