1 Corinthians 1:1 reminds readers that God’s calling is purposeful and communal, with leaders and believers alike working together to spread the gospel message.
Paul begins his letter by stating his identity and his calling: Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother (v. 1). The person of Paul is an important figure in the first century AD, having been born around 5 AD and later experiencing a dramatic conversion to faith in Jesus. His self-description as an apostle speaks to his unique role and authority to teach and guide the early church. The phrase “by the will of God” emphasizes that this role was not self-determined, but divinely appointed, pointing to God’s sovereign plan seen throughout Scripture.
In addition to mentioning himself, Paul includes Sosthenes. Sosthenes is believed to have been a Jewish synagogue leader in Corinth who was involved in early disputes regarding the message of Christ (Acts 18Acts 18 commentary). By designating him as “our brother,” Paul shows how the gospel can bring people together under shared faith, even if they had previously been involved in religious or cultural conflicts. Corinth, the city where Sosthenes likely lived and served, was a bustling center of commerce in ancient Greece, located on the isthmus connecting mainland Greece with the Peloponnese. This prosperous and diverse city was rife with influences from various cultures, which often led to challenges the early church needed to address.
Through his introduction, Paul underscores his commitment to the believers in Corinth, hinting at the guidance he will provide and acknowledging that others, like Sosthenes, share in the responsibilities of ministry. The mention of both Paul and Sosthenes together reflects a community of fellow laborers who each play a vital role in proclaiming the truth and edifying the church.
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1 Corinthians 1:1 meaning
Paul begins his letter by stating his identity and his calling: Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother (v. 1). The person of Paul is an important figure in the first century AD, having been born around 5 AD and later experiencing a dramatic conversion to faith in Jesus. His self-description as an apostle speaks to his unique role and authority to teach and guide the early church. The phrase “by the will of God” emphasizes that this role was not self-determined, but divinely appointed, pointing to God’s sovereign plan seen throughout Scripture.
In addition to mentioning himself, Paul includes Sosthenes. Sosthenes is believed to have been a Jewish synagogue leader in Corinth who was involved in early disputes regarding the message of Christ (Acts 18Acts 18 commentary). By designating him as “our brother,” Paul shows how the gospel can bring people together under shared faith, even if they had previously been involved in religious or cultural conflicts. Corinth, the city where Sosthenes likely lived and served, was a bustling center of commerce in ancient Greece, located on the isthmus connecting mainland Greece with the Peloponnese. This prosperous and diverse city was rife with influences from various cultures, which often led to challenges the early church needed to address.
Through his introduction, Paul underscores his commitment to the believers in Corinth, hinting at the guidance he will provide and acknowledging that others, like Sosthenes, share in the responsibilities of ministry. The mention of both Paul and Sosthenes together reflects a community of fellow laborers who each play a vital role in proclaiming the truth and edifying the church.