1 Corinthians 1:9

God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

God {G2316} is faithful {G4103}, by {G1223} whom {G3739} ye were called {G2564} unto {G1519} the fellowship {G2842} of his {G846} Son {G5207} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} our {G2257} Lord {G2962}.

God is trustworthy: it was he who called you into fellowship with his Son, Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord.

God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Context

First Corinthians opens with the Apostle Paul's customary greeting, followed by a prayer of thanksgiving for the Corinthian believers. In the verses immediately preceding 1 Corinthians 1:9, Paul expresses gratitude for the grace of God given to them in Christ Jesus, specifically mentioning how they were "enriched by him in all utterance, and in all knowledge" (1 Corinthians 1:5) and "come behind in no gift" (1 Corinthians 1:7). This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial foundation, emphasizing God's reliability and the divine origin of their spiritual blessings, before Paul delves into the various issues and divisions plaguing the Corinthian church.

Key Themes

  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: The bedrock of this verse is the declaration, "God is faithful." This attributes an essential characteristic to God – His steadfastness, reliability, and immutability. It assures believers that God will always keep His promises and fulfill His purposes, regardless of human shortcomings. This faithfulness is the guarantee of their standing and future hope.
  • Divine Calling and Initiative: The phrase "by whom ye were called" underscores that salvation and inclusion in the Christian community are not human achievements but a sovereign act of God. It is God who initiates the relationship and draws individuals into His redemptive plan. This divine calling is rooted in His grace and faithfulness, not in human merit. For a deeper understanding of God's calling, consider Romans 8:28.
  • Fellowship with Christ: The ultimate purpose of God's calling is "unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." This "fellowship" (Greek: koinonia) signifies a deep, intimate communion, sharing, and partnership. It's more than just being acquainted with Christ; it implies a profound spiritual bond, participation in His life, sufferings, and glory. This fellowship is the essence of the Christian life and the basis for unity among believers. The nature of this shared life is further explored in 1 John 1:3.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "fellowship" is koinonia (κοινωνία). This rich term denotes more than just casual association or social gathering. It implies a shared life, participation, partnership, and communion. In the context of this verse, it speaks to a deep, intimate bond and spiritual union with Jesus Christ. It's a partnership where believers share in Christ's nature, His mission, and ultimately, His eternal inheritance. This concept is vital for understanding the unity Paul later urges upon the Corinthians.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense comfort and assurance to believers. Knowing that "God is faithful" provides a solid foundation for trust, especially amidst personal struggles or church challenges. It reminds us that our salvation and standing are secured by God's unchanging character, not by our fluctuating performance. This truth should inspire confidence, gratitude, and a desire to live consistently with our divine calling. Furthermore, understanding the depth of our fellowship with Jesus Christ provides a powerful motivation for unity and love within the Christian community, as all believers share in this same precious bond.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:3

    But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep [you] from evil.

  • Hebrews 10:23

    Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)

  • Deuteronomy 7:9

    Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

  • 1 John 1:3

    That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13

    There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

  • Isaiah 49:7

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, [and] his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, [and] the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

  • Deuteronomy 32:4

    [He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.
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