What does 1 Corinthians 8:6 mean?

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. 1 Corinthians 8:6

Explanation

1 Corinthians 8:6 presents a concise yet profound theological statement about the nature of God and the Lord Jesus Christ within the context of Christian belief. The verse is often interpreted to distinguish between the roles of God the Father and Jesus Christ, while affirming their unity in the Christian faith.

The verse begins with an acknowledgment of monotheism – “But to us there is but one God, the Father…” This assertion establishes that for Christians, there is only one God. The phrase “of whom are all things” signifies that God is the source and origin of everything that exists. The relational statement “and we in him” indicates that believers have their existence and life in relationship with God.

The verse then introduces the coordination of Jesus Christ in the divine economy: “and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” This phrase suggests that Jesus Christ has an instrumental role in creation and redemption – as the agent through whom all things were made and through whom believers have their being. Despite the apparent functional differentiation, the use of “one” before both “God” and “Lord” indicates a unified belief system that does not compromise the foundational Christian concept of monotheism.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians is an epistle (letter) written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. During the mid-first century AD, Corinth was a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population and a wide array of cultural and religious influences, including Judaism, Hellenism, and various mystery religions.

Conflict and confusion about religious practices and beliefs were not uncommon within this nascent Christian community. The Corinthian Christians were grappling with issues stemming from their conversion from a predominantly polytheistic society to Christianity. In this context, Paul was addressing specific controversies within the Corinthian church, such as idol worship and the consequent debate about eating food that had been sacrificed to idols, which is the broader context of chapter 8.

Theological Insights

The verse has been central to discussions on the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which asserts that God exists as three distinct persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) but is one being. Some theologians emphasize the functional distinctions between the Father and Son presented in this verse, while others stress their unity within the Godhead.

Additionally, this verse provides foundational support for the doctrine of Christ’s pre-existence and his role in creation, aligning with the prologue of the Gospel of John (John 1:1-3), which attests to the active participation of the Word (Logos) in creating the world.

Practical Applications

On a personal level, this verse encourages believers to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of their existence and sustainer of life. Recognizing Jesus Christ as the means by which we relate to God can provide a model for humility and dependency on divine grace.

In a broader community sense, 1 Corinthians 8:6 can promote unity among Christians by focusing on fundamental beliefs about God and Christ despite differences in non-essential doctrines or denominational affiliations.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:”
• John 1:3: “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
• Colossians 1:16: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”
• Ephesians 4:5-6: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Language Study

The original Greek terms used in this passage offer nuances that can further elucidate the meanings:

• “Theos” (Θεός) for God refers to the deity, the supreme Divinity in Christian theology, usually associated with God the Father.
• “Eis” (εἷς) means “one,” emphasizing the singular nature of God in the Christian faith.
• “Kurios” (Κύριος) for Lord refers to one who has authority and dominion, used in the Greek Septuagint to translate the Hebrew name for God, YHWH, and used in the New Testament for Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman world, a plethora of gods and lords were worshipped, and the concept of many gods was the norm. Paul’s statement is countercultural and serves to affirm the uniqueness of the Christian God in contrast to the polytheism of the age.

Comparison with other ancient monotheistic religions, such as Judaism, reveals both similarities and distinctions. Judaism holds to the belief in one God but does not accept the Christian view of Jesus Christ’s divinity and role.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly engage with scientific ideas, but the mention of “all things” created by God and through Jesus Christ can intersect with scientific discussions about the origins of the universe, life, and the laws of nature. The role of a divine creator and sustainer has been a point of discussion and sometimes contention between science and theology.

Commentaries

Commentaries often highlight the verse’s significance in affirming Christian monotheism and refuting the polytheistic context of the Corinthian church. They may also note Paul’s pastoral intent to guide the Corinthian Christians toward a proper understanding of their faith, distinct from pagan practices and beliefs.

Renowned commentators such as Matthew Henry and John Wesley remarked on the strong doctrinal affirmations found in this text. Henry sees it as a call to recognize God’s sovereign role as Creator and Father, and Wesley draws attention to the equal honor bestowed on Jesus Christ, recognizing his integral role in the creation and maintenance of all things.