1 Corinthians 1:3

KJV

Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

Grace {G5485} be unto you {G5213}, and {G2532} peace {G1515}, from {G575} God {G2316} our {G2257} Father {G3962}, and {G2532} from the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Grace to you and shalom from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 1:3 opens Paul's first epistle to the Corinthian church with a profound and customary apostolic salutation: "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." This foundational greeting is more than a mere formality; it encapsulates the core of Christian blessing, establishing its divine origin in both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. For a community rife with divisions and moral challenges, this invocation of grace—God's unmerited favor—and peace—holistic well-being and reconciliation—served as a crucial reminder of the spiritual resources available to them and the unified source from which all true blessings flow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the standard Pauline epistolary opening, immediately following the identification of the sender (Paul, an apostle by God's will, and Sosthenes, a brother) and the recipients (the church of God in Corinth, those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, along with all who call upon the name of Jesus Christ everywhere). This structure, typical of Paul's letters, sets the authoritative yet pastoral tone for the entire correspondence. The greeting of "grace and peace" is a deliberate fusion of the common Greek salutation (χαίρειν, *chairein*, related to *charis* or grace) and the traditional Hebrew greeting (שָׁלוֹם, *shalom*, or peace), imbuing a secular custom with profound theological meaning. It acts as a theological overture, preparing the readers for the weighty matters of doctrine, ethics, and community life that Paul will address.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub in the Roman province of Achaia, strategically located on an isthmus connecting two major seas. Its wealth came from trade, and its culture was characterized by a diverse population, philosophical schools, and rampant immorality, particularly associated with the temple of Aphrodite. The Christian community within this environment was a mix of Jews and Gentiles, struggling with internal divisions, moral laxity, legal disputes, and theological misunderstandings, as evidenced throughout the letter. Against this backdrop, Paul's greeting of "grace and peace" was not just a pleasantry but a desperately needed invocation for a church that lacked both unity and moral purity. It reminded them that their identity and resources came not from their surrounding culture but from a divine source, essential for navigating their challenging environment and internal strife.
* **Key Themes:** The greeting in [1 Corinthians 1:3](/1_corinthians/1-3 "1 Corinthians 1:3 - Grace and Peace") introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the entire epistle. Firstly, the **Divine Origin of Blessings** is paramount, emphasizing that all spiritual provisions, including salvation and sanctification, are gifts from "God our Father" and "the Lord Jesus Christ." This counters any human-centered boasting or reliance on worldly wisdom, a recurring issue in Corinth (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:18-31](/1_corinthians/1-18-31 "1 Corinthians 1:18-31 - The Wisdom of God")). Secondly, the concept of **Grace** (Greek: *charis*) underscores God's unmerited favor as the foundation of their standing in Christ and the power for transformed living. This theme is vital for understanding Paul's arguments against self-righteousness and legalism. Thirdly, **Peace** (Greek: *eirēnē*, echoing Hebrew *shalom*) signifies not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being, reconciliation with God, and harmony within the community. This theme directly addresses the rampant divisions and disunity plaguing the Corinthian church, urging them towards the unity found in Christ (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Calls for Unity")). Finally, the **Dual Source** from "God our Father" and "the Lord Jesus Christ" establishes the co-equal authority and unified work of the Godhead in providing these blessings, reinforcing Christ's divine identity and central role in the believer's life, a truth often overlooked or distorted by the Corinthians.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** From *chairo* (to rejoice), this term denotes graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act. It refers to God's divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life, encompassing unmerited favor, kindness, and spiritual benefit. In this context, it is the fundamental, unearned benevolence of God that initiates and sustains the believer's relationship with Him, providing the power for Christian living.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Probably from a primary verb meaning "to join," this word signifies peace in its fullest sense—not merely the absence of conflict, but a state of wholeness, well-being, harmony, and prosperity. It implies reconciliation, right relationship, and spiritual tranquility, both with God and within oneself and community. It is the result of God's grace at work.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From a root suggesting supremacy, this term denotes one supreme in authority, a controller, or master. As a respectful title, it is applied to God and, significantly, to Jesus Christ, affirming His divine sovereignty, authority, and position as the one to whom believers owe allegiance and obedience. Its application to Jesus in this greeting underscores His co-equality with God the Father in bestowing divine blessings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Grace be unto you":** This is the primary blessing Paul invokes. "Grace" (Greek *charis*) signifies God's unmerited favor, His benevolent disposition towards humanity that is the basis of salvation and ongoing spiritual sustenance. It is the active, empowering presence of God's love, freely given, enabling believers to live righteously and overcome sin. For the Corinthians, who were struggling with moral issues and pride, this reminder of God's undeserved kindness was paramount.
* **"and peace":** Following grace, "peace" (Greek *eirēnē*) is the natural outcome. This is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound, holistic well-being (*shalom* in Hebrew thought). It encompasses reconciliation with God, inner tranquility, and harmony in relationships. For a church plagued by divisions and strife, the invocation of peace was a direct appeal for unity and restoration, reminding them of the reconciled state they possess in Christ.
* **"from God our Father":** This clause identifies the ultimate source of both grace and peace. God is presented as "our Father," emphasizing His loving, paternal relationship with believers. This highlights the intimate and personal nature of the divine blessings, flowing from the very heart of God's being. It underscores His sovereignty and benevolent will as the originator of all good things.
* **"and from the Lord Jesus Christ":** This crucial addition establishes Jesus Christ as the co-equal and co-active source of these divine blessings alongside the Father. By linking Jesus directly with God the Father in the bestowal of grace and peace, Paul affirms Christ's divine authority, His integral role in the Godhead, and His essential mediation of these blessings to humanity. It underscores the unified work of the Trinity in salvation and sanctification.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's opening salutation in [1 Corinthians 1:3](/1_corinthians/1-3 "1 Corinthians 1:3 - Grace and Peace") masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Epistolary Greeting**, a standard feature of ancient letters, which Paul transforms into a theological statement. Unlike typical secular greetings, Paul's combines the Greek "grace" (*charis*) with the Hebrew "peace" (*shalom*), creating a unique Christian salutation that is both familiar and profoundly significant. This fusion itself is a form of **Syncretism** or **Theological Adaptation**, where common cultural forms are infused with new, divine meaning. Furthermore, the verse exhibits clear **Parallelism** in its structure: "Grace... and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." The dual source ("God our Father" and "the Lord Jesus Christ") creates a **Diatribe** or **Juxtaposition** that emphasizes the co-equality and unified agency of the Father and the Son in bestowing these blessings, a foundational Trinitarian concept. This deliberate pairing also functions as a subtle **Didactic** element, instructing the readers on the divine nature of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological significance of 1 Corinthians 1:3 lies in its concise articulation of the source and nature of Christian blessings. By invoking "grace and peace" from "God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," Paul establishes a foundational truth: salvation, spiritual well-being, and the very ability to live a godly life are not earned human achievements but unmerited divine gifts. This highlights God's initiative in redemption and His ongoing benevolent provision for His people through Christ. The dual authorship of these blessings—from both the Father and the Son—underscores the unified work of the Godhead in the believer's life, affirming Christ's divine status and His essential role as mediator of God's favor and reconciliation. This greeting sets the stage for Paul's subsequent arguments against human pride, division, and reliance on worldly wisdom, consistently redirecting the Corinthians to their divine source of all sufficiency.

* [Romans 1:7](/romans/1-7 "Romans 1:7 - Paul's Greeting to Rome"): "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."
* [Ephesians 1:2](/ephesians/1-2 "Ephesians 1:2 - Paul's Greeting to Ephesus"): "Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
* [2 Peter 1:2](/2_peter/1-2 "2 Peter 1:2 - Peter's Greeting"): "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's opening salutation in 1 Corinthians 1:3 is far more than a mere formality; it is a profound theological statement and a timeless wellspring of spiritual nourishment for believers today. In a world often characterized by anxiety, conflict, and a relentless pursuit of self-sufficiency, this verse reminds us that true "grace" (God's unmerited favor) and "peace" (holistic well-being and reconciliation) are not products of human effort or achievement but are divine gifts flowing directly from the benevolent heart of "God our Father" and "the Lord Jesus Christ." This truth encourages a posture of humble dependence and gratitude, inviting us to cease striving and instead receive the abundant provisions of God. When we face personal turmoil, relational strife, or spiritual weariness, we are called to remember that the source of our strength, our inner tranquility, and our reconciliation is external to ourselves, rooted in the unchanging character and unified work of the Father and the Son. Embracing this truth fosters genuine humility, cultivates deep gratitude, and empowers us to live in the reality of God's sustaining presence amidst life's challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "grace" as God's unmerited favor impact your daily walk with Him, particularly when you feel inadequate or have fallen short?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or relationships do you most need God's "peace" right now, and how does knowing its divine origin encourage you?**
* **What does it mean for your faith to recognize both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ as the unified source of all spiritual blessings?**
* **How can the emphasis on "grace and peace" from this verse help you navigate conflicts or divisions within your own community or church today?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul consistently use "grace and peace" in his greetings, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Paul's consistent use of "grace and peace" (Greek: *charis* and *eirēnē*) in his epistolary greetings is highly significant, representing a deliberate theological fusion and a profound blessing. It combines the common Greek salutation *chairein* (rejoice/greetings), which Paul transforms into *charis* (grace), with the traditional Hebrew greeting *shalom* (peace). This blend signifies the new reality brought about by Christ. "Grace" refers to God's unmerited favor, His benevolent disposition towards humanity that is the foundation of salvation and all spiritual blessings. It highlights that our standing with God is not earned but freely given. "Peace" signifies not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic sense of well-being, wholeness, and reconciliation with God and with others. It is the result of God's grace at work in the believer's life. By invoking both, Paul reminds his readers that their spiritual life begins with God's unearned favor and results in a state of profound well-being and harmony, a necessary foundation for addressing the various issues within the churches he writes to, such as the divisions in [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Calls for Unity"). This greeting sets the theological tone for his letters, emphasizing God's initiative and provision in the Christian life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The salutation of "grace and peace" in [1 Corinthians 1:3](/1_corinthians/1-3 "1 Corinthians 1:3 - Grace and Peace") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a co-source of these blessings but the very embodiment and mediator through whom they are fully realized for humanity. The "grace" of God, His unmerited favor, is perfectly revealed in Christ's incarnation, life, atoning death, and resurrection, demonstrating God's boundless love for a fallen world (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). It is "by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" ([Ephesians 2:8](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8 - Salvation by Grace")). Similarly, the "peace" that Paul invokes is the very peace that Christ Himself secured through His sacrifice on the cross, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between Jew and Gentile (cf. [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Jesus is our "peace" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace")), and He bequeathed His own peace to His disciples, a peace "not as the world giveth" ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Promise of Peace")). Thus, the dual source of "God our Father, and... the Lord Jesus Christ" points directly to the Trinitarian work of redemption, where the Father initiates, and the Son perfectly executes, the provision of grace and the establishment of peace for all who believe, making these blessings tangible realities in the lives of believers.

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 1:7

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

2 Corinthians 1:2

Grace [be] to you and peace from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:2

Grace [be] to you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.