The Apostle Paul had visited the city of Corinth around two years earlier, sharing his testimony about Christ. The congregation listened and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace in the form of spiritual gifts confirmed that the good news was received. They were enriched in every way -especially with the gifts of speaking and knowledge. Paul, speaking in general terms, thanked God for this grace to the Corinthian congregation in Christ Jesus.
However, in highlighting these two gifts with thanksgiving, Apostle Paul proposed to dwell on the abuse of their speech and knowledge later in the letter, especially since the Corinthians prided themselves on their speech and knowledge (1:20, 3:18, 4:19, 13:1-14:40).
God confirms, or rather gives effect to the gospel in his congregation by our accepting it and setting our seal to the gospel’s truth, through the inward power of his Spirit, and the outward gifts and miracles accompanying it. The gifts, however, can be abused.
The gifts of God, given by the grace of God, that confirm the gospel of Christ when we believe, are many and great, far beyond the lists the apostles give in other letters, just as knowledge is not in any of those lists. Some have but one gift their entire earthly life. Others have more gifts and/or the gifts they have change as they age. Whatever gift is given, whenever it is given through the Holy Spirit, is to be used in humility and fear to edify the church and those who will someday believe. When pride sets in, all is lost, and much harm is done in the end, just as happened to King Saul, who lost the crown and died a humiliating death.
