I Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and ours: (KJV)

Then: Corinth, a short-cut city, between Rome and Athens, became rich from tourist and business travelers. Riches brought decadence, but Paul still believed the people there needed to know the Saviour. They too could call upon the name of Christ. When the culture intruded and invaded the lives of the "called out ones," he sent two letters to show his continued love and knowledge that they were still members of the body, deserving of care and reteaching. Thus letter element number two: a statement of who is to receive the letter, describes the Corinthians as still holy, sanctified, to the Lord. When it comes to being followers, They are no different than people living in Rome or Jerusalem.

Now: Corinth sounds like Las Vegas or New Orleans or San Francisco or New York City in the sense of decadence. They have their share of business and tourist trade along with a full fair share of culture idols. Namesakes of the silver statues of Venus can be found in theaters and on street corners. Similar to Corinth, these Christians stand alone, berated by the ACLU, artistes, and unsaved, everyday folk. Here as elsewhere, Christ followers must know the Lord's love will sharpen their ability to stand firm, unblighted in a land of tarnished silver. Paul speaks to the wealthy, middle class, and poor in a materialistic world. All need to know the Lord is a pearl more valuable than any jewel on earth. So letter element #2, "To the church of God," is valuable to today's Christians as it stands, but serves as a necessary poke in the ribs for outside missionaries, via internet, emails, meditations, church publications, to keep after those living in decadent cities. Remind them to constantly avoid culture-tainted attitudes towards sin.


Added source: Wesley's Notes on the Bible http://www.ccel.org/ccel/wesley/notes.i.viii.ii.html