New Testament
1 Corinthians 1:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
To the church of God in Corinth — those who have been set apart in Christ Jesus, called to be saints — along with everyone everywhere who calls on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
Compare translations
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:
What 1 Corinthians 1:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this letter, Paul addresses the community of believers in Corinth, emphasizing their special status as people chosen by God. They are described as being set apart in Christ Jesus, which means they have a unique purpose and calling. Paul also includes everyone who sincerely calls on Jesus, highlighting that this message is for all believers everywhere. This connection fosters a sense of unity among Christians, regardless of their location. The term 'saints' refers to those who are dedicated to living out their faith. Paul’s greeting reminds the Corinthians of their identity and the importance of their relationship with Jesus. It encourages them to embrace their calling and live in a way that reflects their faith. This introduction sets the tone for the rest of the letter, which addresses various issues within the church, urging them to stay true to their calling and support one another in their spiritual journey. Overall, it’s a reminder of belonging and purpose in a larger community of faith.
How to apply 1 Corinthians 1:2 to your life
Reflect on your own identity as part of a larger community of believers. Consider how you can support others in their faith journey. Remember that you are called to live out your faith in everyday life, making a positive impact on those around you. Embrace your role as a saint in your community, sharing love and encouragement with others. Stay connected to Jesus and to fellow believers for strength and guidance in your life journey.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Corinthians Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Corinthians 1:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Corinthians 1:2
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Corinthians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 55
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Corinth
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Corinthians 1:2 mean?
1 Corinthians 1:2 means that Paul is writing to the believers in Corinth, reminding them of their special status as people chosen by God. He emphasizes their calling to be saints and includes all who call on Jesus, highlighting unity among Christians.
What is the meaning of 'called to be saints' in 1 Corinthians 1:2?
'Called to be saints' in 1 Corinthians 1:2 refers to the believers being set apart for a special purpose in their faith. It signifies their dedication to living out their beliefs and their identity as part of God's community.
How does 1 Corinthians 1:2 relate to community?
1 Corinthians 1:2 relates to community by emphasizing that all believers, not just those in Corinth, are part of God's family. It fosters a sense of belonging and encourages support among Christians everywhere.
What can we learn from 1 Corinthians 1:2?
From 1 Corinthians 1:2, we learn about the importance of our identity in Christ and our calling to live as saints. It encourages us to support one another in faith and to embrace our roles within the larger community of believers.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.