2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Notice that Paul doesn't just identify himself as an apostle, but "by the will of God." This isn't a mere title; it's a declaration that his authority and message stem directly from God's sovereign choice, not his own ambition. This sets a profound tone: his entire letter is a divine word, not just personal advice.
Paul begins this letter by establishing his authority as an apostle, appointed by God's own will, and includes Timothy as a co-sender. He addresses the believers in Corinth, a notoriously complex church, and extends the greeting to all the faithful throughout the Roman province of Achaia. This opening sets a tone of apostolic authority and broad concern for the churches in a region facing significant challenges.
Ever wondered if your calling is really from God? Paul starts his letter with a powerful assertion about his authority. It wasn't self-appointed; it was divine.
Paul immediately establishes the source of his authority: "by the will of God." This isn't just a formality. It's a declaration that his apostleship wasn't a career choice or a personal ambition, but a divine commission. In a world where human achievement is often celebrated above all else, Paul grounds his identity and mission in God's sovereign purpose. This means his words carry divine weight, not because he's Paul, but because God sent him.
Think about it: God's will is the ultimate source of legitimacy for ministry and service. It humbles the messenger and exalts the Sender.
The recipients are called 'saints.' Does that mean they were sinless superstars? Not at all! Discover what it truly means to be 'set apart' for God.
Paul addresses the believers in Corinth as 'the church of God... with all the saints.' The word 'saints' (hagios in Greek) means 'holy ones' or 'set apart.' It doesn't refer to people who achieved a high level of personal holiness or performed miracles. Instead, it describes anyone who has been claimed by Christ and separated from the world for God's purposes.
This is a profound identity! Even with their struggles and immaturity (which Paul addresses frankly in his letters), these believers were, in God's eyes, holy because they belonged to Him. This identity is foundational to Christian living – we are called to live out the holiness we already have in Christ.
Understand the original words
apostolos · Greek Noun
An official messenger or envoy, specifically one commissioned by Christ to represent Him, preach the gospel, and lay the foundation of the church.
thelēma · Greek Noun
An act of divine sovereign determination or choice, indicating that the call to ministry is not self-appointed but authorized by God's purpose.
hagios · Greek Noun
Those set apart or sanctified for God; believers in Christ who are declared holy and belong entirely to Him.
c. AD 47-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, accompanied by Barnabas, preaches the gospel in Asia Minor and parts of Greece, including a significant stay in Corinth.
c. AD 50
Founding of the Corinthian Church
Paul establishes the church in Corinth during his time there, facing significant opposition but seeing many believe.
c. AD 52
Paul Leaves Corinth
After a prolonged stay of about 18 months, Paul departs Corinth, leaving the church to grow and face its own challenges.
c. AD 55-56— this verse
Writing of Second Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Macedonia, responding to ongoing issues within the Corinthian church and defending his apostolic authority.
This verse directly parallels the opening of 2 Corinthians, emphasizing Paul's apostolic authority and the recipients being the church in Corinth.
Ephesians 1:1Similar to 2 Corinthians, this verse establishes Paul's apostleship by God's will and addresses the saints in a specific location, highlighting the universal call of God's people.
Romans 1:7This passage also greets the believers in Rome as 'called saints,' echoing the theme of God's chosen people being set apart, which is foundational to Paul's epistles.
Acts 18:1-18This historical account details Paul's initial ministry in Corinth, providing context for why he is writing to this specific church and his authority among them.
Notice that Paul doesn't just identify himself as an apostle, but "by the will of God." This isn't a mere title; it's a declaration that his authority and message stem directly from God's sovereign choice, not his own ambition. This sets a profound tone: his entire letter is a divine word, not just personal advice.
Paul begins this letter by establishing his authority as an apostle, appointed by God's own will, and includes Timothy as a co-sender. He addresses the believers in Corinth, a notoriously complex church, and extends the greeting to all the faithful throughout the Roman province of Achaia. This opening sets a tone of apostolic authority and broad concern for the churches in a region facing significant challenges.
Paul begins this letter by establishing his authority as an apostle, appointed by God's own will, and includes Timothy as a co-sender. He addresses the believers in Corinth, a notoriously complex church, and extends the greeting to all the faithful throughout the Roman province of Achaia. This opening sets a tone of apostolic authority and broad concern for the churches in a region facing significant challenges.
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"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:" — Notice that Paul doesn't just identify himself as an apostle, but "by the will of God." This isn't a mere title; it's a declaration that his authority and message stem directly from God's sovereign c…
