1 Corinthians 1:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 1:2
2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 1 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, discipleship, righteousness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 1:2
2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:
Analysis
To them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints (hegiasmenos ἡγιασμένοις ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, kletois hagiois κλητοῖς ἁγίοις)—Despite their carnality and divisions, the Corinthians are positionally sanctified (set apart) by union with Christ. The term hagiois ("saints," holy ones) is not a title for moral heroes but the normal designation for all believers. Paul uses kletos ("called") again: they are saints by divine calling, not by achievement.
With all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord—The church at Corinth is not autonomous but part of the universal body of Christ. This global perspective will inform Paul's rebuke of their parochialism and factionalism. To call upon the name (epikaleo to onoma, ἐπικαλέω τὸ ὄνομα) is cultic language: invoking Christ as Lord is worship reserved for deity, implicitly affirming His divinity.
Historical Context
The Corinthian church was planted around AD 51-52 during Paul's 18-month stay (Acts 18:1-11). The congregation included both Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, wealthy patrons and the poor—a volatile social mix that contributed to the divisions Paul addresses. The phrase "in every place" reminds them that despite Corinth's cosmopolitan pride, they are part of a global, Christ-centered movement, not just a local social club.
Reflection
- How does Paul's use of "sanctified" and "saints" for the flawed Corinthians challenge perfectionism in Christian identity?
- What does it mean practically to be part of a global church rather than viewing your local congregation as autonomous?
- How does the practice of "calling upon the name of Jesus Christ" as Lord imply His deity and our total dependence?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References Jesus: 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 4:5
- Holy: Acts 26:18, Romans 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 4:7
- Parallel theme: Acts 9:14