Bible Study | 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Unity in Christ

Perhaps no other book in the New Testament gives us a more practical glimpse of connecting the truths of the Christian faith to the issues of daily culture. The apostle gives a unique perspective on life that can unify and energize the believers. With a basic ground work of the city and its culture and the startling nature of God’s grace, let’s begin our study through the book. Today, Paul sets the stage for unity.

The Pointe of this lesson is to help the student:

• Understand the introductory comments that Paul attaches in order to set the stage for the message of the book.
• Find assurance in the trustworthiness of this book.
• Commit to introducing our own biblical lessons with clear purpose and direction.

Step One: Read It

Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Sosthenes our brother:
² To God’s church at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord—both their Lord and ours.
³ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
⁴ I always thank my God for you because of God’s grace given to you in Christ Jesus, ⁵ that by Him you were enriched in everything—in all speech and all knowledge. ⁶ In this way, the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, ⁷ so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁸ He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful; you were called by Him into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Holman Christian Standard Bible

LITERAL, WORD-FOR-WORD TRANSLATIONS

DYNAMIC, PHRASE-FOR-PHRASE TRANSLATIONS

IDIOMATIC TRANSLATIONS

LANGUAGES

As you read verses one through nine of the first chapter, what one word stands out to you and why?

Submit

Step Two: Connect It

For the historical context of the beginning of the church at Corinth and the writing of this epistle, please see articles on the church and Paul’s letter.

In these first nine verses, several important cameos of truth are brought out by the apostle.

Notice how these themes play out and will set the stage for further arguments that Paul makes throughout the epistle.

Step Three: Wrestle It

For our wrestling with God’s Word section, let’s look in each one of the nine verses and find a word that helps build the lesson or teaching that Paul wants the Corinthian Christians to embrace.

verse one: apostle

Paul stresses a unique relationship – a closeness – to Jesus with the word “apostle.” An apostle is one who is commissioned and sent; as such, he represents the one who sent him. The relationship with Jesus is unique. Only the twelve and Paul are “apostles” in the strict sense of the word. With the term comes authority, but the humble Paul is more likely to call himself a slave or a servant.

verse two: called

Notice an interesting connection with the way Paul uses the word “called.” Paul describes himself as called by God to be an apostle. He then describes the believers in Corinth as also called by God – but to be saints together. Paul quickly adds all of us who call upon the name of the Lord fit into this group of specially called people.

verse three: grace and peace

We talked about these two important terms in an earlier lesson. While some may gloss over these as just a formal part of a greeting, these concepts serve as threads woven throughout the lives of the followers of Jesus. If we are not filled with grace and peace in our spirits and behavior, we have somehow missed the message of God through His Son.

verse four: God

Verse four strikes us by using the name of God twice – three times if we include the Messianic term “Christ Jesus.” While believers are a diverse group of people, we all gather in worshipful awe around a Triune God. He is our Father, our Lord, and the Presence in our lives.

verse five: in everything

The significance of this phrase may slip past us as well. For the third time in this short paragraph two little Greek words greet us. God enriched the Corinthian believers in everything. That was not the common understanding in the Jewish world nor among pagan religions. A convert to the religion never shared equality with the original members. One could become a believer in the Jewish faith, but would be restricted to worship in the “Court of the Gentiles.” Even Jewish women stopped short of worshiping with men. Not so among Christians. God has embraced all equally. It it any wonder Paul would later say “there are no Jews, no Gentiles, no men or no women” in Christ Jesus?

verse six: in you

Verse six contains an interesting phrase that we need to think about. Paul says the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you. In a court of law, a testimony is given by a witness to an event or circumstance. The testimony helps a jury get to the truth of a matter.

Notice that Paul did not say “the testimony about Christ was confirmed.” This is not testimony about Jesus that was brought to the Corinthians. No doubt such a testimony occurred. Rather, Paul points to the fact that the truth about Jesus – His teachings and what He deemed important – finds confirmation within each of their hearts and stories.

Everyone of them – everyone of us – tells the same story: this is how Jesus has changed me.

verse seven: wait

Our next two words are related by their connection to a concept found in verse seven. Paul says the Corinthian believers are “not lacking in any gift.” The phrase literally says “so that you come behind in no gift.” God did not give special talents or gifts to the Jerusalem church that He didn’t present to the Corinthians. Just because you don’t attend a mega-church doesn’t mean that you are less of a believer.

How can we be assured that we aren’t falling behind? Both churches are waiting for the very same thing. Both wait for the revelation of Jesus. We are wanting to see the day when the Lord returns.

verse eight: sustain

As we wait, God promises to “sustain” us until the end – whether the end comes by our death or by the Lord’s return. The word translated “sustain” is the same Greek word as “confirmed.” The fact that God works in us until the very end proves the truth of the gospel.

verse nine: fellowship

The word “fellowship” is such an important Christian word. Fellowship describes the dynamic relationship that happens between God and us as the Father forgives the prodigal and welcomes him back home. But it also describes what happens between believers as we worship and offer praise to the Father. It also describes what takes place as we struggle together to overcome cultural and Satanic influences seeking to damage our faith. It also emphasizes that a significant thing that we all share is that we all suffer because the world rebels against the Father.

Do you see that through these words Paul stresses what ties us together?

Step Four: Build It

So as we consider Paul’s message, let’s apply his truths to two areas of concern.

What things thread us together to form a unity among believers? Do the words Paul uses here help us understand that better?

Submit

What gifts has God given us that help sustain us until Christ comes again? How do these gifts help us stay united?

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Step Five: Share It

Paul challenged us to consider that the testimony of Jesus finds confirmation in us. Look for opportunities this week to share with someone how Jesus has changed you.

It is easier to invite someone to attend church.

Try to shift “what” you talk about to “who” you talk about.