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 1:2KJV
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1 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:2 mean?

1 Corinthians 1:2 is Paul’s greeting to the church in Corinth, describing them as people set apart in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, and connected with all others everywhere who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul emphasizes that Jesus is Lord for everyone who believes, not just for one group.

Paul is writing to the believers in Corinth, a diverse and sometimes troubled church community. He calls them "sanctified" (set apart for God) and "called to be saints" (those chosen to live for God), but he also includes all Christians everywhere who call on Jesus. This greeting sets a tone of unity and shared faith, reminding the Corinthians that they are part of a much larger family of believers.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 1:2

  • ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia, "church"): This word refers to an assembly or gathering, not just a building, highlighting the community aspect of the believers in Corinth.
  • ἡγιασμένοις (hēgiasmenois, "sanctified"): This means "made holy" or "set apart," showing that Paul sees the Corinthians as already belonging to God through Jesus, despite their struggles.
  • κλητοῖς ἁγίοις (klētois hagiois, "called to be saints"): The Greek carries the sense of being invited or appointed to be holy ones, stressing that being a "saint" is about God's calling, not personal achievement.
  • ἐπικαλουμένοις (epikaloumenois, "call upon"): This word means to call out to or invoke, underlining that all Christians, wherever they are, share the same practice of turning to Jesus as Lord.

Why 1 Corinthians 1:2 matters

  • This verse reminds readers that sainthood is about being called and set apart by God, not about personal perfection or status.
  • Paul’s greeting connects the local church in Corinth to the global community of believers, stressing unity and shared faith in Jesus.
  • The verse sets up the rest of the letter by highlighting both the privilege and responsibility of being part of God’s people, no matter where someone lives.

Where else these words appear

“Corinth” Greek G2882 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
  • Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

“called” Greek G2822 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Romans 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
  • 1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

“sanctified” Greek G37 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
  • Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
  • Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

“upon” Greek G1941 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
  • Acts 25:25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.