What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 1:1? Paul • The very first word signals relationship. The letter comes from a man they know well—Paul, the former persecutor turned missionary (Acts 9:1-22). • By naming himself, Paul takes pastoral responsibility for every truth that follows (2 Peter 3:15-16 affirms his writings as Scripture). • His transparency reminds us that God uses real, imperfect people to convey perfect revelation (1 Timothy 1:12-14). an apostle of Christ Jesus • “Apostle” means a sent‐one with Christ-given authority (Luke 6:13). • Paul’s commission wasn’t self-assumed; it was recognized by the other apostles (Acts 14:14) and by churches he planted (Galatians 1:1). • The title assures Corinth that the teaching in this letter carries the very authority of Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:6). by the will of God • Paul anchors his role in God’s sovereign choice, echoing Acts 9:15: “He is My chosen instrument.” • This phrase silences any accusation that Paul serves for personal gain; his ministry exists because God willed it (Romans 1:1; Ephesians 1:1). • Believers can rest in the same confidence—our callings stand secure because they originate in God’s unchanging purpose (Philippians 2:13). and Timothy our brother • Paul refuses to minister alone; he names Timothy, his protégé and “true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). • Calling Timothy “our brother” levels the ground—no hierarchy, just family (Matthew 23:8). • The team approach models healthy leadership and invites the Corinthians to see themselves as participants, not spectators (Philippians 2:19-22; Acts 16:1-3). To the church of God in Corinth • “Church of God” highlights ownership: the assembly belongs to Him, not to its gifted leaders (1 Corinthians 1:2). • Corinth was a bustling, morally challenged city (Acts 18:1-11). God planted His people right there—proof that grace flourishes even in difficult environments. • By addressing the whole church, Paul affirms every believer’s responsibility to heed and apply Scripture (Ephesians 4:16). together with all the saints throughout Achaia • Paul widens the audience to every believer in the surrounding province (2 Corinthians 9:2). Truth travels; it’s never restricted to one congregation. • “Saints” describes all who belong to Christ, not a spiritual elite (Romans 1:7). • The greeting nurtures regional unity, reminding readers that they are part of a larger gospel movement (1 Thessalonians 1:8). summary Paul’s opening line is more than a formality. It anchors the letter in God’s sovereign choice, authenticates its authority through an apostle, highlights teamwork, and embraces every believer in Corinth and beyond. The verse establishes that what follows is God’s word to God’s people—calling them, and us, to listen and live accordingly. |
    |