I always thank my God for youPaul begins his letter with a tone of gratitude, a common practice in his epistles. This expression of thanks is not just a formality but reflects a deep spiritual connection and affection for the Corinthian believers. The phrase "my God" indicates a personal relationship with God, emphasizing Paul's intimate and devoted faith. This gratitude is significant given the issues within the Corinthian church, showing Paul's commitment to seeing the good in them despite their struggles. This mirrors other Pauline letters, such as
Philippians 1:3, where he similarly expresses thankfulness.
because of the grace He has given you
The grace mentioned here refers to the unmerited favor and spiritual gifts bestowed upon the Corinthians. This grace is foundational to their identity as believers and is a central theme in Paul's theology. It underscores the transformative power of God's grace in the lives of individuals and the community. The Corinthian church, despite its challenges, is a testament to God's grace at work. This grace is not earned but freely given, aligning withEphesians 2:8-9, which speaks of salvation by grace through faith.
in Christ Jesus
The phrase "in Christ Jesus" is pivotal in Paul's writings, denoting the believer's union with Christ. This union is the source of all spiritual blessings and grace. It signifies a new identity and position for believers, as seen in2 Corinthians 5:17, where those in Christ are described as new creations. The Corinthian church's existence and spiritual gifts are rooted in this relationship with Christ, highlighting the centrality of Jesus in the life of the church and individual believers. This connection to Christ is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers anticipate the fullness of their salvation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter, Paul, is writing to the church in Corinth. He is a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles.
2.
The Church in CorinthThe recipients of the letter, the Corinthian church, were a diverse group of believers living in a major Greek city known for its commerce and immorality.
3.
GodThe one whom Paul thanks for the grace given to the Corinthians. God is the source of all grace and blessings.
4.
Christ JesusThe means through which God's grace is given. Jesus is central to Paul's message and the Christian faith.
5.
GraceA key theme in this verse, grace refers to the unmerited favor and blessings bestowed by God upon believers.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ThanksgivingPaul models a heart of gratitude, reminding us to regularly thank God for His work in the lives of others.
Recognizing God's GraceAcknowledge that any spiritual growth or blessing in our lives and the lives of others is due to God's grace through Christ.
Unity in ChristDespite the issues in the Corinthian church, Paul begins with thanksgiving, teaching us to focus on the common grace we share in Christ.
Encouragement in CommunityExpressing gratitude for others can strengthen community bonds and encourage fellow believers.
Grace as a FoundationUnderstanding that grace is foundational to our faith helps us remain humble and reliant on God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 1:4?
2.How can we express gratitude for God's grace as Paul does in 1:4?
3.What does "grace given you in Christ Jesus" mean for daily Christian living?
4.How does 1 Corinthians 1:4 connect with Ephesians 2:8 on grace?
5.In what ways can you recognize God's grace in your life today?
6.How can Paul's thanksgiving in 1 Corinthians 1:4 inspire your prayer life?
7.How does 1 Corinthians 1:4 reflect the concept of grace in Christian theology?
8.Why does Paul express gratitude for the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:4?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 1:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1?
11.What defines the incorruptibility of saints?
12.How can we effectively preach the gospel today?
13.How can you speak with grace and thoughtfulness?
14.What is the Gift of Helps?What Does 1 Corinthians 1:4 Mean
I always thank my God• Paul begins with a posture of gratitude, modeling what1 Thessalonians 5:18 commands: “give thanks in every circumstance.”
• The possessive “my God” reveals a personal, covenant relationship (Psalm 18:2). This God is not distant; He is intimately involved with His people.
• Thanksgiving rises naturally when we recall that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).
for you• Paul’s thanks is directed to God but prompted by the believers themselves, echoingPhilippians 1:3: “I thank my God every time I remember you.”
• Even imperfect Christians like the Corinthians are causes for gratitude because they are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).
•2 Thessalonians 1:3 shows the same pattern—Paul thanks God as faith and love grow in His people. Their existence and progress prove God’s faithfulness.
because of the grace• Grace (charis) is unearned favor; it undergirds all spiritual life (Ephesians 2:8-9).
•Titus 2:11 reminds us that “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” Paul’s thanksgiving is rooted in this redemptive gift.
• Grace is not merely pardon but empowering presence (2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you”).
He has given• God is the active Giver; salvation is initiated and completed by Him (John 3:16;Romans 8:32).
• The perfect-tense idea highlights a completed act with ongoing results—believers stand permanently in grace (Romans 5:2).
•James 1:17 again underscores that every spiritual blessing proceeds from the Father of lights.
you in Christ Jesus• All blessings come “in Christ,” our new sphere of life (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• Union with Christ secures every spiritual benefit: election, redemption, inheritance (Ephesians 1:3-7).
•Romans 8:1 affirms, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” displaying the security attached to this union.
summaryPaul’s single sentence overflows with gratitude because God’s grace has permanently altered the Corinthians’ standing “in Christ Jesus.” The apostle’s example urges us to thank our personal, giving God for fellow believers, confident that His grace continues to work powerfully in them and in us.
(4)
I thank my God.--Expressions of thankfulness (
1Corinthians 1:4-9), serving also to secure at the very outset the attention of those to whom the Apostle is writing. He thus shows that he is not blind to, or forgetful of, their good qualities, although this Epistle is specially written to rebuke their present sins; and also that he is not about to utter words of hopeless condemnation, but of wholesome warning. The emphatic use of the singular,
I thank
my God, in contrast to the plural in the previous verses, indicates that St. Paul does not join Sosthenes with him as author of the Epistle, but that it is written in his name alone and with his sole authority.
The grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ.--Better,the grace of God given you in Christ Jesus--i.e., given to you as being in Christ.
Verses 4-9. - The
thanksgiving. The thanksgiving is a feature in almost every Epistle of St. Paul, except the Epistle to the Galatians, in which he plunges at once into severe reprobation.
Verse 4. -
I thank my God. It is probable, from papyrus rolls in the British Museum, that the general form and outline of letters was more or less conventional. In St. Paul, however, this thanksgiving is the natural overflow of a full heart. It was no mere compliment or rhetorical artifice like the
captatio benevolentiae, or endeavouring to win the hearers by flattery, which we find in most ancient speeches.
My God (
Romans 1:8).
Always; that is, constantly; on all occasions of special prayer. He could still thank God for them, though his letter was written "with many tears" (
2 Corinthians 2:4).
For the grace of God. The grace (
χάρις) of spiritual life showing itself in many special spiritual gifts (
χαρίσματα), such as "the gift of tongues."
Which was given you. This is one of St. Paul's "baptismal aorists." He always regards and speaks of the life of the soul as summed up potentially in one supreme moment and crisis - namely, the moment of conversion and baptism. The grace given once was given for ever, and was continually manifested.
In Christ Jesus. St. Paul regarded the life of the Christian as "hid with Christ in God," and of Christ as
being the Christian's life (see
Romans 6:23;
2 Corinthians 4:10, 11;
Colossians 3:3, 4;
2 Timothy 1:1;
1 John 5:11, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
I always thankΕὐχαριστῶ(Eucharistō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2168:From eucharistos; to be grateful, i.e. to express gratitude; specially, to say grace at a meal.myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.GodΘεῷ(Theō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.forπερὶ(peri)Preposition
Strong's 4012:From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.youὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.because ofἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.graceχάριτι(chariti)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485:From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.[He]Θεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.has givenδοθείσῃ(dotheisē)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.youὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.ChristΧριστῷ(Christō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.Jesus.Ἰησοῦ(Iēsou)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.
Links
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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:4 I always thank my God concerning you (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) 
