1 Corinthians 1:6

Letters to the Faithful - 1 Corinthians 1:6

Berean Standard Bible

because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.

King James Bible

Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

Greek Text:

καθὼς τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐβεβαιώθη ἐν ὑμῖν

Transliteration:

Kathōs to martyrion tou Christou ebebaiōthē en hymin.

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because our testimony about Christ

The phrase "our testimony about Christ" refers to the apostolic witness and preaching of the Gospel by Paul and his companions. This testimony is rooted in the historical events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The apostles were eyewitnesses to these events, and their testimony is foundational to the Christian faith (Acts 1:8, 1 John 1:1-3). The term "testimony" underscores the legal and authoritative nature of their witness, akin to a courtroom setting where truth is established by reliable witnesses. This testimony is not just a recounting of events but a proclamation of the transformative power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16).

was confirmed in you

The confirmation of the testimony in the Corinthians is evidenced by the spiritual gifts and transformation in their lives (1 Corinthians 1:7, 2 Corinthians 5:17). This confirmation is both an internal witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16) and an external manifestation of changed lives and spiritual gifts (Galatians 5:22-23). The word "confirmed" suggests a process of validation and strengthening, indicating that the Corinthians' faith was not based on mere words but on the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). This transformation serves as a testament to the truth of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in the believers' lives, fulfilling the promise of Jesus that His followers would do greater works (John 14:12).

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1 Corinthians 1:6, which states, “even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you,” is a significant verse in the opening chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, encapsulating the assurance of God’s work in establishing the gospel’s truth within the Corinthian church. Situated within Paul’s introductory thanksgiving (1 Corinthians 1:4-9), this verse underscores the divine confirmation of the message about Jesus and its transformative impact on the believers. To fully unpack its meaning, we must explore its literary context, theological implications, cultural and historical background, and enduring relevance, while also considering its connections to the broader biblical narrative and its encouragement for believers to trust in God’s faithful work.

The verse appears in Paul’s greeting to the Corinthian church, a community he founded around 50-51 CE during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-11). In the verses preceding 1:6, Paul expresses gratitude for the grace given to the Corinthians through Christ, noting their enrichment in speech and knowledge (1:4-5). Verse 6 serves as a hinge, explaining how the “testimony about Christ” (Greek *marturion tou Christou*, the witness or proclamation of Christ) was confirmed among them, providing the basis for their spiritual gifts and assurance of salvation. The term “testimony” refers to the gospel message Paul preached, centered on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The verb “confirmed” (Greek *ebebaiōthē*, to establish or make firm) suggests a divine act of validation, indicating that God Himself authenticated the gospel’s truth in the Corinthians’ experience, likely through visible signs such as spiritual gifts, conversions, and transformed lives.

The phrase “among you” emphasizes the communal impact of the gospel, as the Corinthian church, despite its later divisions and issues (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, 3:1-4), received and responded to the message. This confirmation is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic reality, evidenced by the spiritual gifts mentioned in verse 5 and further elaborated in chapters 12-14. The verse connects to Paul’s broader argument in 1:4-9, where he assures the Corinthians of God’s faithfulness in sustaining them until Christ’s return (1:8-9). By grounding their faith in the confirmed testimony of Christ, Paul sets the stage for addressing their spiritual immaturity and divisions, reminding them of the divine foundation of their community.

Literarily, 1 Corinthians 1:6 functions as a transitional statement within Paul’s thanksgiving, linking the Corinthians’ spiritual blessings to the gospel’s authenticity. The verse’s concise structure—focusing on the testimony and its confirmation—mirrors Paul’s rhetorical strategy of affirming the church’s identity in Christ before correcting their errors. Its placement in the opening chapter establishes a theological framework for the letter, emphasizing that the gospel’s power, not human wisdom or status, is the basis for the church’s existence (1:18-31). The use of “testimony” echoes legal language, evoking the idea of a trustworthy witness, which aligns with Paul’s later emphasis on the cross as the core of his message (1:17-18). The verse also foreshadows the theme of spiritual gifts, which Paul addresses in detail later, showing how God’s confirmation manifests in tangible ways.

Culturally and historically, the verse reflects the context of the Corinthian church, a diverse community in a bustling Greco-Roman city known for its wealth, immorality, and intellectual pride. Corinth’s cosmopolitan environment, with its mix of Jews, Greeks, and Romans, fostered philosophical debates and religious pluralism, as seen in the Corinthians’ fascination with eloquent wisdom (1:17, 2:1-5). Paul’s emphasis on the “testimony about Christ” being confirmed counters the cultural tendency to value human rhetoric over divine truth. The Corinthians’ reception of spiritual gifts, such as tongues and prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:7-10), would have been a striking confirmation of the gospel in a city where spiritual experiences were often sought in pagan cults. Written around 53-55 CE from Ephesus, Paul’s letter addresses a church struggling with factionalism and moral lapses, making the reminder of God’s confirmation a call to unity and fidelity to the gospel.

Theologically, 1 Corinthians 1:6 underscores God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in establishing the truth of the gospel. The confirmation of the testimony about Christ points to divine authentication, possibly through the Holy Spirit’s work, as seen in Acts 1:5 (previously discussed), where the Spirit empowers the church’s witness. The verse affirms that the gospel’s effectiveness is not dependent on human effort but on God’s power, a theme Paul develops in 2:4-5, where he attributes his preaching’s success to the Spirit’s demonstration. Theologically, this connects to the broader biblical narrative of God validating His message through signs, such as the Exodus miracles (Exodus 7-12) or-discrimination Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:32). The verse also highlights the communal nature of salvation, as the gospel’s confirmation shapes the Corinthian church into a community called to reflect Christ’s glory, despite their imperfections.

In relation to other scriptures, 1 Corinthians 1:6 resonates with John 1:17’s emphasis on the revelation of Christ, though John focuses on grace and truth, while Paul emphasizes the gospel’s confirmation through spiritual gifts. It parallels Acts 1:5’s promise of the Holy Spirit, as both texts highlight divine empowerment for witness, and echoes Romans 1:19’s theme of God’s self-revelation, though Romans focuses on creation while 1 Corinthians emphasizes the gospel. The verse also connects to Luke 1:17’s call to prepare a people for the Lord, as the confirmed testimony equips the Corinthians for their mission. Unlike Ezekiel 1:6’s cosmic vision, 1 Corinthians 1:6 grounds divine confirmation in the lived experience of the church, aligning with Matthew 1:20’s theme of divine guidance through revelation.

In a modern context, 1 Corinthians 1:6 speaks to the assurance of God’s work in believers’ lives, even amidst division or spiritual immaturity. The confirmation of the gospel challenges contemporary Christians to trust in the truth of Christ’s message, evidenced by the Spirit’s work in their communities, whether through gifts, transformed lives, or answered prayers. In a world valuing intellectual prowess or charisma, the verse reminds believers that the gospel’s power lies in God’s confirmation, not human eloquence, echoing Paul’s later rejection of worldly wisdom (1:18-25). The communal focus of “among you” encourages churches to foster unity and recognize the Spirit’s gifts as evidence of God’s presence, addressing issues of division or competition in modern congregations. The verse also invites reflection on how God confirms His truth today, whether through Scripture, community, or personal transformation.

The verse’s relevance extends to individual faith, encouraging believers to seek evidence of God’s work in their lives as confirmation of the gospel’s truth. In a skeptical or pluralistic culture, 1 Corinthians 1:6 offers assurance that God authenticates His message, calling believers to proclaim Christ with confidence. The emphasis on divine confirmation challenges reliance on human effort, inviting trust in God’s faithfulness to sustain His people, as promised in 1:8-9. This connects to Isaiah 1:17’s call to live justly in response to God’s revelation, as the confirmed testimony empowers ethical living and mission.

Ultimately, 1 Corinthians 1:6 is a powerful affirmation of God’s faithfulness in establishing the gospel’s truth within the church. It reveals a God who actively confirms His message, equipping believers with spiritual gifts and assurance for their calling. The verse invites readers to trust in the divine authentication of the gospel, to embrace their role in God’s mission, and to live as a unified community reflecting Christ’s glory. Its enduring power lies in its assurance that the testimony about Christ is not a human construct but a divinely confirmed reality, calling all believers to faith, unity, and bold witness in a divided world.

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Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to God continually for you, beloved, because of the grace of God that has been poured out upon you in Christ Jesus. It is with joy and a deep sense of responsibility that I write to you concerning the glorious work of the gospel in your lives.

It is written: *“Because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.”* This is a word of great significance, worthy of our careful meditation. For the Apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit, speaks not of a message merely preached, nor of a philosophy merely accepted, but of a testimony confirmed—a truth made manifest, a reality established, a life transformed.

Consider what this means. The message of Christ crucified and risen is proclaimed to all, yet its true confirmation lies not in eloquent words nor in persuasive arguments, but in the visible and lasting fruit it produces in those who receive it. The testimony about Christ is confirmed when lives are changed, when hearts are made new, when a community of believers arises, marked by the power of the Holy Spirit and the character of the Son of God.

Beloved, this confirmation is both a gift and a calling. It is a gift because it is the work of God alone. No human effort can produce the inward transformation that testifies to the reality of Christ. It is the Spirit who convicts, who regenerates, who sanctifies. Yet it is also a calling, for we are charged to live in such a way that the testimony about Christ continues to be confirmed in us—not merely in the moment of our conversion, but throughout the whole course of our lives.

Therefore, I urge you to examine your lives in light of this truth. Is the testimony of Christ being confirmed in you? Does the manner of your living, the posture of your heart, and the conduct of your relationships bear witness to the reality of the risen Lord? The world does not need another argument; it needs living epistles, men and women whose lives proclaim, *“Christ is alive!”*.

This confirmation is seen, first, in the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—these are not natural virtues, but supernatural evidence of Christ’s life within us. They are the unmistakable marks of a heart submitted to His lordship. Pursue these qualities diligently, not in your own strength, but in dependence upon the Spirit who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.

It is also seen in the unity of the body. The gospel breaks down dividing walls and creates one new humanity in Christ. Therefore, let there be no divisions among you, but be perfectly united in mind and thought. Let love govern your interactions. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Bear one another’s burdens. In this way, the testimony of Christ is confirmed in the midst of a watching world that longs to see true community.

Furthermore, the confirmation of the testimony is seen in boldness for witness. You were not saved to remain silent. The same Spirit who confirmed the message in you now sends you to confirm it in others. Speak of Christ—both through your words and through your deeds. Proclaim His death and resurrection. Share your testimony. Live in such a way that others are drawn to inquire about the hope that is within you.

Beloved, be mindful also that this confirmation must be ongoing. There is no standing still in the Christian life. The Spirit who began a good work in you desires to bring it to completion. Do not rest on past experiences or former zeal. Press on. Seek to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hunger for His Word. Pursue intimacy with Him in prayer. Let every season of your life be marked by fresh evidence of His transforming power.

I would also remind you that trials and suffering play a vital role in this process. The testimony of Christ is often most powerfully confirmed not in ease, but in endurance; not in prosperity, but in perseverance; not in applause, but in faithfulness amid adversity. When you walk through the fire and your faith remains firm, when you suffer yet still rejoice, when you are wronged yet still forgive—then the world sees that Christ is indeed alive in you.

Finally, remember that this confirmation is not for your glory, but for His. The aim is not that others should marvel at you, but that they should be drawn to Him. Let your life be a window through which others behold the beauty of the Savior. Live so that at the end, when you stand before Him, it may be said of you, *“The testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.”*

Therefore, beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Let your life be a living testimony to the truth of the gospel. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ continue to strengthen you, that His testimony may be confirmed ever more fully in you, to the praise of His glorious name.

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before His glorious presence with great joy—to the only wise God our Savior—be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore. Amen.

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Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One who was, who is, and who is to come, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence. You are the eternal King, the Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth, the Author of life and the Redeemer of souls. We bless Your holy name, for You have not left us in darkness but have revealed Yourself through Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whom all the fullness of God dwells bodily.

O Father, we give thanks that the testimony about Christ—the glorious gospel of His death, resurrection, and exaltation—has been proclaimed in all the earth and is being confirmed in the hearts of Your people. We rejoice that the message of the cross is not a mere philosophy or a relic of ancient thought, but the very power of God unto salvation for all who believe.

We thank You, Lord, that this testimony has been confirmed in us—not by our own efforts or merit, but by Your sovereign grace. You have awakened us from spiritual death. You have opened our eyes to behold the beauty of Christ. You have written Your law upon our hearts. You have sealed us with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance. Truly, O God, we are living witnesses that the testimony about Christ is true.

Yet, O Lord, we confess that we are ever in need of Your sustaining grace. The testimony about Christ must not be confirmed in us only once, but continually—day by day, season by season, year by year. We pray, therefore, that the life of Christ would be formed ever more fully within us. Let His mind govern our thoughts. Let His love permeate our relationships. Let His holiness mark our conduct. Let His power embolden our witness.

Father, in a world where many suppress the truth in unrighteousness, let us be a people in whom the testimony of Christ is unmistakable. Let our lives be living letters, read by all, proclaiming that Jesus is alive and reigning. Let those who encounter us encounter the aroma of Christ—an aroma of life to those being saved, though it be an aroma of death to those who are perishing.

We ask, O God, that You would deepen the confirmation of this testimony in every area of our lives. In our homes, may Christ be honored as Lord. In our marriages, may His love be reflected. In our parenting, may His wisdom and patience abound. In our workplaces, may His integrity and excellence shine forth. In our churches, may His unity and compassion reign.

Holy Spirit, we invite You to search us and refine us. Where the testimony of Christ in us is weak or compromised, bring conviction and correction. Where it is strong, grant perseverance and joy. Let there be no area of our lives where Christ is not enthroned. Let no hidden sin tarnish the witness we bear. Let no fear or complacency silence our proclamation.

Lord Jesus, You are worthy of a people whose lives adorn the gospel. You are worthy of a church radiant with Your glory. Therefore, we surrender ourselves afresh to You. Cleanse us. Empower us. Transform us. Use us to display the riches of Your grace to a watching world.

And Father, we pray for those among us and around us in whom this testimony has not yet been confirmed. For those who have heard but not believed, for those who have professed but not truly known, for those who have grown cold or wandered far—O God, let the light of the gospel break forth. Draw them to repentance. Awaken faith. Establish them firmly in Christ, that they too may bear witness to His saving power.

We also pray for the global church, for our brothers and sisters in every nation. May the testimony about Christ be confirmed with power across the earth. In places of persecution, grant boldness and endurance. In places of apathy, grant revival and zeal. In places of growth, grant wisdom and humility. Let the knowledge of the glory of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.

Finally, we look forward with longing to the day when the testimony about Christ will be confirmed in its fullness—when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Until that day, keep us faithful. Keep us joyful. Keep us steadfast in hope.

All glory be to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forevermore. Amen.