What does 1 Corinthians 1:7 mean?

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1 Corinthians 1:7

Explanation

1 Corinthians 1:7 speaks to the spiritual readiness and the blessings of spiritual gifts amongst the followers of Jesus Christ in Corinth. The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church, praising them for the spiritual gifts they have received. “So that ye come behind in no gift” implies that the Corinthians are fully equipped with spiritual gifts and lacking in nothing. The second half of the verse, “waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” refers to the eager anticipation of Christ’s return, which is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology. The verse conveys the idea that the believers should live in a state of readiness for Jesus Christ’s second coming, utilizing the gifts they have been given for the glory of God in the interim.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 55. He authored this epistle to address various issues in the Corinthian church. Corinth was a vibrant, cosmopolitan city in ancient Greece, with a diverse population and many religious influences. The letter touches on various topics including divisions within the church, moral disorder, and the misuse of spiritual gifts. It was intended to guide the new believers in Corinth, who had been exposed to pagan worship and philosophies, to live life in Christ authentically and with purpose.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse accentuates the notion of ‘charisma’ or the gifts of grace bestowed by the Holy Spirit. These gifts are believed to empower the church for service and for the edification of the body of Christ. The verse also underscores the concept of ‘Parousia,’ the second coming of Christ, an event that early Christians expected in their lifetimes. The verse can be interpreted differently among various denominations. Charismatic and Pentecostal Christians may focus on the spiritual gifts aspect, while other mainline Protestants might emphasize living in an attitude of readiness for the return of Christ.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse encourages believers to actively use their spiritual gifts in service to one another and in their communities. It also motivates them to lead lives of holiness and anticipation of Jesus’ return. This can manifest in the form of community service, supporting church activities, and being involved in charity and evangelism. The attitude of preparedness is relevant to moral conduct, as believers are called to live each day as if it were the day before Christ’s return.

Cross-References

• Romans 12:6-8: Discusses various spiritual gifts and emphasizes using them according to the grace given to us.
• 1 Peter 4:10: Advises believers to use whatever gift they have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:6: Encourages vigilance and soberness, as believers await Christ’s return.

Language Study

In the original Greek:

• “come behind” (ὑστερέω – hustereo): To be lacking or deficient.
• “gift” (χάρισμα – charisma): A favor with which one receives without any merit of their own; the gift of divine grace.
• “waiting” (ἀπεκδέχομαι – apekdechomai): To await eagerly or expectantly.
• “coming” (ἀποκάλυψις – apokalypsis): Literally means revelation, often referring to the revealing or unveiling—used here for the return of Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within Jewish messianic expectations, the coming of a savior or anointed one was anticipated, though the concept differed from the Christian understanding of the coming of Jesus Christ. In ancient mythology, there isn’t a direct parallel but various cultures had myths of gods or heroes who would return or bring about a new age. Comparatively, the Christian belief in the Parousia of Christ holds a unique space where the return is both an end to the present age and the beginning of an eternal, divine kingdom.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not typically intersect directly with theological and eschatological ideas such as the spiritual gifts or the second coming of Christ. These are matters of faith and belief rather than empirical evidence. However, the psychological effect of belief in an imminent return of Christ and the proactive use of one’s abilities for the common good may have positive impacts on community cohesion and individual purposefulness, which can be studied scientifically.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentators have interpreted this verse within the wider context of Paul’s writing to the Corinthians. Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes the Apostle’s commendation of the Corinthian believers for their enrichment in Christ, in all speech and knowledge. John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes highlight that the Corinthians came behind in no gift, meaning they were endowed with the utmost variety of spiritual gifts. The commentary also emphasizes the importance of waiting for the “revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ” as a critical virtue for the church. Meanwhile, the Pulpit Commentary stresses that the gifts are but a preparation for Christ’s second coming, and believers must use them faithfully. These views highlight the balance between celebrating spiritual empowerment and maintaining a forward-looking anticipation for the fulfillment of God’s promise.