1 Corinthians 1:2 – “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Paul’s greeting in his letter to the Corinthians. Here, he identifies his audience and reminds them of their identity in Christ.

Paul addresses the “church of God in Corinth.” This reminds them that they don’t belong to Paul, Apollos, or any other human leader—they belong to God. The church is not just a social gathering or a group of people with similar interests; it is God’s people, set apart for His purposes.

He then describes them as “sanctified in Christ Jesus.” To be sanctified means to be made holy or set apart for God. This isn’t something they achieved by their own efforts—it happened because of their relationship with Jesus. Even though the Corinthian church had serious problems, Paul starts by affirming their identity as people whom God has already set apart for Himself.

They are also “called to be his holy people.” Being called means they didn’t choose this for themselves—God called them. And they are not just called to be Christians in name only. They are called to live as holy people, meaning their lives should reflect God’s character.

Finally, Paul expands the scope beyond Corinth, saying this applies “together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.” The Corinthian believers are not alone in their faith. They are part of a global family of Christians, all of whom serve the same Lord. This reminds them (and us) that the Christian faith is not isolated to one city, one church, or one denomination—it is for all who call on Jesus.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter around A.D. 55 to the church in Corinth, a city in Greece. Corinth was a major trade hub, filled with wealth, culture, and rampant immorality. It was known for its pagan temples, including one dedicated to Aphrodite, where temple prostitution was common. The Corinthians lived in a society that valued power, status, and pleasure—values that often conflicted with the Christian life.

The church in Corinth had been founded by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 18). Many of its members were former idol worshipers, and their old habits had crept into the church. There were divisions, lawsuits among believers, sexual immorality, and confusion about spiritual gifts.

Despite these issues, Paul begins by reminding them who they truly are—sanctified, called, and part of God’s worldwide family. This wasn’t flattery; it was a call to live up to their true identity.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important truths:

1. The Church Belongs to God – Paul makes it clear that the church is “the church of God,” not the church of Paul or any other leader. This means that the church is not defined by human leadership, location, or traditions, but by God Himself.
2. Sanctification is in Christ – Paul describes believers as “sanctified in Christ Jesus.” Holiness is not something we achieve on our own—it comes through our relationship with Jesus. This reflects the truth that salvation and transformation are God’s work, not our own.
3. Christians Are Called to Holiness – The Corinthians were called to be “his holy people.” Holiness is not optional for believers. It is a calling, meaning that those who belong to Jesus are expected to live in a way that reflects His character.
4. Christianity is Universal – Paul expands the greeting to include “all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This shows that Christianity isn’t limited to one place, people group, or culture. All believers, no matter where they are, serve the same Lord.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s writing in this verse follows a structured pattern:

• “To the church of God in Corinth” – This establishes the audience and reminds them of their true belonging.
• “To those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people” – This emphasizes their identity and purpose.
• “Together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” – This broadens the message to all believers.
• “Their Lord and ours” – This emphasizes unity in Christ, reminding the Corinthians that Jesus is not just their personal Lord, but the Lord of all believers.

Paul’s wording is deliberate. He is not merely greeting them—he is teaching them who they are and setting the stage for the rest of the letter.

Biblical Cross-References

• Leviticus 20:26 – “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” (God has always called His people to holiness.)
• John 17:17 – “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (Sanctification comes through God’s truth.)
• Romans 10:13 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Paul’s phrase about “calling on the name of the Lord” echoes this truth.)
• 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (Christians are called to live holy lives.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. The church is not just a local gathering—it belongs to God, and all believers worldwide are part of it.

It also challenges us to live as sanctified people. Many people today struggle with the idea of holiness, seeing it as outdated or impossible. But holiness is not about perfection—it’s about being set apart for God and growing in Christ.

This verse also reminds us of our unity with other believers. In a world that often divides people by race, nationality, and social status, the gospel unites all who call on Jesus as Lord.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He calls people to Himself. The Corinthians were not naturally holy—they were transformed by God’s love and grace.

The phrase “sanctified in Christ Jesus” shows that God doesn’t leave us in our sin. He cleanses, sets us apart, and gives us a new identity. This is an act of love—He doesn’t just save us; He changes us to reflect His holiness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is central to everything in this verse:

• Sanctification is in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30 – “Christ Jesus… has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.”)
• We are called to holiness because of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27 – Christ gave Himself for the church to make it holy.)
• Jesus is Lord of all believers (Philippians 2:9-11 – Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.)

Paul’s entire letter is about what it means to follow Christ, and this verse sets the foundation.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to be sanctified in Christ Jesus in your daily life?
2. Paul says believers are called to be holy. What are some ways you can grow in holiness?
3. This verse emphasizes Christian unity. How can you strengthen your connection with other believers beyond your local church?
4. How does knowing that the church belongs to God change the way we think about church leadership, traditions, or conflicts?
5. What are some ways you can reflect your identity as one of God’s holy people in the world today?

Paul’s words in this verse are a powerful reminder of who we are in Christ, what we are called to, and the unity we share with all believers.