1 Corinthians 1:1–3: Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The word church in the Greek language means “a called-out people.” Each church has two addresses: a geographic address (“at Corinth”) and a spiritual address (“in Christ Jesus”). The church is made up of saints, that is, people who have been “sanctified” or “set apart” by God. A saint is not a dead person who has been honored by men because of his or her holy life. No, Paul wrote to living saints, people who, through faith in Jesus Christ, had been set apart for God’s special enjoyment and use. In other words, every true believer is a saint because every true believer has been set apart by God and for God. 1
Application
- Since this letter is “to the church,” will you receive this as a personal letter for you?
- How do you know if you are a sanctified saint? (Read Galatians 2:20 for answer.)
- Grace seems to come before peace. Do you need more grace today?
Thought to Share
He will provide the grace for you to run your race. | TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your saving grace that continues to bring your peace into my life.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
