1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Gratulatory Exordium, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 .

Before unfolding to the Corinthians their errors of practice and doctrine, Paul, in the exordium, touches briefly upon their brighter points. And this favourable description must not be viewed as a flattery, or an unreality, or a contradiction to the reproofs that follow, but a truthful view which the apostle rejoiced to give. They were, in spite of defects, a true Christian, apostolic Church. The apostle’s commendations, however, are merely general, allowing ample exceptions; and he dwells more fully on their charismatic endowments, and less on their sanctified graces, than in some other of his epistles.