1 Corinthians 1:1

KJV

¶ Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes [our] brother,

KJV (with Strong's)

Paul {G3972}, called {G2822} to be an apostle {G652} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} through {G1223} the will {G2307} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} Sosthenes {G4988} our brother {G80},

Complete Jewish Bible

From: Sha’ul, called by God’s will to be an emissary of the Messiah Yeshua; and from brother Sosthenes

Berean Standard Bible

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

American Standard Version

Paul, calledto bean apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians opens with a foundational statement of apostolic authority and divine purpose, identifying the letter's primary author as Paul, unequivocally "called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God." This salutation immediately establishes the divine mandate behind Paul's ministry and the ensuing message, setting the authoritative tone for addressing the complex issues within the Corinthian church. The inclusion of Sosthenes, identified as "our brother," signifies communal partnership and solidarity in the gospel mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the customary Pauline epistolary opening, immediately identifying the sender and establishing his credentials. It precedes the address to the recipients (the church in Corinth) and a typical Pauline greeting of grace and peace. By asserting his apostleship "through the will of God" at the outset, Paul preemptively addresses any potential challenges to his authority, which will prove crucial given the numerous doctrinal and ethical issues he intends to confront throughout the letter. The emphasis on divine calling sets the stage for Paul's subsequent commands, exhortations, and theological arguments, grounding them not in human wisdom or personal opinion, but in God's sovereign design.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a prominent Roman provincial capital, a bustling port city renowned for its commercial activity, diverse population, and a reputation for moral laxity (hence the term "Corinthianize" to mean to live immorally). Its strategic location on the Isthmus of Corinth made it a crossroads of trade and culture, leading to a melting pot of philosophical ideas, religious practices, and social customs. Paul had founded the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey, spending approximately eighteen months there (as detailed in [Acts 18:1-18](/acts/18-1-18 "Acts 18:1-18 - Paul in Corinth")). This letter, likely written from Ephesus (referenced in [1 Corinthians 16:8](/1_corinthians/16-8 "1 Corinthians 16:8 - Paul's Plans")), addresses a range of problems that had arisen in the young church, including factions, sexual immorality, lawsuits among believers, misuse of spiritual gifts, and theological misunderstandings regarding the resurrection.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the entire epistle. The theme of **Apostolic Authority** is paramount, as Paul's divine calling undergirds every command and correction he issues to the wayward Corinthians. His apostleship is not self-appointed but a direct, sovereign appointment by God, a point he frequently reiterates in his letters (e.g., [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul, a Servant and Apostle")). Closely related is the theme of **Divine Will and Purpose**, emphasizing that Paul's ministry and the very existence of the church are rooted in God's eternal plan, not human initiative or merit. Finally, the inclusion of Sosthenes highlights the theme of **Christian Fellowship and Partnership**, demonstrating that ministry is a collaborative effort within the broader community of believers, even as Paul retains primary apostolic authority. Sosthenes may be the former synagogue ruler mentioned in [Acts 18:17](/acts/18-17 "Acts 18:17 - Sosthenes, the Synagogue Ruler"), who possibly converted to Christianity after being beaten by the crowd.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Greek, _klētós'_):** From the same root as *klēsis* (calling), this word signifies being "invited," "appointed," or "chosen." It emphasizes that Paul's role as an apostle is not a self-chosen career path or a result of human ambition, but a divine summons and specific appointment by God. It denotes a status conferred by God, implying both privilege and responsibility.
* **apostle (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** This term literally means "one who is sent" or "a delegate." In the New Testament, it refers specifically to those commissioned by Christ with unique authority to preach the Gospel, establish churches, and lay down foundational doctrine. It implies a direct commission from a higher authority, carrying the full weight of that authority. Paul's use of this title here asserts his divinely given commission and the authoritative nature of his message.
* **will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** This word denotes a "determination," "purpose," or "decree." When applied to God, it refers to His sovereign plan, intention, and desire. Paul's apostleship is not merely by God's permission but by His active, deliberate, and intentional purpose. This underscores the divine origin and legitimacy of his calling, making it clear that his ministry is an outworking of God's perfect and unchangeable plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the primary author, Paul, and establishes his unique identity and authority. The Greek word *klētós* ("called") is significant, indicating a divine summons rather than a self-appointed role. Paul's apostleship is directly linked to "Jesus Christ," signifying that his commission originates from the risen Lord Himself, not from human institutions or personal ambition. This divine appointment is crucial for the legitimacy of his message.
* **"through the will of God":** This clause further reinforces the divine origin and authority of Paul's apostleship. His calling is not accidental or arbitrary but is an intentional act stemming from God's sovereign "will" (*thélēma*). This emphasizes that Paul's ministry is an integral part of God's overarching plan for humanity, lending ultimate weight and authority to his words. It also serves to counter any potential human skepticism or opposition to his message.
* **"and Sosthenes our brother":** The inclusion of Sosthenes, identified as "our brother," signifies a partnership in ministry and a shared bond in Christ. While Paul is the primary author and apostle, Sosthenes' presence indicates communal support and solidarity. This might imply he was an amanuensis (secretary) or simply a co-sender who endorsed the letter's contents. His designation as "brother" highlights the familial nature of the Christian community and the collaborative spirit of gospel work, even within the context of apostolic authority.

#### Literary Devices
The opening of 1 Corinthians 1:1 employs several key literary devices. It begins with an **Apostolic Salutation**, a standard feature of Pauline epistles, immediately identifying the sender and establishing his authority. The phrase "called to be an apostle" is a form of **Divine Passive**, implying that God is the active agent in Paul's calling, even if not explicitly named as the subject of the verb "called." This subtly but powerfully emphasizes God's sovereignty. The repetition of the concept of divine origin ("called... through the will of God") serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the non-human source of Paul's authority, which is critical for the letter's persuasive power. Finally, the inclusion of Sosthenes introduces an element of **Partnership and Community**, balancing the assertion of individual apostolic authority with the communal nature of Christian ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's assertion of his divinely ordained apostleship in [1 Corinthians 1:1](/1_corinthians/1-1 "1 Corinthians 1:1 - Paul's Apostolic Calling") is not merely a formality but a theological declaration. It establishes that his authority to address the deep-seated problems in Corinth derives directly from God's sovereign will, not from human wisdom, charisma, or ecclesiastical appointment. This divine mandate elevates the letter's contents from mere human advice to authoritative divine instruction. It underscores the New Testament principle that genuine ministry flows from a divine call and purpose, empowering the messenger with God's authority to speak His truth. This foundation is crucial for the Corinthians, who were struggling with divisions based on human leaders and worldly wisdom, reminding them that the ultimate authority rests with God and His appointed messengers.

* [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul, a Servant and Apostle")
* [Galatians 1:1](/galatians/1-1 "Galatians 1:1 - Paul, an Apostle Not from Men")
* [Ephesians 1:1](/ephesians/1-1 "Ephesians 1:1 - Paul, by the Will of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The opening verse of 1 Corinthians offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Paul's identity is wholly rooted in God's calling and purpose, not in his own accomplishments or the approval of others. For us, this means that our truest identity and purpose are found not in what we do or achieve, but in who God has called us to be in Christ. Whether in vocational ministry or daily life, our service is most effective and enduring when it flows from a clear understanding that we are "called" by God, operating "through His will." This perspective liberates us from the need for human validation and empowers us to pursue God's purposes with confidence and humility. Furthermore, the inclusion of Sosthenes reminds us that even those with unique callings operate within a community of faith. Christian life and ministry are not meant to be solitary endeavors but are enriched by partnership, mutual support, and shared brotherhood in Christ. We are called not just to individual service, but to participate in the collective mission of God's people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding your own identity as "called" by God (in Christ) impact your daily life and sense of purpose?**
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking to operate "through the will of God," and what challenges do you face in discerning or submitting to that will?**
* **How can you better embody the spirit of "brotherhood" or "sisterhood" in your local church or Christian community, supporting others in their God-given callings?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul so frequently emphasize his apostleship "through the will of God" at the beginning of his letters?**

Answer: Paul's consistent emphasis on his apostleship being "through the will of God" (e.g., [2 Corinthians 1:1](/2_corinthians/1-1 "2 Corinthians 1:1 - Paul, an Apostle by God's Will"), [Ephesians 1:1](/ephesians/1-1 "Ephesians 1:1 - Paul's Apostolic Authority"), [Colossians 1:1](/colossians/1-1 "Colossians 1:1 - Paul's Divine Appointment")) served several crucial purposes. First, it asserted the divine origin and authority of his message, particularly vital when addressing churches (like Corinth) that were questioning his leadership or teachings. His apostleship was not self-proclaimed or humanly conferred, but a direct commission from God Himself. Second, it underscored the theological weight of his instructions, making it clear that his words were not mere human opinions but divine revelation. Third, it provided a strong foundation for the unity of the church, as it pointed believers to a common, divine authority rather than human factions.

**Who was Sosthenes, and why is he included in the salutation?**

Answer: Sosthenes is identified as "our brother" in this verse, indicating he was a fellow believer and partner in ministry with Paul. While the New Testament provides limited information about him, many scholars believe he is the same Sosthenes mentioned in [Acts 18:17](/acts/18-17 "Acts 18:17 - Sosthenes, a Synagogue Ruler"), who was the synagogue ruler in Corinth. In Acts, Sosthenes was beaten by the crowd in front of Gallio, the proconsul, after Gallio refused to intervene in a dispute between the Jews and Paul. If this is the same individual, his inclusion here would be highly significant, demonstrating a remarkable conversion and partnership with Paul, the very person he once opposed. His presence in the salutation could signify his role as Paul's amanuensis (secretary), a co-sender endorsing the letter's contents, or simply a prominent figure in the Christian community who was with Paul at the time of writing. His inclusion highlights the communal nature of the early church's ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's declaration of being "called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God" finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Christ. Jesus Christ is the supreme Apostle, the one "sent" by God the Father to accomplish His will for humanity (as seen in [Hebrews 3:1](/hebrews/3-1 "Hebrews 3:1 - Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest")). Paul's apostleship is therefore a participation in Christ's own mission and authority, a delegated commission flowing from the ultimate divine sending. The "will of God" that called Paul is the same divine will that purposed Christ's incarnation, atoning death, and resurrection, which are the very core of the apostolic message (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). Furthermore, Paul's role as an apostle is to build up the church, which is the body of Christ ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - The Church as Christ's Body")), uniting believers under Christ as the head ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of the Body")). Thus, Paul's divinely appointed authority serves to magnify Christ, bring people into His kingdom, and establish churches that reflect His glory and embody His saving purpose in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 1:1

¶ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Ephesians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Corinthians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

Acts 18:17

Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat [him] before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.

Colossians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus [our] brother,

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Galatians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)