1 Corinthians 1:7

1 Corinthians 1:7 is part of Paul's opening thanksgiving for the Corinthian church, where he acknowledges their spiritual richness and sets the stage for the letter's themes. Despite the many issues and divisions that plagued the Corinthian believers, Paul begins by affirming God's gracious work among them.

Context

This verse follows Paul's initial greetings and a declaration of gratitude to God for the grace given to the Corinthians in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:4). He highlights that they were "enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge" (1 Corinthians 1:5), confirming the testimony of Christ among them. Verse 7 acts as a summary of this spiritual endowment, emphasizing their complete possession of spiritual gifts, which prepares them for the ultimate hope of the Christian faith.

Key Themes

• Divine Endowment of Spiritual Gifts: The phrase "So that ye come behind in no gift" underscores God's abundant provision to His people. The Corinthian church, though flawed, was supernaturally equipped with various spiritual abilities, demonstrating God's generosity and faithfulness to empower His church. This theme is further explored throughout the letter, particularly in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14.
• Eschatological Hope and Christ's Return: The latter part of the verse, "waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ," points to the ultimate hope of believers: the Second Coming of Christ. This expectation provided a crucial perspective for early Christians, grounding their present lives in the future reality of God's completed work and the final redemption. It reminds believers to live with an eternal perspective, anticipating Christ's glorious revelation.
• God's Faithfulness to Preserve: Implicit in this verse is the idea that God, who has begun a good work in them by bestowing these gifts, will also sustain them until the end. This resonates with other Pauline assurances, such as the confidence that "he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "gift" is the Greek word charisma (χάρισμα), which literally means "a gift of grace" or "a favor." It highlights that these spiritual abilities are not earned but are freely given by God's unmerited favor. The term "coming" is from the Greek word apokalupsis (ἀποκάλυψις), meaning "an unveiling," "a revelation," or "a disclosure." This emphasizes that Christ's return will be a glorious and public manifestation of His presence and power, revealing Him in full glory to the world, a concept also seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 1:7 offers encouragement and direction:

• Recognize and Utilize Gifts: Every believer is endowed with spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages self-awareness of these gifts and their active use for the edification of the church and the glory of God.
• Live with Expectation: Maintaining a vibrant hope in the blessed hope of Christ's return provides perspective in trials and motivates faithful living. Our present struggles and service are framed by the certainty of His coming.
• Trust in God's Faithfulness: Despite personal weaknesses or church imperfections, this verse reminds us that God is faithful to equip and preserve His people until the very end. Our ultimate security rests in Him.