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.