1Cor 1:4-9 | RWP | e4.org | I thank my God ( ευχαριστω τω θεω ). Singular as in ; ; , but plural in ; . The grounds of Paul's thanksgivings in his Epistles are worthy of study. Even in the church in Corinth he finds something to thank God for, though in II Cor. there is no expression of thanksgiving because of the acute crisis in Corinth nor is there any in Galatians. But Paul is gracious here and allows his general attitude (always, παντοτε ) concerning ( περ , around) the Corinthians to override the specific causes of irritation. For the grace of God which was given to you in Christ Jesus ( επ τη χαριτ του θεου τη δοθειση υμιν εν Χριστω Ιησου ). Upon the basis of ( επ ) God's grace, not in general, but specifically given ( δοθειση , first aorist passive participle of διδωμ ), in the sphere of ( εν as in verse ) Christ Jesus.

‏ 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

I thank my God ( ευχαριστω τω θεω ). Singular as in Ro 1:8; Php 1:3; Phm 1:4, but plural in 1Th 1:2; Col 1:3. The grounds of Paul's thanksgivings in his Epistles are worthy of study. Even in the church in Corinth he finds something to thank God for, though in II Cor. there is no expression of thanksgiving because of the acute crisis in Corinth nor is there any in Galatians. But Paul is gracious here and allows his general attitude (always, παντοτε ) concerning ( περ, around) the Corinthians to override the specific causes of irritation.

For the grace of God which was given to you in Christ Jesus ( επ τη χαριτ του θεου τη δοθειση υμιν εν Χριστω Ιησου ). Upon the basis of ( επ ) God's grace, not in general, but specifically given ( δοθειση, first aorist passive participle of διδωμ ), in the sphere of ( εν as in verse 2) Christ Jesus.

That ( οτ ). Explicit specification of this grace of God given to the Corinthians. Paul points out in detail the unusual spiritual gifts which were their glory and became their peril (chapters 1Co 12-14).

Ye were enriched in him ( επλουτισθητε εν αυτω ). First aorist passive indicative of πλουτιζω, old causative verb from πλουτος, wealth, common in Attic writers, dropped out for centuries, reappeared in LXX. In N.T. only three times and alone in Paul (1Co 1:5; 2Co 6:10, 11). The Christian finds his real riches in Christ, one of Paul's pregnant phrases full of the truest mysticism.

In all utterance and all knowledge ( εν παντ λογω κα παση γνωσε ). One detail in explanation of the riches in Christ. The outward expression ( λογω ) here is put before the inward knowledge ( γνωσε ) which should precede all speech. But we get at one's knowledge by means of his speech. Chapters 1Co 12-14 throw much light on this element in the spiritual gifts of the Corinthians (the gift of tongues, interpreting tongues, discernment) as summed up in 1Co 13:1, 2, the greater gifts of 12:31. It was a marvellously endowed church in spite of their perversions.

Even as ( καθως ). In proportion as (1Th 1:5) and so inasmuch as (Php 1:7; Eph 1:4).

The testimony of Christ ( το μαρτυριον του Χριστου ). Objective genitive, the testimony to or concerning Christ, the witness of Paul's preaching.

Was confirmed in you ( εβεβαιωθη εν υμιν ). First aorist passive of βεβαιοω, old verb from βεβαιος and that from βαινω, to make to stand, to make stable. These special gifts of the Holy Spirit which they had so lavishly received (ch. 1Co 12) were for that very purpose.

So that ye come behind in no gift ( ωστε υμας μη υστερεισθα εν μηδεν χαρισματ ). Consecutive clause with ωστε and the infinitive and the double negative. Come behind ( υστερεισθα ) is to be late ( υστερος ), old verb seen already in Mr 10:21; Mt 19:20. It is a wonderful record here recorded. But in 2Co 8:7-11; 9:1-7 Paul will have to complain that they have not paid their pledges for the collection, pledges made over a year before, a very modern complaint.

Waiting for the revelation ( απεκδεχομενους την αποκαλυψιν ). This double compound is late and rare outside of Paul (1Co 1:7; Ga 5:5; Ro 8:19, 23, 25; Php 3:20), 1Pe 3:20; Heb 9:28. It is an eager expectancy of the second coming of Christ here termed revelation like the eagerness in προσδεχομενο in Tit 2:13 for the same event. "As if that attitude of expectation were the highest posture that can be attained here by the Christian" (F.W. Robertson).

Shall confirm ( βεβαιωσε ). Direct reference to the same word in verse 6. The relative ος (who) points to Christ.

Unto the end ( εως τελους ). End of the age till Jesus comes, final preservation of the saints.

That ye be unreproveable ( ανεγκλητους ). Alpha privative and εγκαλεω, to accuse, old verbal, only in Paul in N.T. Proleptic adjective in the predicate accusative agreeing with υμας (you) without ωστε and the infinitive as in 1Th 3:13; 5:23; Php 3:21. "Unimpeachable, for none will have the right to impeach" (Robertson and Plummer) as Paul shows in Ro 8:33; Col 1:22, 28.

God is faithful ( πιστος ο θεος ). This is the ground of Paul's confidence as he loves to say (1Th 5:24; 1Co 10:13; Ro 8:36; Php 1:16). God will do what he has promised.

Through whom ( δι' ου ). God is the agent ( δι' ) of their call as in Ro 11:36 and also the ground or reason for their call ( δι' ον ) in Heb 2:10.

Into the fellowship ( εις κοινωνιαν ). Old word from κοινωνος, partner for partnership, participation as here and 2Co 13:13f.; Php 2:1; 3:10. Then it means fellowship or intimacy as in Ac 2:42; Ga 2:9; 2Co 6:14; 1Jo 1:3, 7. And particularly as shown by contribution as in 2Co 8:4; 9:13; Php 1:5. It is high fellowship with Christ both here and hereafter.