1 Corinthians 1:1

“Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother.”

Authorship and Background: The book of 1 Corinthians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. Paul was a prominent figure in the early Christian church, having encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and subsequently becoming an apostle. He played a crucial role in spreading the Gospel and establishing churches throughout the Roman Empire.

Calling and Apostleship: In 1 Corinthians 1:1, Paul identifies himself as the author and begins by stating that he was “called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God.” This highlights two important aspects of Paul’s ministry. Firstly, he emphasizes that his apostleship was not self-appointed but was a result of God’s sovereign will. Paul didn’t choose to become an apostle; rather, he was chosen and called by God for this specific role. This highlights the divine authority and purpose behind Paul’s ministry.

The Role of Sosthenes: The verse also mentions Sosthenes, referring to him as “our brother.” Sosthenes is believed to be a prominent leader or member of the Corinthian church at that time. Some scholars suggest that he may have been the same Sosthenes mentioned in Acts 18:17, who was the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth and was beaten by the Jews when Paul was brought before Gallio. It is possible that Sosthenes had converted to Christianity and became a fellow worker with Paul.

Unity and Relationship: By referring to Sosthenes as “our brother,” Paul highlights the close bond they shared as believers in Christ. This demonstrates the unity and familial relationship that existed among early Christians. The mention of Sosthenes at the beginning of the letter may have served to authenticate and affirm the authority of the letter to the Corinthian church.

Application to Believers Today: While this verse provides historical context for Paul’s authorship and establishes the authority of his apostleship, it also offers valuable insights for believers today. It reminds us that our calling and purpose in serving God are not self-determined but are divinely appointed. Just as Paul was called to be an apostle through the will of God, each of us has a unique calling and purpose within the body of Christ.

Furthermore, the mention of Sosthenes as a fellow believer reminds us of the importance of unity and fellowship within the church. We are called to support, encourage, and work together as brothers and sisters in Christ. This verse encourages us to cultivate strong relationships with fellow believers and to recognize the authority and calling that God has placed on their lives.

In summary, 1 Corinthians 1:1 highlights Paul’s divine calling as an apostle and his close relationship with Sosthenes. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing God’s will for our lives and the significance of unity and fellowship within the body of Christ.