Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
1 Corinthians 1:1
What does 1 Corinthians 1:1 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
1 Corinthians 1:1
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to skim over, but Paul's opening emphasizes he's an apostle called by God's will, not just someone who decided to step up. This isn't a job he chose; it's a divine assignment, highlighting the absolute authority behind his message to the Corinthians.
Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul begins his letter to the church in Corinth by identifying himself and his co-sender, Sosthenes, as apostles called by God's will to serve Christ. This introduction sets the stage for him to address the serious divisions and moral issues that have arisen within this vibrant but troubled community, issues he will tackle directly throughout the letter.
Ever feel like you're just trying to figure things out on your own? Paul starts this letter by reminding us where our true purpose comes from.
Paul doesn't introduce himself as someone who decided to follow Jesus or chose to be a leader. Instead, he emphasizes that his apostleship was "by the will of God." This isn't just a polite opening; it's a foundational truth for the church.
God's Initiative
It means that our calling – whatever it is – originates with God. He initiates. He chooses. He sets us apart. This isn't about earning a position or gaining favor through our own efforts. It's about responding to a divine invitation.
Responding with Confidence
When our purpose is rooted in God's will, we can face challenges with confidence. We're not relying on our own strength or wisdom, but on the One who called us. This understanding frees us from the pressure to prove ourselves and empowers us to serve with humility and boldness.
Paul was more than just a follower; he was an apostle. What does that title really mean, and why does he bring it up so early?
The term 'apostle' (from the Greek word meaning 'one who is sent') carried significant weight in the early church. It wasn't a casual title.
Sent with Authority
An apostle was specifically chosen and commissioned by Christ, possessing His authority to teach, establish churches, and lead. Paul's insistence on this title wasn't arrogance; it was a declaration of his legitimate mandate from Jesus himself.
Ask a follow-up
Foundation for Ministry
By identifying himself as an apostle, Paul establishes the authority behind the letter he is about to write. The Corinthians needed to know that his instructions and corrections came not from a mere peer, but from someone directly authorized by Christ to guide them.
Why does Paul include Sosthenes in his greeting? It seems like a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the nature of Christian community.
Paul doesn't stand alone. He immediately includes Sosthenes, referring to him as 'our brother.' This inclusion highlights a crucial aspect of the early church and our faith today:
Shared Mission, Shared Identity
Sosthenes, likely a former leader of the Corinthian synagogue (as hinted in Acts 18:17), now stands alongside Paul as a brother in Christ. This demonstrates that the gospel breaks down former barriers and creates a new family united in Christ. Their shared identity as brothers in Christ transcends any previous roles or affiliations.
Strength in Community
Paul recognizes the value of partnership. Including Sosthenes shows that ministry is rarely a solo endeavor. It's built on shared faith, mutual encouragement, and collaborative effort. Even the mighty apostle Paul valued the presence and contribution of his brothers and sisters in the faith.
Understand the original words
apostolos · Greek Noun
A commissioned representative or delegate, specifically one sent by Jesus Christ with His authority to preach the gospel and establish the church. An apostle held a unique foundational role in the early church, bearing witness to the resurrected Christ.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
The central event of Christian faith, Jesus' death and resurrection, occurred during the Roman governorship of Pontius Pilate.
c. AD 33-40
Early Church Growth and Persecution
Following Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to preach the gospel, leading to rapid growth but also persecution from Jewish authorities.
c. AD 41-53
Paul's Missionary Journeys Begin
The Apostle Paul, after his conversion, embarked on extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches in major cities.
c. AD 49
The Jerusalem Council
A pivotal council addressed the inclusion of Gentiles in the early church, affirming that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not adherence to the Law of Moses.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent significant time in Corinth, a bustling Roman port city, establishing a church there and facing initial challenges and divisions.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Later Missionary Journeys
Paul continued his travels, strengthening churches and addressing doctrinal and practical issues that arose, including those in Corinth.
c. AD 55-57
Writing of 1 Corinthians
This letter was written by Paul to the church in Corinth to address serious divisions, immorality, and doctrinal misunderstandings.
This passage highlights God's sovereign choice in calling Paul, emphasizing that his apostleship was not by human decision but by divine appointment, just as 1 Corinthians 1:1 states.
Galatians 1:1Paul reiterates his apostleship, directly stating it is 'not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father.' This reinforces the theme of divine calling introduced in 1 Corinthians 1:1.
Ephesians 1:1Similar to 1 Corinthians, this letter begins with Paul identifying himself as an apostle 'by the will of God,' underscoring the consistent message of his divinely appointed mission throughout his writings.
Romans 1:1Paul declares himself a 'servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.' This echoes the identity and calling presented at the start of 1 Corinthians, focusing on his dedicated service to God's message.
It's easy to skim over, but Paul's opening emphasizes he's an apostle called by God's will, not just someone who decided to step up. This isn't a job he chose; it's a divine assignment, highlighting the absolute authority behind his message to the Corinthians.
Paul begins his letter to the church in Corinth by identifying himself and his co-sender, Sosthenes, as apostles called by God's will to serve Christ. This introduction sets the stage for him to address the serious divisions and moral issues that have arisen within this vibrant but troubled community, issues he will tackle directly throughout the letter.
Paul begins his letter to the church in Corinth by identifying himself and his co-sender, Sosthenes, as apostles called by God's will to serve Christ. This introduction sets the stage for him to address the serious divisions and moral issues that have arisen within this vibrant but troubled community, issues he will tackle directly throughout the letter.
"Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes," — It's easy to skim over, but Paul's opening emphasizes he's an apostle called by God's will, not just someone who decided to step up. This isn't a job he chose; it's a divine assignment, highlightin…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026