Paul's foremost concern is his apostolic standing in the Corinthian community. The very lack of elaboration in comparison with Paul's other letters highlights this at the start: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. The first-century writer used this part of the letter to strengthen family ties and friendships. Paul is no different. This is clear from his references to Timothy our brother (v. 1), together with all the saints (v. 1) and our Father (v. 2), by which he seeks to reinforce the idea of the church as the family of God.