What does 1 Corinthians 1:9 mean?

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9

Explanation

1 Corinthians 1:9 is a verse that reassures believers of God’s faithfulness and their call into a relationship with Jesus Christ. The verse implies that God is dependable and keeps His promises. It emphasizes that the calling of believers is not based on their merit but on the gracious invitation from God to share in a communal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. It suggests that the purpose of this calling goes beyond individual salvation, encompassing fellowship with Christ, which is a cornerstone of Christian faith.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Corinth. This ancient Greek city was known for its cultural diversity, wealth, and moral laxity. The Corinthian church faced many issues, including division, immorality, and challenges to Paul’s authority. The letter aims to address these problems and to unify the church under the teachings of Jesus Christ. The early Christians faced persecution and needed encouragement, and thus, the reminder of God’s faithfulness and their calling was particularly pertinent.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on several key doctrines:

• Faithfulness of God: This highlights the attribute of God wherein He is seen as true to His word and promises, which is essential for trusting in His salvation and covenants.
• Divine Calling: The concept of divine calling is central to Christian theology, pointing to the idea that individuals are invited by God to enter into a relationship with Him, rather than earning their way into His favor.
• Fellowship with Christ: The fellowship refers to participation in a common life with Jesus, which is an essential aspect of Christian living, denoting a deeper communion and intimacy with Christ.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages believers to:

• Trust in the reliability and faithfulness of God, especially during times of uncertainty or challenge.
• Recognize and live out the calling to be in a relationship with Jesus Christ, understanding that this is an ongoing journey.
• Foster community and unity within the church through the shared fellowship with Christ, working collaboratively as members of one body.

Cross-References

• 2 Timothy 2:13: “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”
• 1 John 1:3: “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
• Ephesians 4:1-3: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Language Study

The key words from the original Greek in this verse include:

• “Faithful” (πιστός – pistos): Meaning trustworthy, reliable, or worthy of trust.
• “Called” (κλητός – klētos): Denotes being invited or summoned, usually by God in a biblical context.
• “Fellowship” (κοινωνία – koinōnia): Refers to communion, fellowship, sharing in common, which in the New Testament often denotes spiritual communion.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The notion of a divine calling and divine faithfulness can be compared to other ancient cultures and religions:

• In ancient Judaism, God’s covenant loyalty, or “chesed,” is a major theme, showing a parallel to the faithfulness of God seen in 1 Corinthians 1:9.
• In Greco-Roman religions, the deities were seen as capricious and not necessarily faithful, contrasting with the steadfastness of the Christian God.
• In other religious traditions, such as Buddhism, the focus may be on personal enlightenment rather than a personal call and relationship with a deity.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly relate to scientific concepts, it does concern the reliability and trustworthiness of God, which could indirectly speak to the order and dependability many perceive in the natural laws of the universe. Some may draw a parallel between the consistency of natural laws and the faithfulness of the Creator who established them.

Commentaries

Commentators have offered various perspectives on 1 Corinthians 1:9:

• John Calvin notes the comfort that this verse brings in affirming God’s faithfulness, especially because it is linked to our connection with Christ.
• The IVP New Testament Commentary Series emphasizes the corporate aspect of God’s call, focusing on the shared life of believers with Christ.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary highlights God’s faithfulness in contrast with human fickleness, calling Christians to be steadfast in their fellowship with Jesus.