1 Corinthians 1:1-3 serves as Paul’s greeting to the church in Corinth. He introduces himself as “called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus” and acknowledges Sosthenes as a fellow believer. Paul addresses the letter to “the church of God that is in Corinth” and extends this greeting to all who call on Jesus’ name, emphasizing the unity of all believers. He blesses them with “grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This introduction highlights Paul’s authority as God’s chosen messenger and reminds the Corinthians that they are sanctified and called to live as God’s holy people. His blessing of grace and peace reflects both God’s unearned favor and the wholeness found in Christ, setting a tone of encouragement and unity for the rest of the letter.