Saturday, August 16, 2025

1 Corinthians 1:2



Berean Standard Bible
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

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To saints once flawed, yet now made new,
Who in the name of Christ arise,
The grace that calls is strong and true,
And lifts the low before all eyes.

Not bound by walls, nor time, nor land,
This call unites the far and near—
One faith, one hope, one guiding hand,
One Lord whose voice the faithful hear.

So stand, O church, in mercy sealed,
Sanctified by heaven’s flame;
Called not to hide, but be revealed—
To live and love in Jesus’ name.

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1 Corinthians 1:2, in the New International Version, states, “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.” This verse forms part of the opening greeting of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, a pivotal epistle addressing issues of division, morality, and theology in a vibrant but troubled church. As the second verse, it establishes the recipients of the letter, defines their identity as believers, and sets a theological tone for Paul’s exhortations. Written to a diverse congregation in the cosmopolitan city of Corinth, this verse underscores the unity, sanctity, and universal scope of the church, rooted in Christ. To fully unpack 1 Corinthians 1:2, we must explore its historical and cultural context, literary function, theological significance, and contemporary relevance, considering how it frames Paul’s message and challenges believers to live out their calling as God’s holy people.

The verse begins by addressing “the church of God in Corinth,” a phrase that immediately establishes the recipients as a community belonging to God. The Greek term *ekklēsia* (“church”) refers to an assembly or gathering, used in the Septuagint for Israel’s covenant community (Deuteronomy 23:1) and adopted by early Christians to describe their fellowship. By calling it “the church of God,” Paul emphasizes its divine ownership and purpose, distinguishing it from secular assemblies in Corinth, a city known for its temples, commerce, and cultural diversity. Corinth, a bustling port city in the mid-first century (c. 50-51 CE), was a hub of Greco-Roman culture, marked by wealth, immorality, and religious pluralism. The Corinthian church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, reflected this diversity but also struggled with factionalism, moral lapses, and spiritual immaturity, as Paul addresses throughout the letter (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 5:1-2). By grounding the church’s identity in God, Paul reminds the Corinthians that their allegiance is to Him, not to human leaders or cultural norms.

The phrase “to those sanctified in Christ Jesus” further defines the church’s identity. The Greek term *hēgiasmenois* (“sanctified”) is a perfect passive participle, indicating a completed action with ongoing effects: the Corinthians have been set apart by God through Christ, and this sanctification remains their defining status. In Christ Jesus, they are made holy, not by their own merits but through their union with Christ, whose death and resurrection cleanse them from sin (Romans 6:3-4). This emphasis on sanctification counters the Corinthians’ tendency toward pride and moral compromise, reminding them that their holiness is a gift rooted in Christ’s work. The phrase “in Christ Jesus” is a hallmark of Paul’s theology, signifying the believers’ incorporation into Christ’s body and their participation in His redemptive benefits (Galatians 2:20). This sets the stage for Paul’s later appeals to live in accordance with their holy calling (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

The description “called to be his holy people” reinforces this identity, using the Greek *klētois hagiois* (“called saints” or “holy ones”). The term “called” (*klētois*) highlights God’s initiative in summoning believers to faith, a theme Paul develops throughout the letter (1 Corinthians 1:9, 26-28). The word “holy” (*hagiois*) echoes the Old Testament concept of Israel as a people set apart for God (Exodus 19:6), now applied to the church as the new covenant community. This calling is not merely individual but communal, as the Corinthians are addressed as a collective, urging them to embody their holiness together despite their divisions. Paul’s use of “holy people” challenges the Corinthians to align their behavior—marked by quarrels and immorality—with their God-given identity, a theme central to the epistle’s ethical exhortations.

The verse expands its scope with the phrase “together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This inclusive language broadens the address beyond Corinth to encompass all believers, reflecting the universal nature of the church. The phrase “call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” is significant, as it evokes Old Testament language for worshiping God (Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21), now applied to Jesus, affirming His divinity. In the Greco-Roman world, “Lord” (*Kyrios*) was a title used for emperors and deities, and its application to Jesus underscores His supreme authority. The phrase “their Lord and ours” emphasizes unity among believers, despite cultural or geographic differences, countering the Corinthians’ factionalism by reminding them of their shared allegiance to Christ. This universal perspective aligns with Paul’s mission to unite Jews and Gentiles in one body (Ephesians 2:14-16) and foreshadows his later teachings on the church as Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Historically, 1 Corinthians 1:2 reflects the context of the Corinthian church around 50-51 CE, during Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-11). Paul had founded the church during an 18-month stay in Corinth, preaching to a diverse group of Jews, God-fearers, and pagans in a city known for its moral laxity and social stratification. The church’s challenges—divisions over leadership (1 Corinthians 1:12), sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 5:1), and misuse of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14)—reflect the influence of Corinth’s cultural environment. Paul’s greeting, while standard in form, is tailored to address these issues, emphasizing the church’s divine calling and unity to prepare readers for the corrective tone of the letter. The universal address also reflects the growing spread of Christianity, as Paul writes to a church he did not recently visit, relying on reports of their struggles (1 Corinthians 1:11).

Literarily, 1 Corinthians 1:2 serves as a theological foundation for the epistle, establishing the identity and calling of the Corinthian believers before addressing their specific issues. The verse’s structure mirrors typical Pauline greetings (e.g., Romans 1:7; Galatians 1:2), but its emphasis on sanctification and unity is particularly relevant to Corinth’s problems. By addressing the church as God’s holy people and linking them to the universal church, Paul sets up his later arguments against division (1 Corinthians 1:10-17) and for holiness (1 Corinthians 6:12-20). The verse’s placement in the greeting signals its importance, framing the entire letter as a call to live out the implications of their identity in Christ. The inclusive language also prepares readers for Paul’s broader themes, such as the wisdom of God versus human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18-31) and the unity of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12).

Theologically, 1 Corinthians 1:2 reveals profound truths about the nature of the church and the believer’s identity in Christ. The phrase “church of God” underscores God’s ownership and the church’s divine purpose, rooted in His redemptive plan. The emphasis on sanctification and calling highlights the transformative power of the gospel, which sets believers apart for God’s service through Christ’s work (Hebrews 10:10). The universal scope of the church, encompassing “all those everywhere,” reflects the gospel’s power to unite diverse people under Christ’s lordship, fulfilling Old Testament promises of salvation for all nations (Isaiah 49:6). The verse also affirms Jesus’ divinity by applying Old Testament language for God to Him, a bold theological claim in a monotheistic Jewish context and a polytheistic Greco-Roman world. Theologically, 1 Corinthians 1:2 invites believers to embrace their identity as God’s holy people, living in unity and holiness as a testimony to Christ’s lordship.

Practically, 1 Corinthians 1:2 speaks to contemporary believers by challenging them to live out their calling as God’s holy people in a divided and secular world. The emphasis on sanctification encourages Christians to pursue holiness in their personal and communal lives, resisting cultural pressures to compromise. For example, a believer facing ethical dilemmas in a workplace might draw strength from their identity “in Christ Jesus,” choosing integrity over conformity. The universal address calls churches to foster unity across cultural, racial, or denominational lines, reflecting the shared faith of “all those everywhere” who call on Christ. The verse also invites reflection on what it means to “call on the name” of Jesus, urging believers to worship, pray, and live in dependence on Him. For communities of faith, it challenges churches to embody their identity as God’s *ekklēsia*, prioritizing His mission over internal conflicts or societal influences.

The universal appeal of 1 Corinthians 1:2 lies in its vision of a unified, holy community under Christ’s lordship. In a world marked by division and moral relativism, the verse offers a countercultural model of belonging to God and one another. It resonates with humanity’s longing for identity and community, pointing to the church as a place where diverse people find unity in Christ. For individuals, it calls for a life of holiness and devotion, while for churches, it urges a collective witness that reflects God’s transformative power. The verse’s emphasis on Jesus as “their Lord and ours” fosters solidarity among believers, encouraging mutual support and shared mission.

In the broader context of 1 Corinthians, 1:2 sets the tone for a letter that addresses practical and theological challenges with a focus on Christ’s centrality. The verse connects to later themes, such as the call to unity (1 Corinthians 1:10-17), the power of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-25), and the church as Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12). Theologically, it aligns with the New Testament’s portrayal of the church as a holy, universal community (Ephesians 2:19-22) and Jesus as Lord of all (Philippians 2:11). By defining the Corinthians as sanctified and called, Paul prepares them for his exhortations to live in accordance with their identity, trusting in God’s grace to transform their community.

In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 1:2 is a rich and foundational verse that establishes the identity, calling, and unity of the church in Christ. Its address to the Corinthian believers as God’s holy people, united with all who call on Jesus, sets a theological and ethical framework for the epistle. Historically contextual, literarily strategic, and theologically profound, the verse challenges believers to embrace their sanctification, pursue unity, and honor Christ’s lordship in a fractured world. As part of Paul’s greeting, it invites readers into a vision of the church as God’s *ekklēsia*, called to reflect His holiness and love through Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.

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To the called of God, sanctified in Christ Jesus, to those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both theirs and ours,

Grace and peace be multiplied to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the faithful and true witness, the firstborn from the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth. I write to you not with the authority of men but with the weight of the eternal calling, compelled by the Spirit, bearing witness to the truth once delivered to the saints, the Gospel which is not of man but of God. I greet you in the name that is above every name—the name of Jesus, whom you love, though you have not seen, and in whom you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

You are the Church of God. Not the invention of man, not the product of culture, not the construction of institutions, but the very possession of the Almighty, purchased with blood, founded upon the Rock, and filled with His Spirit. You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. You were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world, called out of darkness and into His marvelous light, sanctified by the Word, and set apart by His Spirit. This is not a matter of mere belief, but of divine identity. You are His. You belong to God. You are the work of His hands, the sheep of His pasture, the body of Christ on the earth.

To be the Church of God is to bear both privilege and purpose. You are not gathered in vain. You are not called merely to believe, but to become—to be transformed into the likeness of Christ, from glory to glory. You are saints, not by your own righteousness, but by His grace. You are sanctified in Christ Jesus, not by your striving, but by His sacrifice. Do not forget who you are, nor whose you are. The world would press you into its mold, but you have been called out—called to holiness, called to obedience, called to shine as lights in the midst of a crooked generation.

You are called to be saints. Not as a title of exaltation, but as a life of consecration. The call to be holy is not for a few elite but for all who are in Christ. It is not an optional pursuit, but a necessary fruit of divine life within. You have not only been forgiven—you have been made new. You are no longer citizens of the world, but of the Kingdom. Therefore, walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. Put away every form of malice, every root of bitterness, every appearance of evil. Be holy, for He who called you is holy. Let your conduct reflect the One who dwells within you. Let your mind be renewed. Let your tongue speak truth. Let your hands serve in love. Let your feet carry the Gospel. Let your life be a living epistle, known and read by all.

And you are not alone in this calling. You are part of a people, a body, a communion of saints, who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both theirs and ours. The Church is one. Though scattered across nations and languages, we are united in one Spirit, joined to one Lord, partakers of one baptism, anchored in one hope. We do not labor alone, suffer alone, rejoice alone, or wait alone. The cry that rises from your lips rises also from every corner of the earth, where hearts are surrendered to Christ and voices lift His name.

This name, the name of Jesus, is the banner over us, the confession of our faith, the sword in our warfare, the refuge of our souls. To call upon His name is not mere ritual—it is the cry of dependence, the declaration of faith, the mark of the redeemed. And those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Let us call on Him daily, in worship, in supplication, in intercession, in thanksgiving. Let His name never be far from our mouths or from our hearts.

Do not grow weary, beloved. The Lord is near. He who called you is faithful and will also do it. He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Let there be no divisions among you. Let there be no pride, no boasting in men, no glorying in flesh. Christ is not divided, and neither should His body be. Be of one mind, strive together for the faith of the Gospel, and walk in love, bearing with one another in humility. The world will know that you are His disciples by your love for one another.

And take heed, Church of God, not to trade your sacred identity for worldly approval. You are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, a city set on a hill. Do not hide your light. Do not dilute your salt. Do not compromise with darkness. Be distinct. Be bold. Be faithful. Be holy. And do all in the name of Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The days are short, and the time is urgent. Let us redeem the time. Let us labor while it is day. Let us carry the Gospel with urgency, with clarity, and with power. Let us prepare a bride without spot or wrinkle, ready for the return of the Bridegroom. For the Lord will come suddenly, as lightning from the east to the west, and His reward is with Him. Let Him find faith in the earth. Let Him find a people prepared.

And now may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, may His peace guard your hearts, and may His Spirit fill you with boldness, purity, and joy. Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for your labor in Him is not in vain.

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O Most High God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eternal and Immortal, holy in all Your ways,
We lift our voices before You with trembling joy and sacred awe, for You alone are worthy. You are the God who calls, the God who sanctifies, the God who gathers a people for Your name from every nation, tongue, and tribe. You are the Ancient of Days, who sits enthroned in unshakable majesty, and yet You have stooped low to raise up those who were dead in sin, to make them saints by grace, and to call them the Church of the living God.

O Lord, we bless You for the miracle of Your calling—that You have not only saved us from wrath, but called us unto holiness, unto purpose, unto sonship. You did not leave us as we were, but in Christ Jesus, You have sanctified us. You have made us holy, not by our own strength or wisdom, but by the power of the cross and the work of Your Spirit. We once were not a people, but now we are the people of God; once we had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy.

And so we come to You, O God of mercy, as those who are called saints—not boasting in ourselves, but glorying in the grace that has made us Your own. Sanctify us again and again, Lord. Cleanse our minds. Purify our hearts. Consecrate our hands and feet. Let every thought, every word, every action be offered as a holy sacrifice. Let our lives reflect the holiness of the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

We thank You for the unity of Your Church—one body, many members, yet all joined together by one Spirit, under one Lord, and confessing one faith. We praise You that the Church is not confined to one city, or one people, or one age, but that in every place, throughout the whole earth, there are those who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both theirs and ours. You have gathered a people from the east and from the west, from the heights and from the depths, from palaces and prisons, from scholars and shepherds, from the poor and from princes—all brought near by the same precious blood.

Let the sound of that holy name—Jesus—be heard on every tongue. Let every soul that calls upon His name be strengthened and kept. Let the flame of faith be rekindled in those who are weary. Let boldness rise in those who are afraid. Let purity reign in the hearts of those tempted by the world. Let the saints walk worthy of their calling. Let the Church shine like a city on a hill, radiant with the glory of Christ.

We pray for the sanctified in every land: for the persecuted Church, that they may be steadfast in trial; for the wandering, that they may return to the Shepherd of their souls; for the weak, that they may be upheld by Your strength; for the faithful, that they may abound more and more in love and truth. Let not one member of Your body be forgotten, O God. Let not one part of the temple lie in ruin. Build us together into a dwelling place for Your glory.

And we pray, Lord, for the grace to walk in humility, knowing that it is not by works that we stand, but by grace. Let us not be puffed up, but let us be clothed with compassion, with patience, with the mind of Christ. Let us consider others more significant than ourselves. Let our unity be more than words—let it be lived out in forgiveness, in generosity, in service, in mutual honor.

We ask, O Lord, that Your Spirit would move mightily upon Your Church again. Call forth laborers into the harvest. Awaken gifts that have been buried. Stir up the fire that has been quenched. Let prophecy, wisdom, healing, and discernment operate in holy order and in love. Let Your Word run swiftly and be glorified. Let the name of Jesus be lifted high above every other name, until every knee bows and every tongue confesses that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

And now, O Lord, as we call upon Your name in this place, with one voice and one heart, we join with the multitude of saints in every place—known and unknown, seen and unseen, near and far—and we say, Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.

Let it be so.
In the holy name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.


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