I Corinthians 1:4
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I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
He puts the causes for praise and hope among them in the foreground, not to discourage them by the succeeding reproof, and in order to appeal to their better selves. my God-- (Rom 1:8; Phi 1:3). always--(Compare Phi 1:4). the grace . . . given you--(Compare Co1 1:7). by . . . Christ--literally, "IN Jesus Christ" given you as members in Christ.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. The preface or introduction to the whole epistle (Co1 1:1-9). II. One principal occasion of writing it hinted, namely, their divisions and the origin of them (Co1 1:10-13). III. An account of Paul's ministry among them, which was principally preaching the gospel (Co1 1:14-17). IV. The manner wherein he preached the gospel, and the different success of it, with an account how admirably it was fitted to bring glory to God and beat down the pride and vanity of men (Co1 1:17 to the end).
Open source ↗1:4-9 Paul thanks God for the spiritual gifts he sees in the lives of the Corinthian Christians and expresses his confidence that God will keep them safe to the end. 1:4 now that you belong to Christ Jesus (literally in Christ Jesus): Paul frequently uses the phrase in Christ Jesus to refer to the saving relationship believers have with Christ (e.g., Rom 3:24; Gal 2:4; Eph 3:6).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.
When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me.
And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—
But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed.
I and the Father are one.”
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.