1 Corinthians 1:2

My Notes

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:2 Mean?

Paul addresses his letter to a specific group with a universal reach: 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 theirs and ours.

The church of God which is at Corinth — the church belongs to God, not to Corinth. The location is incidental. The ownership is divine. Despite all of Corinth's problems (divisions, immorality, lawsuits, doctrinal confusion), Paul still calls them the church of God. Their failures do not revoke God's ownership.

Sanctified in Christ Jesus — sanctified (hagiasmenois) is a perfect passive participle: having been sanctified — a completed action with ongoing results. The Corinthians are not gradually becoming sanctified. They have been sanctified — set apart by God's action in Christ. Their positional holiness is established even while their practical holiness is a work in progress.

Called to be saints (kletois hagiois) — literally 'called saints' or 'called holy ones.' They are not called to become saints through effort. They are called saints — it is their identity by virtue of God's calling. The sainthood is a gift of calling, not an achievement of performance.

With all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord — the letter expands beyond Corinth. Paul writes to the Corinthians and to every believer everywhere who calls on Christ. The local church is connected to the universal church. What Paul writes to Corinth applies to every place.

Both theirs and ours — Christ belongs to both the Corinthians and Paul's group. The Lord is shared. The ownership is mutual. No single community possesses Christ exclusively.

Reflection Questions

• 1.What does it mean that Paul calls the Corinthians 'the church of God' despite their many failures?
• 2.How does being 'sanctified in Christ Jesus' as a completed action change the way you understand your identity?
• 3.What is the difference between being 'called saints' and trying to become one through performance?
• 4.How does knowing this letter addresses 'all that in every place call upon Christ' connect you to the universal church?

Devotional

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth. God's church. In Corinth — one of the most morally chaotic cities in the ancient world. A church riddled with division, immorality, and confusion. And Paul still calls it the church of God. God's ownership is not revoked by the church's failures. He claims them even when they are a mess.

To them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus. Sanctified. Set apart. Holy. Paul says this to people who are suing each other, getting drunk at communion, and tolerating sexual immorality. And yet — sanctified. Not because they have earned it. Because Christ did it. The sanctification is positional — established by God's action, not human performance.

Called to be saints. Called saints. Not 'aspiring saints.' Not 'trying-to-be saints.' Called saints — named, designated, identified as holy ones by God himself. The Corinthians — with all their failures — are saints. Not because they act saintly. Because God called them saints.

This is the most liberating truth in Christianity: your identity is not defined by your performance. You are sanctified. You are a saint. Not because you have arrived at perfection but because God has set you apart in Christ. Your worst day as a believer does not change your identity. You are still the church of God. Still sanctified. Still a called saint. The calling stands even when the conduct stumbles.

With all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. You are not alone. The letter is not just for Corinth. It is for everyone, everywhere, who calls on Christ. You belong to a community that spans every place and every century. Both theirs and ours.

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture