TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
Indeed, the testimony about the Messiah has become firmly established in you;
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In the KJVVerse 28,370 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1 verses 1–9
1 ¶ Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
We have here the apostle's preface to his whole epistle, in which we may take notice,
I. Of the inscription, in which, according to the custom of writing letters then, the name of the person by whom it was written and the persons to whom it was written are both inserted. 1. It is an epistle from Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, to the church of Corinth, which he himself had planted, though there were some among them that now questioned his apostleship (Co1 9:1, Co1 9:2), and vilified his person and ministry, Co2 10:10. The most faithful and useful ministers are not secure from this contempt. He begins with challenging this character: Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God. He had not taken this honour to himself, but had a divine commission for it. It was proper at any time, but necessary at this time, to assert his character, and magnify his office, when false teachers made a merit of running him down, and their giddy and deluded followers were so apt to set them up in competition with him. It was not pride in Paul, but faithfulness to his trust, in this juncture, to maintain his apostolical character and authority. And, to make this more fully appear, he joins Sosthenes with him in writing, who was a minister of a lower rank. Paul, and Sosthenes his brother, not a fellow-apostle, but a fellow-minister, once a ruler of the Jewish synagogue, afterwards a convert to Christianity, a Corinthian by birth, as is most probable, and dear to this people, for which reason Paul, to ingratiate himself with them, joins them with himself in his first salutations. There is no reason to suppose he was made a partaker of the apostle's inspiration, for which reasons he speaks, through the rest of the epistle, in his own name, and in the singular number. Paul did not in any case lessen his apostolical authority, and yet he was ready upon all occasions to do a kind and condescending thing for their good to whom he ministered. The persons to whom this epistle was directed were the church of God that was at Corinth, sanctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be saints. All Christians are thus far sanctified in Christ Jesus, that they are by baptism dedicated and devoted to him, they are under strict obligations to be holy, and they make profession of real sanctity. If they be not truly holy, it is their own fault and reproach. Note, It is the design of Christianity to sanctify us in Christ. He gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and purify us to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. In conjunction with the church at Corinth, he directs the epistle to all that in every place call on the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, both theirs and ours. Hereby Christians are distinguished from the profane and atheistical, that they dare not live without prayer; and hereby they are distinguished from Jews and Pagans, that they call on the name of Christ. He is their common head and Lord. Observe, In every place in the Christian world there are some that call on the name of Christ. God hath a remnant in all places; and we should have a common concern for and hold communion with all that call on Christ's name.
II. Of the apostolical benediction. Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. An apostle of the prince of peace must be a messenger and minister of peace. This blessing the gospel brings with it, and this blessing every preacher of the gospel should heartily wish and pray may be the lot of all among whom he ministers. Grace and peace - the favour of God, and reconciliation to him. It is indeed the summary of all blessings. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace, was the form of benediction under the Old Testament (Num 6:26), but this advantage we have by the gospel, 1. That we are directed how to obtain that peace from God: it is in and by Christ. Sinners can have no peace with God, nor any good from him, but through Christ. 2. We are told what must qualify us for this peace; namely, grace: first grace, then peace. God first reconciles sinners to himself, before he bestows his peace upon them.
III. Of the apostle's thanksgiving to God on their behalf. Paul begins most of his epistles with thanksgiving to God for his friends and prayer for them. Note, The best way of manifesting our affection to our friends is by praying and giving thanks for them. It is one branch of the communion of saints to give thanks to God mutually for our gifts, graces, and comforts. He gives thanks, 1. For their conversion to the faith of Christ: For the grace which was given you through Jesus Christ, Co1 1:4. He is the great procurer and disposer of the favours of God. Those who are united to him by faith, and made to partake of his Spirit and merits, are the objects of divine favour. God loves them, bears them hearty good-will, and bestows on them his fatherly smiles and blessings. 2. For the abundance of their spiritual gifts. This the church of Corinth was famous for. They did not come behind any of the churches in any gift, Co1 1:7. He specifies utterance and knowledge, Co1 1:5. Where God has given these two gifts, he has given great capacity for usefulness. Many have the flower of utterance that have not the root of knowledge, and their converse is barren. Many have the treasure of knowledge, and want utterance to employ it for the good of others, and then it is in a manner wrapped up in a napkin. But, where God gives both, a man is qualified for eminent usefulness. When the church of Corinth was enriched with all utterance and all knowledge, it was fit that a large tribute of praise should be rendered to God, especially when these gifts were a testimony to the truth of the Christian doctrine, a confirmation of the testimony of Christ among them, Co1 1:6. They were signs and wonders and gifts of the Holy Ghost, by which God did bear witness to the apostles, both to their mission and doctrine (Heb 2:4), so that the more plentifully they were poured forth on any church the more full attestation was given to that doctrine which was delivered by the apostles, the more confirming evidence they had of their divine mission. And it is no wonder that when they had such a foundation for their faith they should live in expectation of the coming of their Lord Jesus Christ, Co1 1:7. It is the character of Christians that they wait for Christ's second coming; all our religion has regard to this: we believe it, and hope for it, and it is the business of our lives to prepare for it, if we are Christians indeed. And the more confirmed we are in the Christian faith the more firm is our belief of our Lord's second coming, and the more earnest our expectation of it.
IV. Of the encouraging hopes the apostle had of them for the time to come, founded on the power and love of Christ, and the faithfulness of God, Co1 1:8, Co1 1:9. He who had begun a good work in them, and carried it on thus far, would not leave it unfinished. Those that wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ will be kept by him, and confirmed to the end; and those that are so will be blameless in the day of Christ: not upon the principle of strict justice, but gracious absolution; not in rigour of law, but from rich and free grace. How desirable is it to be confirmed and kept of Christ for such a purpose as this! How glorious are the hopes of such a privilege, whether for ourselves or others! To be kept by the power of Christ from the power of our own corruption and Satan's temptation, that we may appear without blame in the great day! O glorious expectation, especially when the faithfulness of God comes in to support our hopes! He who hath called us into the fellowship of his Son is faithful, and will do it, Th1 5:24. He who hath brought us into near and dear relation to Christ, into sweet and intimate communion with Christ, is faithful; he may be trusted with our dearest concerns. Those that come at his call shall never be disappointed in their hopes in him. If we approve ourselves faithful to God, we shall never find him unfaithful to us. He will not suffer his faithfulness to fail, Psa 89:33.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
COMMENTARY ON 1 CORINTHIANS 1.2.35-40
The testimony of Christ is confirmed in us if we can say, like the apostle Paul, “I am persuaded that neither life nor death etc. can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” [Rom 8:38-39]. But if we are upset by every little thing that happens, then Christ’s testimony has not been confirmed in us at all.
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
The testimony of Christ has been confirmed in them because they have been strengthened by their faith. They had come to put no trust in human things. Rather, all their hope was in Christ, for they were ensnared neither by pleasure nor by the enticements of pleasure.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Corinthians 2
"Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you." Under the color of praises and thanksgiving he touches them sharply. "For not by heathen philosophy," saith he, "neither by heathen discipline, but the grace of God, and by the riches, by and the knowledge, and the word given by Him, were you enabled to learn the doctrines of the truth, and to be confirmed unto the testimony of the Lord; that is, unto the Gospel. For ye had the benefit of many signs, many wonders unspeakable grace, to make you receive the Gospel. If therefore ye were established by signs and grace, why do ye waver?" Now these are the words of one both reproving, and at the same time prepossessing them in his favor.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 1:6, the Apostle Paul affirms the genuine spiritual reality within the Corinthian believers, declaring that the gospel message—the "testimony of Christ"—was powerfully and undeniably established among them. This verse serves as a foundational statement in Paul's opening thanksgiving, highlighting God's faithfulness in validating their faith and equipping them with spiritual gifts, despite the significant challenges and divisions that would later be addressed within the church. It underscores that their spiritual enrichment and calling were not based on human effort but on a divine, confirming work.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs Affirmation and Emphasis in this verse to establish a strong foundation for his subsequent arguments. By stating that the "testimony of Christ was confirmed in you," he begins his letter by affirming the genuine spiritual work that God has accomplished among the Corinthians, despite their many failings. This strategic opening serves to remind them of their divine calling and the authentic grace they have received, creating a positive common ground before addressing their divisions and moral issues. The use of the word "confirmed" (bebaióō) itself carries significant Weight and Authority, implying a divine, undeniable validation that transcends human opinion or effort. This reinforces the idea that their faith and spiritual gifts are not accidental or superficial, but deeply rooted in God's sovereign work.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The confirmation of the testimony of Christ in the Corinthians speaks profoundly to the nature of divine revelation and the Holy Spirit's work in establishing faith. It underscores that the gospel is not merely a human philosophy or a set of moral guidelines, but a living, powerful truth authenticated by God Himself. This divine confirmation provides the objective basis for Christian assurance, demonstrating that God actively intervenes to validate His word and empower His people. It highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant and His commitment to His church, even when its members are imperfect. This foundational truth serves as a crucial reminder that our spiritual journey begins and is sustained by God's initiative, not our own merit or strength.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 1:6 offers profound comfort and challenge to believers today. It reminds us that our faith is not based on fleeting emotions or human persuasion, but on the powerful, confirming work of God. Just as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in the early Corinthian church, the same gospel continues to be confirmed in those who believe, through the Holy Spirit's convicting power, the internal witness of truth, and the ongoing transformation of lives. This verse encourages us to reflect on the objective reality of our salvation and the divine source of our spiritual gifts. It calls us to trust in God's unwavering faithfulness to complete the work He began in us, even amidst personal struggles, doubts, or the imperfections of the church. Our assurance is rooted in God's confirmation, not our own fluctuating performance. This truth should inspire confidence in our walk with Christ and motivate us to live in a manner consistent with the confirmed gospel.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the testimony of Christ" mean in this verse?
Answer: "The testimony of Christ" (Greek: martýrion tou Christou) refers primarily to the gospel message itself—the good news about Jesus Christ, His life, sacrificial death, resurrection, and ascension. It is the witness concerning Christ, encompassing all that He accomplished for humanity's salvation. It can also imply the witness that Christ Himself bore, or the witness that comes from Him. In essence, it is the divinely revealed truth about who Jesus is and what He has done, which forms the core of Christian belief and is the foundation upon which faith is built. This testimony is not merely historical information but a living, powerful declaration that transforms lives (Romans 1:16).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 1:6 speaks of the gospel's confirmation in believers, its ultimate fulfillment points directly to Christ as the one in whom all God's promises are confirmed and established. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of God's "testimony," the faithful and true witness (Revelation 1:5). The confirmation of the gospel in believers is a direct result of their union with Christ, for "in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge" (1 Corinthians 1:5). This echoes the profound truth that "all the promises of God find their 'Yes' in him" (2 Corinthians 1:20). The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, is the one who performs this confirmation, sealing believers and guaranteeing their inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). Thus, the spiritual blessings and the secure foundation of faith experienced by the Corinthians, and by all believers, are not merely about Christ but are in Christ, flowing from His finished work and ongoing ministry as the head of the church. He is the one who establishes and perfects our faith, confirming us to the end (Hebrews 12:2).