ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 1 Corinthians 1

1 Cor. 1:1–9 Introduction to the Letter’s Main Themes. The opening verses can be divided into an initial greeting (vv. 1–3) and a report to the letter’s recipients on how Paul prays for them (vv. 4–9). Both parts use language relating to some of the letter’s key themes.

1 Cor. 1:1 On apostle, see notes on Matt. 10:2; Rom. 1:1. The word occurs in 1 Corinthians more often than in any other of Paul’s letters.

1 Cor. 1:2 sanctified . . . saints. These two words are closely related in Greek. One is a verb meaning “make holy” and the other an adjective meaning “holy.” Here the adjective is used as a noun and means “holy people.” See note on 7:14. Something “holy” is set apart from evil and dedicated to God’s service (Ex. 19:5–6; Lev. 11:44–45). The Corinthians tend to be self-centered and disunited, so Paul reminds them that in Christ they are spiritually united to all Christians in every place (see also 1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17; 11:16; 14:33; 36).

1 Cor. 1:3 Grace . . . and peace. See note on Rom. 1:7.

1 Cor. 1:4 thanks. See note on Rom. 1:8.

1 Cor. 1:5 enriched in him. In 4:8 Paul will say that the Corinthians’ spiritual riches have led to an inappropriate pride. Paul’s thankfulness here shows that the problem was not with the gifts God had given them. It was in the way the Corinthians used those gifts. The cure for their pride is a healthy dose of gratitude (4:7). The Corinthians valued especially the gifts of speech and knowledge (see 8:1–3; 10; 12:8; 13:2; 14:1–40). Using these gifts in improper ways led to disunity (8:1–3; 12:29–30; 14:4).

1 Cor. 1:7 so that you are not lacking in any gift. Paul implies that many spiritual gifts are “enrichments” (see v. 5) of abilities that people had before they became Christians. As you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ implies that spiritual gifts are given for the interim, until Christ returns (see 13:10).

1 Cor. 1:8–9 guiltless. There is no condemnation on judgment day for those who, like the Corinthians, are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1).

1 Cor. 1:10–4:21 Divisions over Christian Preachers. The Corinthians’ pride has led them to value appearance and powerful speaking over the genuine work of the Spirit.

1 Cor. 1:11 Chloe’s people may have reported the situation to Paul firsthand (5:1; 11:18). Chloe’s identity, location, and relationship to these “people” are unknown.

1 Cor. 1:12 Apparently the Corinthian Christians were divided based on who had baptized them (vv. 14–17). Paul knew Apollos well (16:12). His speaking skills were impressive. The Corinthian Christians had received him gladly after Paul’s departure (Acts 18:24–19:1). Cephas is the Aramaic equivalent of the name Peter. Both names refer to Peter the apostle (1 Cor. 15:5; Gal. 1:18; 2:7–14). Cephas was married and had traveled to Corinth with his wife (1 Cor. 9:5).

1 Cor. 1:17a not . . . to baptize. Paul considers baptism important (Rom. 6:3; Col. 2:12) but not as important as preaching the gospel.

1 Cor. 1:17b words of eloquent wisdom. Effective public speaking was highly valued in the Greco-Roman world. Professional lecturers came to large cities like Corinth. Paul’s preaching was not as impressive as these men’s speeches. But his preaching focused on the power of the message itself (see also 2:1–5).

1 Cor. 1:18 cross. See note on the crucifixion at Matt. 27:35. folly. Paul’s preaching in Corinth focused on the saving fact of Christ’s crucifixion. This method of execution was considered so crude it was not even mentioned in polite company.

1 Cor. 1:23 On Christ as a stumbling block, see note on Isa. 8:11–15.

1 Cor. 1:26–31 Those who believed the gospel were foolish by the world’s standards. God transformed them into his people by saving them. They must not boast in ancestry, accomplishment, or relationship with a particular preacher (see also 3:21–22).

1 Cor. 1:27 God chose what is weak . . . to shame the strong. See 1 Sam. 2:1–8; Isa. 61:1; compare Luke 1:52; John 9:39.