We noticed last week, the state of Paul’s heart and mind when he wrote the epistle. In II Cor 2:4 he reveals. He speaks of affliction. The word is translated tribulation in Matthew 24:21. Paul also speaks of his anguish of heart. The word is used by the Saviour to describe afflictions and distress that will be generated in the days just prior to His return. The only other place the word is used is in Luke 21:25. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earthdistress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring. These words surely show us what effect the news of the Corinthians’ sin had on Paul. Sin among God’s people is the chief source of distress for the believer. Look at the sorrow of men like Ezra, Jeremiah, Daniel and Paul and see that this is so. Above all, we must see the effect upon the Saviour of the sins of His people. Our sins brought the sorrow of the cross upon Christ. They broke His heart and caused His death. 

Remembering that this was the state of the apostle’s heart let us consider then the first words of his letter to this erring people.The verses 1-9 contain four sections.

I. THE WRITER INTRODUCES HIMSELF

Paul maintains propriety despite his emotions and introduces himself first. He was not going to give way to his strong feelings. Did he not say to the Romans, tribulation worketh patience, Romans 5:3? It is to be noted that it was not until he wrote his second epistle that he laid bare his soul and tells of his distress of heart. Such self-discipline is necessary in one who is about to call the church at Corinth to the exercise of Christian discipline and order. 

1. His name.

Saul, after his conversion became known as Paul. TSaul — Hebrew name meaning ‘desired’. Paul,— a Greek name of Latin origins meaning ‘small’. It is believed that Paul was a small man, II Cor 10:10. ‘Small’ in physical frame, in everything else Paul was a giant.

2. His authority.

Clearly stated by the setting down the office he holds. Apostle by the call and will of God.  Paul's position was of God, Gal 1:1, 15. Doubtless, some challenged his apostleship. It is nothing new for the authority of the preacher to be challenged by those who wish to avoid obeying God's Word, Numbers 16:1-3.

3. The One he serves.

Jesus Christ. The term apostle  means one sent forth with orders. Paul was carrying out the orders of Jesus Christ in his preaching. God . . . commandeth all men every where to repent, Acts 17:30.

It was important for the church at Corinth to have these facts set before them. All that Paul said, no matter how unpleasant it may be, must be accepted as the word of Jesus Christ, 14:37.

4. His companion.

Sosthenes. Paul links his name with that of a man who was well known in Corinth. It is believed that this is the Sosthenes of Acts 18:17. He was a ruler of the synagogue and therefore would have had standing at least amongst the Jews. Paul was both humble and wise in linking Sosthenes’ name to his epistle.

II. THE READERS ADDRESSED

1. The church of God at Corinth.

The word church means a gathering of people called out of their homes into a public place. We gather today because of a summons sent from God to attend upon Him. That summons was the gospel, Gal 1:6. 

2. The character of the church.

[a] Sanctified in Christ Jesus. They are in a state of sanctification. To embrace Christ is to be made holy in God’s sight. By virtue of our union with Christ we are holy.

[b] Called to be saints. That which they had been made in Christ they must practise. Eph 4:1, I Tim 6:12, I Pet 2:9. 

[c] With all . . .  the universal character of all who call upon the name of the Lord. The Corinthians were not a law unto themselves, 14:36, 40. The Lord Jesus is the Lord of members and apostles — theirs and ours, verse 2. Six times Paul refers to the Lordship of Christ in the first ten verses. This was a major issue in the church. Parties were gathered around names, 10-13. It ought to be noted that the deity of the Lord Jesus is here clearly stated. It is upon His name that all believers call. The Lord Jesus was worshipped and believers were distinguished by such, Acts 7:59; 9:14, 21; Rom 10:12, 13. Where is the invocation of Mary?

III. THE GREETINGS

1. A salutation. 

Grace is the divine good will out of which peace, the settled tranquillity that fills the heart of one trusting in Christ, springs. Paul prays that such will be communicated from the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 

IV. THE THANKSGIVING

Paul still refers to the work in Corinth as a Church despite its much sin and disobedience. He now gives thanks for the people at Corinth. In every true child of God there is that which will give us cause for thanksgiving. As the Father sees Christ in them so ought we to look for such likenesses to Him. The thanksgiving is for . . .

1. Grace.

It is given by Jesus Christ. Again we have a refuting of Rome’s teaching of grace by the saints etc.

2. Gifts.

God greatly enriched the church at Corinth with spiritual gifts. It is important to note that a people may retain something of the gifts of the Spirit who display little of the fruits of the Spirit. The exercising of a gift is no evidence of holiness and obedience. Compare Paul’s thanksgiving in I Thess 1:2-10. Paul indicates that the gifts the Corinthians possessed would pass but the things which he does not refer to in his thanksgiving would abide, faith, hope and love, I Cor 13:13. So then, in the midst of Paul’s prayer of praise we find reference to the defect of the church in his silence. 

3. Waiting for the revelation of Christ.

Again, we see the divine wisdom given to Paul. For a church that believed that it was walking in the full light of God, it is good to remind them that believers are waiting for a revelation of Christ at His return. We have much more to learn about our Redeemer. He reminds them also of that day of examination when we shall stand before the Lord. This is the scene that he uses as a backcloth against which to set the sins and errors of the church. How less likely we would be to sin, how much more ready we would be to obey, if we kept the return of Christ before us, II Tim 4:1.

To stand in that day we need the confirming grace of God which a faithful God will bestow on those who obey Him.