1 Corinthians 1:2 (ESV) … “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours…”
Paul sent this letter to believers in Corinth, a Greek seaport and center of international commerce. The apostle’s description of these Christians revealed his deep concern for them.
First, he called them the church of God. The readers were not merely individuals. They constituted a church community that belonged to God. Only God’s desires held sway over the life of this church.
Second, the believers in this church had been sanctified, or set apart from the world, by virtue of their faith in Christ.
Third, the Corinthian believers were called to be saints. To live a life that pursues pure and holy lives.
Fourth, they were called to holiness together with all believers everywhere. Holiness was not to be pursued simply by individuals, but by the entire church.
Paul is preparing to speak to these believers about God’s gift of salvation and that they were members of one body. In these one verse Paul outlines the things he is going to fully address in his letter to them.
Furthermore, this verse is a great reminder to us on how we are to live and think as recipients of God’s gift of salvation.
