1 Corinthians 1:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 1:7
7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 1 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, grace, discipleship. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 1:7
7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Analysis
So that ye come behind in no gift (hoste hymas me hystereis thai en medeni charismati, ὥστε ὑμᾶς μὴ ὑστερεῖσθαι ἐν μηδενὶ χαρίσματι)—The term charisma (χάρισμα, "grace-gift") is derived from charis (grace), emphasizing that spiritual gifts are undeserved endowments, not earned rewards. The Corinthians lacked nothing in gifts—yet they were spiritually immature, factious, and immoral. This paradox drives the entire letter: gifted but not godly, enriched but not mature.
Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (apekdechomenous ten apokalypsin, ἀπεκδεχομένους τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν)—The verb apekdechomai (ἀπεκδέχομαι) means to eagerly await, implying patient endurance and forward-looking hope. The apokalypsis (ἀποκάλυψις, "revelation, unveiling") of Christ is His second coming. Eschatological expectation should shape present behavior—a theme Paul will apply to marriage (ch. 7), lawsuits (ch. 6), and the resurrection (ch. 15).
Historical Context
First-century Christians lived in fervent expectation of Christ's imminent return (see 1 Thess 4:13-18, written a few years earlier). This eschatological urgency informed ethics, community life, and priorities. However, the Corinthians behaved as if the kingdom had fully arrived—they were "already filled, already rich, already reigning" (4:8)—leading to complacency about sin and disunity. Paul recalibrates their eschatology: the kingdom is inaugurated but not consummated.
Reflection
- How does the abundance of spiritual gifts fail to guarantee spiritual maturity?
- In what ways should "waiting for the coming of our Lord" shape present-day Christian ethics and priorities?
- Do you live with eager expectation of Christ's return, or has comfortable Christianity dulled that hope?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Philippians 3:20, Titus 2:13, Jude 1:21
- References Christ: Hebrews 9:28, 1 Peter 4:13
- Parallel theme: Luke 17:30, Romans 8:19, 2 Peter 3:12, 1 John 3:2