First Corinthians 1–4: Vocabulary Flashcards (ENGLISH)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from 1 Corinthians 1–4, drawn from the Reina-Valera 1960 notes.

Apostle

A messenger sent with authority; Paul is described as ‘called to be an apostle’ by the will of God (1 Cor 1:1).

Saints (Sanctified)

Believers set apart for God; the church in Corinth is sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy (1 Cor 1:2).

Grace

Divine favor and blessing given to believers; part of the greeting to the church (1 Cor 1:3).

Peace

Shalom or well-being from God the Father and Jesus Christ; part of the greeting (1 Cor 1:3).

Spiritual Gifts

Divine empowerments given to believers by the Spirit; nothing lacking in gifts for the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:7).

Word of the Cross

Message of crucifixion; seen as foolishness to some, but the power of God to those who are being saved (1 Cor 1:18).

Power of God

Divine enabling displayed through the gospel; Jesus is the power of God for believers (1 Cor 1:24).

Wisdom of God

Divine wisdom that transcends worldly wisdom; Christ as power and wisdom for believers (1 Cor 1:24).

Called (Jews and Greeks)

The diverse groups called to faith in Christ; Christ is to both Jews and Greeks the power and wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24).

Mind of Christ

A Christ-centered mindset given to believers, enabling discernment (1 Cor 2:16).

Natural Man

The unregenerate person who cannot grasp spiritual truths without the Spirit (1 Cor 2:14).

Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power

Gospel proclaimed not with human wisdom but by the Spirit’s power (1 Cor 2:4–5).

Spirit Searches All Things

The Spirit reveals and discerns the depths of God (1 Cor 2:10).

Having the Mind of Christ

Believers possess discernment through the Spirit, not human wisdom (1 Cor 2:16).

Temple of God

Believers are God’s temple, and God’s Spirit dwells in them (1 Cor 3:16).

Foundation/Building Materials

Church foundation is Christ; builders use gold, silver, precious stones or wood, hay, stubble (1 Cor 3:12).

Fire Test of Works

Works are tried by fire; if burned, the builder suffers loss though the believer may be saved (1 Cor 3:15).

Ministers/Servants

Believers are administrators/servants of Christ’s mysteries; trustworthy stewards (1 Cor 4:1–2).

Judgment by the Lord

The believer’s ministry and motives are judged by the Lord, not by people (1 Cor 4:3–5).

Kingdom of God: Power, Not Words

God’s rule is demonstrated in power rather than persuasive human speech (1 Cor 4:20).

Unity and One Mind

Believers should be of one mind, avoiding divisions (1 Cor 1:10).

Corinth as a Roman Colony

A wealthy, cosmopolitan city refounded as a Roman colony; diverse population and imperial influence. (Context in notes.)

Isthmian Games

Major athletic festival near Corinth; Paul uses race and crown imagery to illustrate Christian perseverance (context in 1–4 notes).

Afrodita Cult

Pagan cult in Corinth involving temple prostitution; presents a moral challenge to Christians (context in notes).

Honor/Patronage Culture

Social system shaping status and loyalties; Paul challenges these patterns to stress equality in Christ (context in notes).

Freedmen (Liberti)

Former slaves who gained freedom; part of Corinth’s diverse social fabric (context in notes).

Jews and Greeks in the Church

A culturally mixed community; the gospel addresses both groups and navigates dietary, circumcision, and religious practices (context in notes).