1 Corinthians 1:2-3
What is written? (ESV)
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
What does it say?
Salutation to the church in Corinth, those sanctified in Christ and all those that “call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s introduction to his letter to the church in Corinth. Just after this, Paul says, “I give thanks to my God always for you…” (vs 4)
How 1 Corinthians 1:2-3 is applied across Bible answers
Do we pray to Jesus or God?
Paul addresses a single, geographic location (e.g. Corinth) of Christ's body, the church [universal], while associating those saints with all saints everywhere that "call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Scripture defines "calling on the Lord" as turning to Christ in obedience and worship, which is in fact how Paul is using it here. Prayer is mentioned just two verses later, and it is offered to God. (vs 4)
How is the sinner’s prayer used in scripture?
It's evident in Paul's use of "call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" in his address to the church in Corinth that it means worship -- all ongoing worship that the saints in Corinth, and indeed any congregation ("every place") would engage in.
What does it mean to ‘call on the name of the Lord?’
In his address to the church in Corinth (and indeed, "every place"), Paul identifies the ongoing, collective activities of worship as calling on the name of Jesus.
