2 Corinthians 1:1
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It's easy to skim over, but Paul starts by emphasizing he's an apostle "by the will of God"—this isn't just a job title, but a divine appointment that anchors his authority and mission. He immediately includes Timothy, not just as a helper, but as "our brother," highlighting the relational, community aspect even at the highest levels of spiritual leadership.
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)
Paul is kicking off his second letter to the Corinthian church, a community he has a complex, often strained, relationship with. This letter follows a difficult period, including a previous visit that didn't go as planned and a painful letter he'd already sent. He's writing not just to correct but to mend and reassure, beginning by establishing his apostleship and his deep care for them.
Ever wondered if your calling is truly from God? Paul starts this letter with a powerful declaration about his authority, rooting it not in himself, but in God's sovereign plan.
The Apostle's Authority
Paul doesn't just say he's an apostle; he emphasizes that he is 'an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.' This isn't a self-appointed title. His apostleship is a direct result of God's decision and purpose.
This is crucial because it lends immense weight to everything Paul writes. He's not sharing personal opinions; he's conveying a divine message.
What this means for us:
Paul addresses the church in Corinth, but his greeting extends beyond just the believers in that one city. What does this inclusive language reveal about the people of God?
More Than Just a Location
Paul sends his letter not just to 'the church of God that is at Corinth,' but also to 'all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia.' Achaia was the Roman province that included Corinth.
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This tells us:
Paul is reminding them that their identity as God's people transcends their geographical location and links them to a wider community of faith.
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.
The turbulent history between Paul and the Corinthian church, marked by initial planting, conflict, and reconciliation, deeply shapes the tone and content of this letter.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor and establishes churches, including planting the initial church in Corinth.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spends about eighteen months in Corinth, preaching the gospel and strengthening the fledgling church.
c. AD 53-55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
Responding to reports and questions from the Corinthian church, Paul writes his first letter to address divisions, immorality, and doctrinal issues.
c. AD 55
Paul's Painful Visit and 'Severe Letter'
Paul visits Corinth, experiencing significant relational difficulties. He later writes a stern 'severe letter' (mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:4, 7:8) to confront ongoing problems.
c. AD 55-56— this verse
Paul Writes 2 Corinthians
Paul, writing from Macedonia after his difficult visit, pens 2 Corinthians to reassure the church, defend his apostleship, and foster reconciliation.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul visits Corinth for a third time, finding the church more mature and receptive to his ministry.
This passage directly addresses the same church in Corinth, highlighting Paul's initial ministry to them and setting the stage for his later epistles.
Acts 18:1-18This narrative details Paul's founding ministry in Corinth, providing the historical context for his authoritative apostolic claims in his letters to them.
Romans 1:1Like 2 Corinthians, this opening verse introduces Paul as an apostle called by God, emphasizing his divine commission to spread the gospel.
Ephesians 1:1This letter also begins with Paul identifying himself as an apostle, but here he emphasizes it's 'by the will of God,' echoing the phrasing in 2 Corinthians 1:1.
It's easy to skim over, but Paul starts by emphasizing he's an apostle "by the will of God"—this isn't just a job title, but a divine appointment that anchors his authority and mission. He immediately includes Timothy, not just as a helper, but as "our brother," highlighting the relational, community aspect even at the highest levels of spiritual leadership.
Paul is kicking off his second letter to the Corinthian church, a community he has a complex, often strained, relationship with. This letter follows a difficult period, including a previous visit that didn't go as planned and a painful letter he'd already sent. He's writing not just to correct but to mend and reassure, beginning by establishing his apostleship and his deep care for them.
Paul is kicking off his second letter to the Corinthian church, a community he has a complex, often strained, relationship with. This letter follows a difficult period, including a previous visit that didn't go as planned and a painful letter he'd already sent. He's writing not just to correct but to mend and reassure, beginning by establishing his apostleship and his deep care for them.
"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:" — It's easy to skim over, but Paul starts by emphasizing he's an apostle "by the will of God"—this isn't just a job title, but a divine appointment that anchors his authority and mission. He immediat…
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Last reviewed October 2026
