1 Corinthians 1:2

“Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, etc.] This epistle is inscribed to the saints at Corinth; who are described by their being “the church of God”, a particular congregated church; a number of persons gathered out of the world, and joined together in holy fellowship, carrying on the worship of God together, and walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord; a very high character this, to be called the church of God, which is the pillar and ground of truth: and it may be observed, that this is here given to a people, among whom were many irregularities, errors, disorders, and divisions; which shows, that a church of God is not to be unchurched for everything that is amiss…”

“the church of God--He calls it so notwithstanding its many blots. Fanatics and sectaries vainly think to anticipate the final sifting of the wheat and tares (Mat 13:27-30). It is a dangerous temptation to think there is no church where there is not apparent perfect purity. He who thinks so, must at last separate from all others and think himself the only holy man in the world, or establish a peculiar sect with a few hypocrites. It was enough for Paul in recognizing the Corinthians as a church, that he saw among them evangelical doctrine, baptism, and the Lord's Supper" [CALVIN]. It was the Church of God, not of this or of that favorite leader [CHRYSOSTOM]. at Corinth--a church at dissolute…”

“Unto the church of God which is at Corinth - For an account of the time and manner in which the church was established in Corinth, see the introduction, and the notes at Acts 18:1-17. The church is called “the church of God,” because it has been founded by His agency, and was devoted to his service. It is worthy of remark, that although great disorders had been introduced into that church; though there were separations and erroneous doctrines; though there were some who gave evidence that they were not sincere Christians, yet the apostle had no hesitation in applying to them the name of a “church of God.” To them that are sanctified - To those who are made holy. This does not refer to the…”

“To the church of God which is in Corinth - St. Paul, writing in a familiar manner to the Corinthians, as also to the Thessalonians and Galatians, uses this plain appellation. To the other churches he uses a more solemn address. Sanctified through Jesus Christ - And so undoubtedly they were in general, notwithstanding some exceptions. Called - Of Jesus Christ, Rom 1:6 And - As the fruit of that calling made holy. With all that in every place - Nothing could better suit that catholic love which St. Paul labours to promote in this epistle, than such a declaration of his good wishes for every true Christian upon earth. Call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ - This plainly implies that all…”

“1:2 The church is comprised of those who are called by God to be his own holy people, those who belong to him and are dedicated to him. They have been made holy by means of Christ Jesus—God has set them apart for himself through the saving work of his Son and their faith relationship to him.”

“the church: Act 18:1, Act 18:8-11; Co2 1:1; Gal 1:2; Th1 1:1; Th2 1:1; Ti1 3:15 to them: Jde 1:1 sanctified: Co1 1:30, Co1 6:9-11; Joh 17:17-19; Act 15:9, Act 26:18; Eph 5:26; Heb 2:11, Heb 10:10; Heb 13:12 called: Rom 1:7; Th1 4:7; Ti2 1:9; Pe1 1:15, Pe1 1:16 with: Act 7:59, Act 7:60, Act 9:14, Act 9:21, Act 22:16; Th2 2:16, Th2 2:17; Ti2 2:22 call: Τοις επικαλουμενοις το ονομα \[Strong's G3686\]. That these words ought not to be rendered passively, is evident from the LXX, who translate the phrase יקרא בשׁם, "he shall call on the name" which is active, by επικαλησεται εν ονοματι Θεου, or εν ονοματι Κυριου. Gen 4:26, Gen 12:8, Gen 13:4-7, Gen 13:8-13 our Lord: Co1 8:6; Psa 45:11; Act 10:36;…”