1 Corinthians Chapter 1, Verse 2
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2: τη εκκλησια του θεου τη ουση εν κορινθω ηγιασμενοις εν χριστω ιησου κλητοις αγιοις συν πασιν τοις επικαλουμενοις το ονομα του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου εν παντι τοπω αυτων τε και ημων
2: 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 their's and our's:
2: To the church of God that is at Corinth, to them that are
sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that invoke
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place of theirs and ours.
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth. For an account of the time and manner in which the church was established in Corinth, see the Introduction, and See "Acts 18:1ff".
The church is called "the church of God," because it has been founded by his agency, and was devoted to his service. It is worthy of remark, that although great disorders had been introduced into that church; that there were separations and erroneous doctrines; though there were some who gave evidence that they were not sincere Christians, yet the apostle had no hesitation in applying to them the name of a church God.
To them that are sanctified. To those who are made holy. This does not refer to the profession of holiness, but implies that they were in fact holy. The word means that they were separated from the mass of heathens around them, and devoted to God and his cause. Though the word used here hgiasmenoiv has this idea of separation from the mass around them, yet it is separation on account of their being in fact, and not in profession merely, different from others, and truly devoted to God. See "Rom 1:7".
In Christ Jesus. That is, by en the agency of Christ. It was by his authority, his power, and his Spirit, that they had been separated from the mass of heathens around them, and devoted to God. Comp. Jn 17:19.
Called to be saints. The word saints does not differ materially from the word sanctified in the former part of the verse. It means those who are separated from the world, and set apart to God as holy. The idea which Paul introduces here is, that they became such because they were called to be such. The idea in the former part of the verse is, that this was done "by Christ Jesus;" here he says, that it was because they were called to this privilege. He doubtless means to say, that it was not by any native tendency in themselves to holiness, but because God had called them to it. And this calling does not refer merely to an external invitation, but it was that which was made effectual in their case, or that on which the fact of their being saints could be predicated. Comp. 1Cor 1:9. See 2 Tim 1:9: "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace," etc.; 1 Pet 1:15; See "Rom 1:6, See "Rom 1:7; See "Rom 8:28"; See "Eph 4:1"; See "1 Tim 6:12"; See "1 Pet 2:9".
With all, etc. This expression shows,
(1.) that Paul had the same feelings of attachment to all Christians in every place; and,
(2.) that he expected that this epistle would be read, not only by the church at Corinth, but also by other churches. That this was the uniform intention of the apostle in regard to his epistles, is apparent from other places. Comp. 1Thess 5:27: "I charge you by the Lord, that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren." Col 4:16: "And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans." It is evident that Paul expected that his epistles would obtain circulation among the churches; and it was morally certain that they would be soon transcribed, and be extensively read. The ardent feelings of Paul embraced all Christians in every nation. He knew nothing of the narrowness of exclusive attachment to sect. His heart was full of love; and he loved, as we should, all who bore the Christian name, and who evinced the Christian spirit.
Call upon the name of Jesus Christ. To call upon the name of any person, in Scripture language, is to call on the person himself. Compare Jn 3:18. See "Acts 4:12".
The expression, "to call upon the name," epikaloumenoiv, to invoke the name, implies worship and prayer.
Both their's and our's. The Lord of all -- both Jews and Gentiles -- of all who profess themselves Christians, of whatever country or name they might have originally been. Difference of nation or birth gives no pre-eminence in the kingdom of Christ, but all are on a level, having a common Lord and Saviour. Comp. Eph 4:5.
- "Corinth" Acts 18:1
- "to them" Jude 1:1
- "sanctified" Jn 17:19
- "called to be saints" 2 Tim 1:9 1 Pet 1:15
- "call upon the name" 2 Tim 1:9 1 Pet 1:15
