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1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/46_1Co_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 1:1 - Greetings from Paul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes," /><script type="application/javascript" 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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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Paul, a called apostle of Christ Jesus by <i>the</i> will of God, and Sosthenes, <i>our</i> brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Paul, called <i>to be</i> an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes <i>our</i> brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Paul, called <i>to be</i> an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes <i>our</i> brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Paul, called <i>as</i> an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Paul, called <i>as</i> an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Paul, called <i>as</i> an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Paul, called as an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Sosthenes our brother:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Sosthenes our brother: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />From Paul, chosen by God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from Sosthenes, who is also a follower. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />From Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and from Sosthenes, our brother in the Christian faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />From Paul, who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />From: Paul, called to be an apostle of the Messiah Jesus by the will of God, and from our brother Sosthenes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />From Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes, our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an Apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God--and our brother Sosthenes:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Paul, a called apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Paul, a called apostle of Christ Jesus by <i>the</i> will of God, and Sosthenes, <i>our</i> brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Paul, a called apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Paul, called, sent of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />PAUL, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes a brother, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Paul, called as an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God; and Sosthenes, a brother:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />PAUL, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and brother Sos’the-nes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Paulus, a called one, and an Apostle of Yeshua The Messiah in the will of God, and brother Sosthenes,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />PAUL, a called apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, and Sosthenes my brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Paul, called an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and brother Sosthenes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />PAUL, a called apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes a brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Paul appointed by the divine will to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, and Sosthenes our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Paul, called to be an Apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God--and our brother Sosthenes:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Paul, a called apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><bld>Paul</bld>, called <i>to be</i> an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes <i>our</i> brother, to the church of God which is in Corinth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></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><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/1.htm">Greetings from Paul</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><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> </span> <span class="reftext">2</span>To 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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/18-1.htm">Acts 18:1-11</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a></span><br />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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Galatians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-1.htm">1 Timothy 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">2 Timothy 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Titus 1:1</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-1.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/22-21.htm">Acts 22:21</a></span><br />Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,</p><p class="hdg">called.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a></b></br> Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called <i>to be</i> an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/2-7.htm">Galatians 2:7,8</a></b></br> But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as <i>the gospel</i> of the circumcision <i>was</i> unto Peter; … </p><p class="hdg">an.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a></b></br> For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, <i>ye are</i> God's building.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1,2</a></b></br> 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? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a></b></br> For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.</p><p class="hdg">through.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16,17</a></b></br> What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/15-16.htm">John 15:16</a></b></br> Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and <i>that</i> your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a></b></br> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy <i>our</i> brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:</p><p class="hdg">Sosthenes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Acts 18:17</a></b></br> Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat <i>him</i> before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.</p><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><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">After his salutation and thanksgiving for the Corinthians,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">and reproves their dissensions.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">God destroys the wisdom of the wise,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-21.htm">by the foolishness of preaching;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">and calls not the wise, mighty, and noble,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">but the foolish, weak, and men of no account.</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/1.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>Paul</b><br />The name "Paul" is derived from the Latin "Paulus," meaning "small" or "humble." Originally known as Saul, Paul was a Pharisee and a zealous persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). His transformation is a testament to the power of God's grace and the radical change that can occur in a person's life when they encounter Christ. As a key figure in the early church, Paul's writings have profoundly shaped Christian theology and practice.<p><b>called to be an apostle</b><br />The Greek word for "called" is "klētos," which implies being divinely summoned or appointed. Paul emphasizes that his apostleship is not self-appointed but is a divine calling. The term "apostle" comes from the Greek "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." This highlights Paul's role as a messenger and ambassador of the Gospel, entrusted with spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. His calling underscores the sovereignty of God in choosing and equipping individuals for His purposes.<p><b>of Christ Jesus</b><br />This phrase identifies the source and authority of Paul's apostleship. "Christ" is the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah." "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." By linking his apostleship to Christ Jesus, Paul affirms that his mission and message are rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the central figure of the Christian faith.<p><b>by the will of God</b><br />The Greek word for "will" is "thelēma," indicating a deliberate choice or intention. Paul asserts that his role as an apostle is not by human decision but by God's sovereign will. This reflects the biblical theme of divine election and purpose, where God orchestrates events and calls individuals according to His perfect plan. It reassures believers that their lives are under God's providential care and direction.<p><b>and our brother Sosthenes</b><br />Sosthenes is mentioned as a co-sender of the letter, indicating his importance in the Corinthian church. The name "Sosthenes" means "safe in strength" in Greek. 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 as "our brother" emphasizes the familial bond among believers, united in faith and mission. This highlights the communal aspect of the early church, where leaders and members worked together to advance the Gospel.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">Paul, called to be an apostle.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">a called Apostle of Jesus Christ.</span> His apostolic authority, which was questioned by some in Corinth, is thus set out at the commencement of the Epistle.<p><span class= "bld">And Sosthenes our brother.</span>--<span class= "ital">Sosthenes the brother,</span> 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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - 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 <span class="accented">slave</span> 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.). <span class="cmt_word">Of Jesus Christ.</span> In the Gospels the word "Christ" is all but invariably "<span class="accented">the</span> Christ," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> 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. <span class="cmt_word">Through the will of God</span> (comp. 2 Corinthians 1 Ephesians Colossians <a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">2 Timothy 1:1</a>). This <span class="accented">special</span> 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 <span class="accented">brother</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> one of <span class="accented">"the</span> 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. <span class="accented">Brother.</span> 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>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Paul,</span><br /><span class="grk">Παῦλος</span> <span class="translit">(Paulos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> </span><span class="str2">Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">called [to be]</span><br /><span class="grk">κλητὸς</span> <span class="translit">(klētos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2822.htm">Strong's 2822: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the same as klesis; invited, i.e. Appointed, or, a saint.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an apostle</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπόστολος</span> <span class="translit">(apostolos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Christ</span><br /><span class="grk">Χριστοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Christou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jesus</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰησοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Iēsou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] will</span><br /><span class="grk">θελήματος</span> <span class="translit">(thelēmatos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2307.htm">Strong's 2307: </a> </span><span class="str2">An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God,</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[our]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brother</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀδελφὸς</span> <span class="translit">(adelphos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Sosthenes,</span><br /><span class="grk">Σωσθένης</span> <span class="translit">(Sōsthenēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4988.htm">Strong's 4988: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the base of sozo and that of sthenoo; of safe strength; Sosthenes, a Christian.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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>