고린도전서 Chapter 1

Translation: ESV

1

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,

Key Message

Paul's apostolic authority rests not on self-assertion but on the will of God, which is the source of his authority.

▸First Corinthians is the first of two letters Paul wrote to the church at Corinth.

First Corinthians is the first of two letters Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. Paul introduces himself as one called to be an apostle 'by the will of God.' This emphasis on the divine origin of his apostleship is deliberate, anticipating the challenges to his authority from certain Corinthian believers throughout the letter.

Related Verses

After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.
18

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Key Message

The message of the cross appears foolish by human standards, but for those who believe it is the saving power of God.

▸This verse announces the central theme of chapters 1–4.

25

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Key Message

God's ways completely transcend human standards; what appears weak and foolish to human eyes is in reality the wisest and most powerful thing.

▸The ultimate paradox: God's 'foolishness' (the cross) is wiser than the highest human wisdom, and God's 'weakness' (death on the cross) is stronger than humanity's greatest power.

30

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

Key Message

Christ is the totality of our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; all of this is given as God's gift, not earned by ourselves.

▸A comprehensive declaration that Jesus Christ has become our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.