2. 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

3. v 1

4.  “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother” (v 1).  Paul was called to be an apostle. ◦ God “separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace” (Gal 1:15). ◦ “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Tim 1:12).  God chose Paul to be an apostle. ◦ An apostle literally refers to an envoy. ◦ Paul was an apostle “of Jesus Christ.”  God’s sovereign will chose Paul to be an apostle.

5.  That was important for Corinth. ◦ Paul authority was repeatedly questioned by the Corinthians (1 Cor 9). ◦ A couple important points for us today.  One: What Paul wrote in Scripture carries the authority of God.  Two: Paul’s authority needed to be recognized, for he was appointed by God.  Elders (Acts 20:28; Heb 13:17).

6. v 2

7. He does so in three ways.

8.  He refers to the congregation as “the church of God.” ◦ God owns the church. ◦ This congregation is “the church of God.”  He reminds these Christians that they are saints. ◦ These Christians are sanctified and called to be saints. ◦ The basic meaning of sanctify is to set something apart for a special usage.  He reminds these Christians of the global unity of the church.

9. v 3

10.  Paul often starts his Epistles with a prayer for grace and peace.  A couple interesting things, however: ◦ “Grace” was the Greek greeting; “peace” was the Jewish greeting.  Is Paul subtly calling for unity? ◦ Paul equates Jesus with God.