ledge, that is, in every kind and degree of religious knowledge. This interpretation gives a good sense, and is the one very generally adopted. The word (Xdyos) translated utterance, may however be taken in the sense of doctrine, and the word (yvwo-ts) translated knowledge, in the sense of insight. The meaning would then be, that the church in Corinth was rich- ly endowed with divine truth, and with clear apprehension or understanding of the doctrines which they had been taught. They were second to no other church either as to doctrinal knowledge or spiritual discernment. Adyos, according to this view, is the truth preached ; yvwcrts, the truth apprehended. — Meyer.
6. Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you.
Even as, i. e. because, inasmuch as. They were thus en- riched, because the testimony of Christ, that is, the gospel, was confirmed among them. The gospel is called the * testimony of Christ,' either because it is the testimony concerning God and divine things, which Christ bore ; or because it is the testi- mony which the apostles bore concerning Christ. Either ex- planation is agreeable to the analogy of the Scripture. Christ is called the true witness ; and is said to have borne witness of the truth. Compare John 3, 11. 32. 33. 8, 13. 14. On the other hand, the apostles are frequently called the witnesses of Christ, and are said to have borne testimony concerning him. The gospel, therefore, is, in one view, the testimony which Christ bore ; and, in another, the testimony which the apos- tles bore concerning him. The former is the higher, and therefore, the better sense. It is good to contemplate the gospel as that system of truth which the eternal Logos, or Revealer, has made known.
Was confirmed i?i you. This may mean either, was firmly established among you; or was firmly estabhshed in your faith. The gospel was demonstrated by the Holy Spirit to be true, and was firmly settled in their conviction. This firm faith was then, as it is now, the necessary condition of the en- joyment of the blessings by which the gospel is attended. Therefore the apostle adds,
7. So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.