King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:1 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:1 in the King James Version says “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 1:1 · KJV

Context

1

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

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 theirs and ours:

3

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God (Παῦλος kletos ἀπόστολος, "Paul, a called apostle")—Paul opens by asserting his divine appointment, not human authorization. The term kletos (κλητός, "called") is foundational to this letter, appearing repeatedly to contrast God's sovereign calling with human factional loyalties. Apostolos (ἀπόστολος) means "one sent with authority," establishing Paul's credentials to address the Corinthian chaos.

Through the will of God (dia thelematos theou, διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ)—Paul's apostleship derives from divine initiative, not self-appointment or congregational vote. This opening undercuts any personality cult: Paul himself is merely a servant of God's sovereign purpose. Sosthenes our brother may be the same synagogue ruler beaten in Acts 18:17, now converted—a living testimony to gospel transformation in Corinth.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul writes to Corinth around AD 55 from Ephesus during his third missionary journey. Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan port city notorious for immorality (the verb "to Corinthianize" meant to practice sexual vice). The church Paul planted there three years earlier (Acts 18) was now fractured by divisions, immorality, and confusion—prompting this corrective letter.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's emphasis on being "called" challenge modern tendencies to self-promote or seek human validation in ministry?
  2. In what ways might we create personality cults around Christian leaders today, and how does Paul's opening address this?
  3. What does it mean practically that spiritual authority comes "through the will of God" rather than human processes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Παῦλος1 of 12

“Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

κλητὸς2 of 12

“called”

G2822

invited, i.e., appointed, or (specially), a saint

ἀπόστολος3 of 12

“to be an apostle”

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

Ἰησοῦ4 of 12

“of Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ5 of 12

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

διὰ6 of 12

“through”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

θελήματος7 of 12

“the will”

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

θεοῦ8 of 12

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ9 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Σωσθένης10 of 12

“Sosthenes”

G4988

of safe strength; sosthenes, a christian

ὁ11 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφός12 of 12

“our brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 1:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 1:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 1:1Ephesians 1:12 Corinthians 1:1Acts 18:17Colossians 1:1Acts 22:21

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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