1 Corinthians 1:1

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

This opening verse of Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church establishes the author and his authority, setting the stage for the entire epistle. It immediately identifies the sender as Paul, an apostle specifically appointed by God, and includes Sosthenes as a co-sender or brother in the faith.

Context

The letter is addressed to the church in Corinth, a major Roman city known for its bustling trade, diverse population, and notorious immorality. Paul had spent about eighteen months there during his second missionary journey, establishing the church (see Acts 18:1-18). This letter is written from Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:8) some years later, in response to reports of significant problems within the Corinthian congregation, including divisions, moral issues, and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts and doctrine.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Authority: Paul emphasizes that his apostleship is not self-appointed but a direct calling from Jesus Christ. This is crucial as he will address challenging issues and assert his authority throughout the letter.
  • Divine Will: His calling is explicitly "through the will of God," highlighting the divine origin and purpose behind his ministry and the message he is about to deliver.
  • Brotherhood in Christ: The inclusion of Sosthenes, possibly the former synagogue ruler mentioned in Acts 18:17 who converted, signifies partnership and the broader community of believers supporting Paul's work.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "called [to be] an apostle" uses the Greek word klētos (κλητός), meaning 'called, invited, appointed.' It emphasizes that Paul's role is a result of God's specific and intentional invitation and appointment, not his own ambition or qualification. The phrase "through the will of God" (dia thelēmatos theou - διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ) underscores that his ministry is rooted in God's sovereign plan and purpose.

Cross-References

Paul frequently asserts his divine calling and apostleship at the beginning of his letters, often stating it is by the will of God (see also 2 Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, 2 Timothy 1:1). This consistent emphasis reinforces the divine authority behind his message.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that Christian service and identity are rooted in God's calling and purpose, not human effort or merit. Paul's reliance on the "will of God" for his apostleship encourages believers today to seek and understand God's will for their own lives and ministries. It also highlights the importance of partnership and community, as seen in the inclusion of Sosthenes.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 1:1 (11 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 1:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 4:11 (3 votes)

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

  • Galatians 1:1 (3 votes)

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