1 Corinthians 1:6 – “God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues to encourage the Corinthians by reminding them that God has confirmed the truth of the gospel in their lives. The phrase “confirming our testimony about Christ” means that the message Paul and his fellow missionaries preached—the good news about Jesus—was proven to be true by what happened in the lives of the Corinthian believers.

How was it confirmed? Through their changed lives and the spiritual gifts they had received (as seen in the next verses). Their faith, transformation, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their church were proof that the gospel was real and powerful.

This verse also emphasizes that Christianity is not just about words—it is about the power of God at work in people’s lives. The Corinthians had firsthand experience of this power, as they saw how God changed them and how He worked in their church.

Historical Context

Paul had first preached the gospel in Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18). Many in Corinth believed in Jesus, and their lives were changed. However, as time went on, the church struggled with divisions, pride, and moral failures.

Despite these struggles, Paul reminds them that their faith is real because God Himself confirmed it. This was important because some Corinthians were beginning to question Paul’s authority and whether his message was true. Paul’s response is simple: Look at what God has done among you! Their salvation, their growth, and the gifts of the Spirit in their church were all proof that Paul’s message about Christ was from God.

Theological Implications

1. God Confirms His Gospel – The gospel is not just a human idea—it is the truth, and God proves it by changing lives. When people truly come to Christ, there is evidence of transformation.
2. Faith is More Than Words – Christianity is not just about believing the right things—it’s about a real relationship with Jesus that changes us.
3. Spiritual Growth Confirms Salvation – The Corinthians were not perfect, but the fact that they had faith and spiritual gifts showed that they had genuinely received Christ.
4. God’s Work is Ongoing – Even though the Corinthians had problems, Paul still saw them as people in whom God was at work. This shows that God does not abandon His people when they struggle.

Literary Analysis

• “God thus confirming” – This emphasizes that it is God, not Paul or human leaders, who proves the truth of the gospel.
• “Our testimony about Christ” – Paul refers to the gospel message as a testimony—something they had witnessed and shared.
• “Among you” – Paul makes it personal. The Corinthians didn’t just hear about God’s work elsewhere; they had experienced it in their own lives.

This verse serves as a bridge between Paul’s words of thanksgiving and his later discussion of the spiritual gifts the Corinthians had received.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (The gospel is confirmed by its power to save and transform.)
• 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit.” (God confirms His work in believers.)
• Acts 2:32-33 – “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it…he has poured out what you now see and hear.” (The work of the Spirit confirms the truth of Jesus.)
• John 15:26-27 – “The Spirit of truth… will testify about me. And you also must testify.” (The Holy Spirit confirms the gospel.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that our faith is not based on blind belief—God Himself confirms it in our lives. When we look at our own spiritual growth, answered prayers, or how we have been changed by Christ, we see evidence of God’s work.

It also challenges us to be a testimony. Paul and his fellow workers preached Christ, and their words were proven true by the transformation in people’s lives. The same should be true today—our lives should confirm the truth of the gospel to others.

Finally, this verse is an encouragement when doubts arise. Sometimes people wonder, “Is my faith real?” The answer is found in looking at God’s work in our lives. While no Christian is perfect, if we are growing in faith, loving God more, and seeing His power at work, that is proof of His grace.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows that God is not distant—He actively works in the lives of His people to confirm that the gospel is true.

God doesn’t just tell us to believe in Jesus and then leave us to figure things out on our own. Instead, He gives us evidence—through His Word, His Spirit, and the changes He makes in our lives.

His love is also seen in the fact that He doesn’t give up on people, even when they struggle. The Corinthians had many issues, but Paul still recognized that God was at work among them. That is a sign of God’s love and patience.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the heart of this verse because He is the one Paul testified about. The entire message that Paul preached was about Christ—His death, resurrection, and power to save.

• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jesus is the focus of the gospel.)
• Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (The gospel is centered on Jesus.)
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – “Christ died for our sins…he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (Paul’s testimony was about Christ’s death and resurrection.)

Paul’s testimony about Christ was not just words—it was confirmed by the power of Jesus working in the lives of those who believed.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How has God confirmed the gospel in your own life? What changes or experiences show you that your faith is real?
2. Paul talks about the testimony of Christ. How can your life be a testimony of Christ’s power?
3. Do you sometimes doubt your faith? How can remembering God’s work in your life give you confidence?
4. The Corinthians struggled with pride and division, yet Paul still saw God’s work in them. How can we learn to see others through a lens of grace?
5. How can you share your testimony with others to confirm the truth of the gospel in today’s world?

Paul’s words remind us that God’s gospel is real and powerful. He doesn’t just tell us to believe—He proves the truth of Jesus by changing lives.