1 Corinthians 1:5-10

In every thing. God had greatly blessed the Corinthian believers. He had rescued them from the grossly corrupt environment in which they lived, raised them from the depths of vice and sin that do not bear description, and unstintingly conferred upon them spiritual gifts so that they came “behind in no gift” (v. 7). Thus abundant provision, far beyond actual needs, had been made, so that the church had no excuse for backsliding and apostasy. Compare 2 Cor. 9:11. Utterance. Gr. logos, generally meaning “word,” but designating also the expression of that word. Here it probably denotes the ability to express oneself freely and clearly concerning all true knowledge. The gift is probably the same as that designated “the word of wisdom” (logos sophias) in ch. 12:8. Knowledge. Gr. gnosis, from which the words “gnostic,” “agnostic,” etc., are derived. For a discussion of this gift see on ch. 12:8. Knowledge is an essential foundation for Christian faith. The basic facts concerning the existence of God and the plan of salvation must be understood by those who desire to become Christians. It was necessary that there be those in the church who could impart such knowledge. Paul prided himself in the possession of the gift (2 Cor. 11:6). By some in Corinth the gift was perverted (1 Cor. 8).