1 Corinthians 8:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 8:6
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 8 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, worship, love. 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 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 8:6
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Analysis
But to us there is but one God, the Father (ἀλλ' ἡμῖν εἷς θεὸς ὁ πατήρ, all' hemin heis theos ho pater)—Paul counters polytheism with a Trinitarian monotheistic confession. The Father is the source of whom are all things (ἐξ οὗ τὰ πάντα, ex hou ta panta)—the preposition ex indicates origin. Creation flows from the Father. Believers exist in him (εἰς αὐτόν, eis auton), indicating purpose or goal—our destiny is the Father.
And one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him (δι' οὗ τὰ πάντα καὶ ἡμεῖς δι' αὐτοῦ)—the preposition dia ("through, by means of") identifies Christ as creation's instrumental agent (cf. John 1:3, Colossians 1:16). This is one of the New Testament's highest Christological statements: Paul applies the Shema's monotheism to include Christ as divine agent of creation and redemption. The parallel structure (Father as source, Son as means) affirms Christ's full deity while maintaining distinction of persons.
Historical Context
Paul reformulates the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) to include Christ within the divine identity. This wasn't "bitheism" but recognition that the one God of Israel exists as Father and Son (and Holy Spirit, though not mentioned here). For Jewish converts, this was revolutionary—applying YHWH's unique attributes to Jesus. For Gentile converts from polytheism, this affirmed monotheism while asserting Christ's cosmic lordship over all so-called "gods and lords."
Reflection
- How does confessing "one God, one Lord" restructure your entire worldview and value system?
- What does it mean practically that all things exist "through" Christ—that He mediates all creation and providence?
- How should Christ's cosmic lordship relativize all other authorities and allegiances in your life?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References Jesus: 1 Corinthians 12:3, Matthew 28:18, Acts 2:36
- References God: 1 Corinthians 8:4, Malachi 2:10
- Parallel theme: Matthew 11:27, John 1:3, 14:20, Acts 17:28, Romans 11:36