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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/16-27.htm" title="Romans 16:27">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 1:1 <a href="/1_corinthians/1-2.htm" title="1 Corinthians 1:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New International Version</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Paul, a called apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes, our brother, <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Paul, called as an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Sosthenes our brother: <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God&#8217s will, and Sosthenes our brother: <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> From Paul, chosen by God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from Sosthenes, who is also a follower. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> From Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and from Sosthenes, our brother in the Christian faith. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> From Paul, who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes-- <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> From: Paul, called to be an apostle of the Messiah Jesus by the will of God, and from our brother Sosthenes. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, <a href="/net/1_corinthians/1.htm">NET Bible</a> From Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes, our brother, <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Paul, called to be an Apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God--and our brother Sosthenes: <a href="/web/1_corinthians/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Paul, a called apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother, <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Paul, a called apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes, our brother, <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Paul, a called apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother, <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Paul, called, sent of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> PAUL, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes a brother, <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Paul, called as an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God; and Sosthenes, a brother: <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> PAUL, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and brother Sos’the-nes, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Paulus, a called one, and an Apostle of Yeshua The Messiah in the will of God, and brother Sosthenes,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> PAUL, a called apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, and Sosthenes my brother, <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Paul, called an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and brother Sosthenes, <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> PAUL, a called apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes a brother, <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Paul appointed by the divine will to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, and Sosthenes our brother, <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Paul, called to be an Apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God--and our brother Sosthenes: <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Paul, a called apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother, <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <bld>Paul</bld>, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God which is in Corinth, <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Greetings from Paul</a> 1<a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul,</a> <a href="/greek/2822.htm" title="2822: klētos (Adj-NMS) -- From the same as klesis; invited, i.e. Appointed, or, a saint.">called to be</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolos (N-NMS) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.">an apostle</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">by</a> <a href="/greek/2307.htm" title="2307: thelēmatos (N-GNS) -- An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.">the will</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">our</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphos (N-NMS) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brother</a> <a href="/greek/4988.htm" title="4988: Sōsthenēs (N-NMS) -- From the base of sozo and that of sthenoo; of safe strength; Sosthenes, a Christian.">Sosthenes,</a> 2To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/18-1.htm">Acts 18:1-11</a> After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. / There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them, / and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— <a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Galatians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead— <a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: <a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, <a href="/1_timothy/1-1.htm">1 Timothy 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, <a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">2 Timothy 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Titus 1:1</a> Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a> Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:1</a> Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-1.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:1</a> Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: <a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a> “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. <a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2</a> While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” <a href="/acts/22-21.htm">Acts 22:21</a> Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,called.<a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,<a href="/galatians/2-7.htm">Galatians 2:7,8</a> But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; … an.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a> For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1,2</a> Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? … <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a> For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.through.<a href="/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16,17</a> What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh… <a href="/john/15-16.htm">John 15:16</a> Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.<a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:Sosthenes.<a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Acts 18:17</a> Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/11-13.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/romans/16-27.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/romans/16-15.htm">God's</a> <a href="/romans/16-27.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/romans/15-14.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Sosthenes</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-2.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-2.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Sosthenes</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 1</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,</a> 10. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity,</a> 12. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">and reproves their dissensions.</a> 18. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">God destroys the wisdom of the wise,</a> 21. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">by the foolishness of preaching;</a> 26. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,</a> 28. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">but the foolish, weak, and men of no account.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Paul Paul, originally named Saul, was a Pharisee and a zealous persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (<a href="/acts/9.htm">Acts 9:1-19</a>). His transformation from a persecutor to a leading apostle highlights the power of God's grace and calling. Paul is credited with writing many of the New Testament epistles, which have been foundational for Christian doctrine and practice.called to be an apostle The term "apostle" means "one who is sent" and refers to those who were specifically chosen by Christ to spread the Gospel. Paul's apostleship was unique because he was not one of the original twelve disciples. His calling was direct from Jesus Christ, as described in <a href="/galatians/1.htm">Galatians 1:1</a>, emphasizing the divine authority and legitimacy of his mission.of Christ Jesus Paul's apostleship is rooted in his relationship with Christ Jesus, underscoring the centrality of Christ in his life and ministry. This phrase affirms that his authority and message are not self-derived but are given by Christ Himself. It reflects the early Christian confession of Jesus as the Messiah and Lord.by the will of God Paul's calling as an apostle was not by human decision or merit but by God's sovereign will. This emphasizes the divine initiative in salvation and ministry, aligning with passages like <a href="/ephesians/1-11.htm">Ephesians 1:11</a>, which speaks of God's purpose and will. It reassures believers of God's control and purpose in their lives.and our brother Sosthenes Sosthenes is mentioned as a co-sender of the letter, indicating his importance in the early church. He may be the same Sosthenes mentioned in <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Acts 18:17</a>, who was a leader of the synagogue in Corinth and possibly converted to Christianity. His inclusion highlights the communal and collaborative nature of early Christian ministry.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> Originally named Saul, Paul was a Pharisee and a persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. He became one of the most influential apostles, spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles and authoring many New Testament letters. 2. <a href="/topical/a/apostle.htm">Apostle</a> The term "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." Paul emphasizes his role as an apostle to assert his authority and divine calling to the Corinthian church. 3. <a href="/topical/c/christ_jesus.htm">Christ Jesus</a> The central figure of Christianity, Jesus is the Messiah ("Christ" in Greek) and the Son of God. Paul's apostleship is directly linked to Jesus, underscoring the divine authority behind his mission. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_will_of_god.htm">The Will of God</a> This phrase highlights that Paul's apostleship is not self-appointed but is ordained by God's sovereign plan. It emphasizes divine purpose and calling. 5. <a href="/topical/s/sosthenes.htm">Sosthenes</a> Likely the same Sosthenes mentioned in <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Acts 18:17</a>, who was a leader of the synagogue in Corinth. His mention here as "our brother" suggests he became a believer and co-laborer with Paul.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_calling.htm">Divine Calling</a> Recognize that God calls individuals to specific roles and purposes. Like Paul, our callings are not self-appointed but are part of God's sovereign plan. <a href="/topical/a/authority_in_ministry.htm">Authority in Ministry</a> Understand the importance of divine authority in ministry. Paul’s apostleship was validated by God, reminding us to seek God’s approval above human recognition. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_body.htm">Unity in the Body</a> Sosthenes' mention as "our brother" highlights the unity and fellowship among believers, regardless of past differences or backgrounds. <a href="/topical/p/purposeful_living.htm">Purposeful Living</a> Reflect on how God’s will directs our lives. Just as Paul was called by God’s will, we should seek to align our lives with His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 1</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_1_corinthians.htm">Who is the author of 1 Corinthians?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_colossians.htm">Who is the author of Colossians?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_paul_prioritize_faith_over_teachings.htm">Why does Paul focus on faith over Jesus' actual teachings?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_the_book_of_titus.htm">Who is the author of the Book of Titus?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) Paul, called to be an apostle.--Better, a called Apostle of Jesus Christ. His apostolic authority, which was questioned by some in Corinth, is thus set out at the commencement of the Epistle.And Sosthenes our brother.--Sosthenes the brother, probably the Sosthenes (see Note on <a href="/1_corinthians/1-16.htm" title="And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.">1Corinthians 1:16</a>) the chief ruler of the synagogue mentioned in <a href="/acts/18-17.htm" title="Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.">Acts 18:17</a>, one of the brethren well known to the Corinthians. From his name being thus joined with that of the Apostle, we may conjecture that he was his amanuensis in writing this Epistle, the salutation only (<a href="/1_corinthians/16-21.htm" title="The salutation of me Paul with my own hand.">1Corinthians 16:21</a>) having been written by St. Paul's hand.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Paul. After the beginning of the first missionary journey (A.D. 45) he seems to have finally abandoned his Hebrew name of Saul. Called. The word "called" is absent from A, D, E, and other manuscripts, but may have been omitted as superfluous. It occurs in the greeting of <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a>, but not in any other Epistle. The words might also be rendered "a called or chosen apostle." To be an apostle. He uses this title in every letter except the private one to Philemon, the peculiarly friendly and informal one to the Philippians, and the two to the Thessalonians, which were written before the Judaizers had challenged his claim to this title in its more special sense. The Epistle to the Romans is the first in which he calls himself "a slave of Jesus Christ" (comp. <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a>; <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Titus 1:1</a>; <a href="/james/1-1.htm">James 1:1</a>; <a href="/2_peter/1-1.htm">2 Peter 1:1</a>; <a href="/jude/1.htm">Jude 1</a>). It was necessary for him to assert his right to the apostolate in the highest sense of the word, as one who had received from Christ himself an authority equal to that of the twelve (see <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1-5</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">2 Corinthians 11:5</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11, 12</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Galatians 1:1-19</a>, etc.). Of Jesus Christ. In the Gospels the word "Christ" is all but invariably "the Christ," i.e. the Anointed, the Messiah. It is the designation of the office of Jesus as the promised Deliverer. We trace in the New Testament the gradual transition of the word from a title into a proper name. In the two names together our Lord is represented as "the Saviour," and the anointed Prophet, Priest, and King, first of the chosen people and then of all mankind. Through the will of God (comp. 2 Corinthians 1 Ephesians Colossians <a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">2 Timothy 1:1</a>). This special call to the apostleship is emphatically expanded in <a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Galatians 1:1</a>. The vindication of the Divine and independent claim was essential to St. Paul's work. It was not due to any personal considerations, but to the necessity of proving that no human authority could be quoted to overthrow the gospel which was peculiarly "his gospel" (see <a href="/galatians/1-11.htm">Galatians 1:11</a>; <a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">Ephesians 3:8</a>), of which one main feature was the freedom of the Gentiles from the yoke of Judaic bondage. And Soathenes. The association of one or more brethren with himself in the greeting of his letters is peculiar to St. Paul. Silas and Timothy are associated with him in 1 and 2 Thessalonians; and Timothy, though so much his junior, in 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon; doubtless he would have been associated with St. Paul in this Epistle had he not been absent (<a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm">1 Corinthians 4:17</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/16-10.htm">1 Corinthians 16:10</a>). The practice arose partly from St. Paul's exquisite courtesy and consideration towards his companions, partly from his shrinking from mere personal prominence. It is owing to the same reasons that in the earlier Epistles he constantly uses "we" for "I," and sometimes when he can only be speaking of himself (<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:18</a>). But even in the Epistles to the Thessalonians he sometimes relapses from "we" into "I" (<a href="/2_thessalonians/2-5.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:5</a>). Our brother; literally, the brother; i.e. one of "the brethren" (comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a>). Of Sosthenes nothing whatever is known. He may possibly be the amanuensis whom St. Paul employed for this letter. Later tradition, which in such matters is perfectly valueless, spoke of him as" one of the seventy disciples, and Bishop of Colophon" (Eusebius, 'Hist. Eccl.,' 1:12). There is a Jewish Sosthenes, a ruler of the synagogue, in <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Acts 18:17</a>; but it is only a vague conjecture that he may have been subsequently converted, and may have joined St. Paul at Ephesus. It is obvious that the persons named in the greetings of the Epistles were not in any way supposed to be responsible for their contents, lot St. Paul begins with "I" in ver. 4. Brother. At this time there was no recognized title for Christians. In the Acts they are vaguely spoken of as "those of this way." Among themselves they were known as "the saints," "the faithful," "the elect." The name "Christians" was originally a nickname devised by the Antiochenes. In the New Testament it only occurs as a designation used by enemies (<a href="/acts/11-26.htm">Acts 11:26</a>; <a href="/acts/26-28.htm">Acts 26:28</a>; <a href="/1_peter/4-16.htm">1 Peter 4:16</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Paul, Παῦλος (Paulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. called [to be] κλητὸς (klētos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2822.htm">Strong's 2822: </a> From the same as klesis; invited, i.e. Appointed, or, a saint. an apostle ἀπόστολος (apostolos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. of Christ Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. by διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [the] will θελήματος (thelēmatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2307.htm">Strong's 2307: </a> An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination. of God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [our] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. brother ἀδελφὸς (adelphos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. Sosthenes, Σωσθένης (Sōsthenēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4988.htm">Strong's 4988: </a> From the base of sozo and that of sthenoo; of safe strength; Sosthenes, a Christian. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul called to be an apostle (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/16-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 16:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 16:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 1:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>