The speech
and knowledge
of 1 Corinthians 1:5 do not refer to special spiritual gifts, which will be the focus of chapters 1 Corinthians 12:1 – 14:40. In 1 Corinthians 1:6, Paul connects the Corinthians’ speech and knowledge with the testimony about Christ.
The Corinthians had accepted this testimony, the message of the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:18), when it had come to them through the apostles. Like Paul, they also came to know Jesus Christ and him crucified
(1 Corinthians 2:2). Through this message and this knowledge, they have been enriched beyond measure.
In the Greek text of this verse, the name Christ
is preceded by the definite article (the
). In this way, emphasis is placed on Christ’s office. He is the Christ (Anointed One
) of God.
6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you