1 Corinthians 1:1-9

The Apostle Paul started the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey. We know from 1 Corinthians 5:9 that Paul wrote another letter to the church which we have no record of. In 1 Cor. 16:8 & 19, we learn that Paul is in Ephesus when he wrote this letter, so it is believed he was on his third missionary journey at Ephesus around AD 53, 54, or 55. In verses 1-9 we have Paul's greeting and thanks to the church. In these 9 verses he mentions God five times, and a form of Jesus Christ ten times, so he's making a point that God is the center for everything we have and are. Paul also reminded the church of God that met at Corinth that they are not the only believers in Jesus, but there are people "everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ - their Lord and ours." The terminology for that is the "Universal Church." Paul reminds the church that they are sanctified or set apart, and they are called to be holy. He also reminded them that the day of the Lord Jesus was going to be revealed, and it is God who has called, equipped them with all they need, and it is God who will keep them strong to the end until that day they stand blameless before the Lord Jesus Christ. God the Father has called believers into fellowship with Jesus Christ, so we are never alone, and God the Father is faithful. He will do this!