1 Corinthians 1:4 – “I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul begins by expressing gratitude to God for the Corinthian believers. Despite the many problems in the Corinthian church—including division, immorality, and confusion over spiritual gifts—Paul still thanks God for them.

His thanksgiving is not based on their behavior but on “his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” This shows that Paul sees them first and foremost as recipients of God’s grace, not just as people with flaws and failures.

Paul’s gratitude also reveals something important about how we should view fellow believers. Even when Christians struggle or make mistakes, we should remember that they are saved by grace, just as we are. Paul’s approach sets the tone for the rest of the letter—before he corrects their issues, he reminds them of the foundation of their faith: God’s grace.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter around A.D. 55 while in Ephesus. The church in Corinth was one he had founded during his second missionary journey (Acts 18). Corinth was a wealthy city known for its immorality, and its culture had crept into the church. There were divisions, lawsuits among believers, and misuse of spiritual gifts.

Yet, Paul does not start with rebuke. Instead, he thanks God for them. This follows a pattern in Paul’s letters—he often begins with gratitude before addressing difficult topics (Philippians 1:3, Colossians 1:3). This approach shows his love for the people he is writing to, even when he has to correct them.

The mention of grace is key. Corinthian believers did not earn their place in God’s family by their good behavior. They were Christians because of God’s undeserved favor given through Jesus Christ.

Theological Implications

1. Salvation is by Grace – Paul does not thank the Corinthians for their good works but thanks God for His grace given to them. This reinforces that salvation is not about human effort but about God’s gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).
2. God’s Grace Transforms People – Even though the Corinthians had many problems, Paul still recognized that God was at work in them. Grace doesn’t just save—it also changes believers over time.
3. A Heart of Gratitude – Paul’s example teaches that gratitude should be a natural response to God’s work. Instead of focusing on frustrations or disappointments with others, we should first recognize God’s grace in their lives.
4. Christ is the Source of Grace – Paul says the Corinthians received grace in Christ Jesus. This means that all spiritual blessings come through a relationship with Jesus.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is intentional:

• “I always thank my God for you” – This shows that Paul’s gratitude is not occasional but consistent.
• “Because of his grace” – Paul’s focus is not on their achievements but on God’s work in them.
• “Given you in Christ Jesus” – Grace is a gift, and it comes specifically through Jesus.

Paul’s words set a warm and encouraging tone before he moves into the more challenging topics in the letter.

Biblical Cross-References

• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Grace is a gift, not earned.)
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” (Grace is ongoing and sustains believers.)
• Romans 5:1-2 – “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Grace comes through Christ alone.)
• Colossians 3:15-17 – “And be thankful… whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Thankfulness should be a habit of believers.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us to see others through the lens of grace. It is easy to focus on people’s mistakes or shortcomings, but Paul’s example teaches us to first recognize the grace of God at work in them.

It also challenges us to develop a heart of gratitude. Many people struggle with complaining, negativity, or dissatisfaction. But Paul demonstrates that even in a church with serious problems, there is still a reason to be thankful—because God’s grace is at work.

This verse also reassures us that God’s grace is not just for the “perfect” Christian. The Corinthians had struggles, yet they were still recipients of grace. If God was patient with them, He is patient with us as well.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s love in a powerful way. He doesn’t give up on His people, even when they fail. Instead of condemning the Corinthians, Paul highlights the grace that God has given them. This shows that God’s love is persistent—He doesn’t abandon us when we struggle, but continues to work in our lives.

God’s love is also seen in the fact that He gives grace freely. He is not waiting for people to be perfect before He blesses them. His love moves Him to offer grace first, knowing that His grace will eventually shape and transform His people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse because grace is given through Him.

• John 1:17 – “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (Jesus is the source of grace.)
• Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” (Jesus brought grace into the world.)
• Romans 3:24 – “And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Salvation is a work of Christ’s grace.)

Paul is thanking God because Jesus made grace possible. Without Christ, there would be no grace, no forgiveness, and no transformation.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. When you think of fellow believers, do you focus more on their faults or on God’s grace at work in them?
2. Paul was grateful even for a church with serious problems. How can you develop a habit of gratitude in your own life?
3. How does this verse challenge the idea that we have to earn God’s approval?
4. In what ways have you experienced God’s grace in your own life?
5. How does knowing that grace comes through Christ Jesus impact your faith and daily walk with Him?

Paul’s words remind us that God’s grace is the foundation of our faith, and thankfulness should be our response. Instead of being discouraged by our struggles or the struggles of others, we can take heart—because God’s grace is still at work.