Paul declares himself to be a divinely appointed messenger of Christ, V. 1. In this character he addresses the church at Corinth, as those who were sanctified in Christ, and called to be saints. He includes in his salutation all the worshippers of Christ in that vicinity, v. 2 ; and invokes upon them the bless- ings of grace and peace, v. 3.
The introduction is as usual oommendatory. He thanks God for the favour shown to the Corinthians ; for the various gifts by which the gospel had been confirmed among them, and by which they were placed on a full equality with the most favoured churches, vs. 4-7. He expresses his confidence, founded on the fidelity of God, that they would be preserved from apostasy until the day of the Lord, vs. 8, 9.
1. Paul, called (to be) an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes (our) brother. Pauly so called after his conversion and the commence-