1 Corinthians Chapter 1

Notes on Greetings and Salutations

In 1 Corinthians 1:1 - 3 this is a rather standard signature, introduction and salutation for Paul for a letter of this sort. Paul wished to emphasis his spiritual authority which he does so in the first and third verses. Verse three also contains a play on words with Paul substituting Grace for Greetings.

1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

• Paul who was called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by God Himself, and Sosthenes our brother,
  • (This is the signature of this letter. It says it is from Paul and Sosthenes. They put this up front since it was sent on a scroll and this way they will not have to unroll the whole letter to know who it was from. It sets the tone of the letter by stating up front that Paul was chosen by God to serve at the highest level of Church leadership. In effect that this letter was the divine message of God to the church in Corinth.)

1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

• Particularly to those true members of the church in Corinth as well as all Christians everywhere.
  • (This was a letter to Corinth but applies to the whole church.)

1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Grace and peace to you from from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • (Paul is emphasizing that he is merely a conduit for the word of God. As we can see in Romans 1:7, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Philippians 1:2, Colossians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:2, and 2 John 1:3, this is Paul's standard greeting. Paul uses the Greek word Charis G5485 meaning Grace when the standard greeting was Chairo G5463 meaning Greetings. Paul is making a play on similar sounding words to emphasize his message.)