Commentary on 1 Corinthians

Theodoret of Cyrus (393–458)

Paul is saying in effect: "You Corinthians have been called by men, but I have been called by God." I think that Sosthenes was a Corinthian. He is mentioned in Acts [18:17], where Luke says that in the time of Gallio the Greeks arrested him and beat him.

Everything Paul mentions here is meant to be a remedy for the disease of schism. They are meant to heal division and display the church's unity.

Paul says that Christ is their benefactor as well as the Father, demonstrating that the two are one.

Paul takes care to sweeten their ears before starting to admonish them. What he says is true, however: He gives thanks to God because of the gifts which have been given to them.

By saying that he hopes that they will be guiltless in the day of Christ Jesus, Paul is indicating that right now they are guilty.

Paul was right to add the name of Christ here, because that is what the Corinthians were really rejecting.

Perhaps there was a family at Corinth called Chloe, but Paul does not give any details so as not to reveal their identity and start more quarreling.

See also

• More works by Theodoret of Cyrus

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