1 Corinthians 1:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 1:5
5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 1 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, mercy, grace. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 1:5
5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
Analysis
That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge (en panti eploutisthete, ἐν παντὶ ἐπλουτίσθητε)—The verb ploutizo (πλουτίζω, "to make rich") is in the passive voice, emphasizing that God enriched them; they did not enrich themselves. In all utterance (panti logo, παντὶ λόγῳ) and in all knowledge (pase gnosei, πάσῃ γνώσει) refer to the Corinthians' abundance of spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy, teaching, and revelation.
Ironically, Paul will spend much of this letter correcting their misuse of these very gifts. Their logos (speech) has become factional rhetoric rather than gospel proclamation, and their gnosis (knowledge) has puffed them up rather than built them up (8:1). True enrichment is by Christ, not by eloquent philosophy or esoteric wisdom—a theme Paul develops in 1:17-2:16.
Historical Context
Corinth prided itself on rhetoric and philosophy. The city hosted famous schools of sophistry where orators competed for students and patrons. Many Corinthians brought this competitive, wisdom-obsessed culture into the church, treating the gospel as another philosophy to be mastered and eloquently defended. Paul will systematically dismantle this worldview by proclaiming the cross as God's foolish-yet-wise counter-wisdom.
Reflection
- How can spiritual gifts (eloquence, knowledge, insight) become sources of pride rather than instruments of service?
- In what ways might modern Christian culture mirror Corinth's obsession with eloquence and sophisticated theology?
- How does recognizing that we are "enriched by Him" change our attitude toward our abilities and insights?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 12:8, Romans 15:14, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9:11, Ephesians 1:17, 6:19