What does 1 Corinthians 1:2 mean?

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 1 Corinthians 1:2

Explanation

1 Corinthians 1:2 is a greeting from the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Corinth. In this verse, Paul identifies the recipients of his letter as “the church of God which is at Corinth.” He characterizes them as those who are “sanctified in Christ Jesus,” meaning they are set apart or made holy through their faith and union with Jesus. The term “called to be saints” refers to their calling to live a life of holiness and dedication to God, which is a common calling for all Christians. Paul extends this greeting not only to the Corinthians but also to all believers “in every place” who call upon the name of Jesus, emphasizing the universal nature of the Christian faith and the unity among believers.

Historical Context

The city of Corinth was a major trade center in ancient Greece and a melting pot of various cultures and religions, which often led to moral laxity and religious syncretism. The early Christian church established there by Paul faced many challenges, including internal divisions, moral issues, and theological confusion. This epistle was written by Paul, likely around AD 53-54, to address these issues and to provide guidance and correction to the Corinthian believers.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the phrase “sanctified in Christ Jesus” reflects the doctrine of sanctification, which is the process of being made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit and participation in Christ’s righteousness. “Called to be saints” represents the doctrine of the universal call to holiness, suggesting that all Christians are summoned by God to lead a life that reflects their faith. The emphasis on the name of Jesus Christ highlights the centrality of Jesus in salvation and Christian identity.

Practical Applications

This verse can be seen as a reminder to Christians of their identity in Christ and their calling to lead a sacred life. It encourages believers to maintain unity with fellow Christians irrespective of geographical or cultural differences. This can be applied in daily life through participation in communal worship, striving for personal holiness, and fostering inclusiveness and fellowship with the broader Christian community.

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.”
• 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:”
• Acts 9:13: “Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, “sanctified” is translated from the word “ἡγιασμένοις” (hēgiasmenois), which means to be made holy or consecrated. The term “saints” comes from the Greek “κλητοῖς ἁγίοις” (klētois hagiois), with “κλητοῖς” (klētois) denoting being called, and “ἁγίοις” (hagiois) meaning holy ones or saints. The name “Jesus Christ” is rendered as “Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ” (Iēsou Christou), with “Ἰησοῦ” (Iēsou) as Jesus and “Χριστοῦ” (Christou) as Christ or the Anointed One.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing with other ancient religions, the concept of being “called to be saints” is unique to Christianity, with its emphasis on a personal and communal relationship with a deity who calls people to a moral and holy life. In contrast, many ancient religions focused on ritual practices and appeasing various gods without a universal call to holiness.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on this verse since it speaks to spiritual experiences and religious identity. However, the concept of a shared identity among a diverse group of people, as implied in the latter part of the verse, could relate to studies in psychology and sociology that examine the formation and influence of group identity and belonging.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians such as John Chrysostom, A commentator from the early church, highlighted the significance of Christians in Corinth being called holy despite the city’s reputation for immorality, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. Contemporary scholars often discuss this verse in the context of ecclesiology (the study of the church) and soteriology (the study of salvation), noting how Paul establishes the identity and duties of the church and its members right from the outset of his letter.