1 Corinthians 1:2

Church. Gr. ekklesia (see on Matt. 18:17). Corinth. For Paul’s labors in Corinth and the establishment of the church there see p. 100; Acts 18:1-18. Sanctified. Gr. hagiazo, “to dedicate,” “to make holy” (see on John 17:17). Later in the verse those who are sanctified are designated “saints” (hagios), literally, “holy ones” (see on Rom. 1:7). Hagiazo and hagios are built on the same root. The connection is not so clearly seen in the English, although “sanctify” and “saint” are both built on the Latin root sanctus, “holy.” In Christ Jesus. Those only are accounted holy who have sought and found refuge in Jesus and who are covered by the righteousness of the Saviour. Called to be saints. Literally, “called saints,” that is, saints who are called. See above under “sanctified.” In every place. These words may be connected with the phrase “called to be saints,” so that the emphasis of the passage is on the fact that the Corinthian believers formed part of the large brotherhood of believers. Paul is reminding the Corinthians that they are not the sole possessors of the privileges of the gospel. It is possible also that Paul was using a phrase common in salutations of the time. Two synagogue inscriptions have been discovered containing the greeting, “May there be peace in this place and in all the places of Israel” (see Hans Lietzmann, Handhuch zum Neuen Testament, on 1 Cor. 1:2). Not only was the epistle for them, but it is foil of instruction for all, and has been preserved in the sacred canon for our instruction and edification (see 2 Tim. 3:16). Call upon the name. See on Acts 2:21. Both their’s and our’s. This phrase may refer either to “place” or to “Lord.” If it refers to “place,” it adds little to the thought already expressed. If it refers to “Lord,” it is a further emphasis on the fact that the same Lord is worshiped by Christians of all communities (see above under “in every place”), with possible reference to the party spirit in Corinth (vs. 11-31).