1 Corinthians 1:2
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This verse doesn't just address the Corinthian church; it immediately broadens the scope to all believers everywhere who call on Jesus. Notice how Paul emphasizes that Jesus is both their Lord and ours, highlighting our shared, unified identity in Christ that transcends geographical or cultural differences. This reminds us we're part of a global family, not just a local congregation.
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul begins his letter by addressing the Corinthian church, a community he himself founded but which is now struggling with divisions and dysfunction. He immediately sets a tone of unity and shared identity, reminding them that they are all set apart by God in Christ and are part of a global family of believers who call on Jesus as their Lord. This grounding in their shared calling and Lord is crucial as he prepares to tackle the serious issues within their local church.
Paul starts by reminding the Corinthian believers of their identity in Christ. It’s not just about where you live or what you do, but who you belong to.
Set Apart for God
Paul calls them "sanctified in Christ Jesus." This isn't something you achieve; it's something God does. The word here points to being made holy, set apart, and dedicated to God's purposes because of your union with Jesus.
From Ordinary to Holy
Think about it – you, right now, are holy in God's eyes. This doesn't mean you're perfect, but that God has declared you righteous through Christ. This is the foundation of your Christian life: you are His, chosen and made clean.
The verse doesn't just stop at individual identity. It speaks about community and a shared calling that binds believers together.
The Saintly Community
Paul uses the term "saints" (which literally means "holy ones") for all believers. It's not an elite status for a few, but a description of everyone belonging to Christ. And importantly, this calling isn't solitary. You are called to be saints "together."
Unity in Diversity
This community isn't limited to Corinth. Paul includes "all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." This highlights the universal nature of the church. Despite local challenges or disagreements (which Corinth was known for!), they shared a common Lord and a common identity in Him.
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Understand the original words
ekklesia · Greek Noun
A gathering or assembly of believers in Christ. It refers to the people of God, the body of Christ, rather than a physical building or institution.
hagiazō · Greek Verb (participle)
The act of being set apart, consecrated, or made holy for God's exclusive use and service. It implies both a positional status through Christ and a progressive transformation in holiness.
hagios · Greek Noun
Holy ones; people who have been set apart for God. In the New Testament, this refers to all believers in Christ, emphasizing their set-apart status and calling to live lives consistent with their relationship to God.
epikaleomai · Greek Verb
To invoke or worship someone as supreme authority. Calling upon the name of the Lord implies recognizing His deity, trusting in His salvation, and living in subjection to His lordship.
c. 44 BC
Corinth Refounded as Roman Colony
Julius Caesar refounded Corinth as a Roman colony, leading to a significant influx of Roman citizens and a cosmopolitan, Hellenistic culture.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's First Visit to Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent about 18 months in Corinth, establishing the church and ministering to the community, facing opposition from Jewish leaders.
c. AD 52
Paul's Departure from Corinth
After facing a riot and being brought before the proconsul Gallio, Paul left Corinth, entrusting the church to other leaders.
c. AD 53-57— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul penned this letter in response to reports about divisions and various issues within the Corinthian church, addressing their specific problems.
This passage directly introduces Paul's ministry in Corinth, showing the historical context of the church he is addressing in 1 Corinthians.
Romans 1:7Similar to 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses the believers in Rome as 'called to be saints,' highlighting the universal call and identity of believers across different locations.
1 Peter 2:9This verse echoes the idea of believers being a 'chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession,' emphasizing their sanctified and called-out identity in Christ.
Ephesians 4:1-3Paul urges believers to 'maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,' connecting with the idea of 'saints together' and living out their shared calling.
This verse doesn't just address the Corinthian church; it immediately broadens the scope to all believers everywhere who call on Jesus. Notice how Paul emphasizes that Jesus is both their Lord and ours, highlighting our shared, unified identity in Christ that transcends geographical or cultural differences. This reminds us we're part of a global family, not just a local congregation.
Paul begins his letter by addressing the Corinthian church, a community he himself founded but which is now struggling with divisions and dysfunction. He immediately sets a tone of unity and shared identity, reminding them that they are all set apart by God in Christ and are part of a global family of believers who call on Jesus as their Lord. This grounding in their shared calling and Lord is crucial as he prepares to tackle the serious issues within their local church.
Paul begins his letter by addressing the Corinthian church, a community he himself founded but which is now struggling with divisions and dysfunction. He immediately sets a tone of unity and shared identity, reminding them that they are all set apart by God in Christ and are part of a global family of believers who call on Jesus as their Lord. This grounding in their shared calling and Lord is crucial as he prepares to tackle the serious issues within their local church.
"To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:" — This verse doesn't just address the Corinthian church; it immediately broadens the scope to all believers everywhere who call on Jesus. Notice how Paul emphasizes that Jesus is *both their Lord and…
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Last reviewed October 2026
