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.
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them [which are of the house] of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Overview of 1 Corinthians Chapter 1
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. It addresses issues of division, identity, and the wisdom of God versus human wisdom. The chapter sets the tone for the entire epistle, emphasizing the importance of unity among believers and the centrality of Christ’s message.
Key Themes
- Division in the Church: Paul addresses the factions that have formed within the Corinthian church.
- The Call to Unity: He emphasizes the need for unity in Christ and discourages allegiance to individual leaders.
- The Wisdom of God: The chapter contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom, highlighting the foolishness of the cross.
- Identity in Christ: Believers are reminded of their identity as called and sanctified in Christ Jesus.
Structure of the Chapter
- Greeting (1:1-3):
Paul introduces himself and extends grace and peace to the Corinthian church.
- Thanksgiving (1:4-9):
Paul expresses gratitude for the grace given to the Corinthians and affirms their spiritual gifts.
- Addressing Divisions (1:10-17):
Paul confronts the divisions among the believers and urges them to be united in mind and judgment.
- The Wisdom of God vs. Human Wisdom (1:18-25):
Paul discusses the message of the cross as foolishness to the world but the power of God to those who believe.
- God’s Choice of the Foolish (1:26-31):
Paul reminds the Corinthians that God chose the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the wise.
Detailed Analysis
Greeting (1:1-3)
Paul begins the letter by identifying himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus and addressing the church in Corinth. He emphasizes the divine authority behind his message and the importance of grace and peace, which are foundational to Christian life.
Thanksgiving (1:4-9)
In this section, Paul expresses thankfulness for the grace bestowed upon the Corinthians. He acknowledges their enrichment in knowledge and spiritual gifts, reinforcing that they are not lacking in any gift as they wait for the return of Christ. This serves to remind the believers of their identity and the blessings they have received.
Addressing Divisions (1:10-17)
Paul confronts the reported divisions among the Corinthians, where allegiance to different leaders has caused strife. He urges them to be united, emphasizing that division undermines the message of Christ. Paul stresses that he was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel, highlighting the centrality of Christ’s message over individual leaders.
The Wisdom of God vs. Human Wisdom (1:18-25)
This section contrasts the perception of the cross with worldly wisdom. Paul asserts that the message of the cross is seen as foolishness by those who are perishing but is the power of God to those being saved. He argues that God’s wisdom transcends human understanding, and what seems weak and foolish to the world is, in fact, the means of salvation.
God’s Choice of the Foolish (1:26-31)
Paul concludes the chapter by reminding the Corinthians of their humble beginnings. Many were not wise, powerful, or noble by worldly standards. God chose the weak and despised things to confound the wise, demonstrating His sovereignty and grace. This serves to humble the believers and redirect their boast to the Lord, emphasizing that their identity and righteousness come solely from Christ.
Conclusion
1 Corinthians Chapter 1 lays a foundational understanding of the issues facing the Corinthian church, particularly the dangers of division and reliance on human wisdom. It calls the believers to unity in Christ and reminds them of their identity and purpose as followers of Jesus. The chapter sets the stage for the deeper theological discussions and practical applications that follow in the letter.
