1 Corinthians is Paul’s direct and corrective letter to a troubled church struggling with division, immorality, pride, and confusion about worship and spiritual gifts. Paul addresses a wide range of issues with clarity and pastoral concern, calling believers to unity, holiness, and love. The letter provides foundational teaching on church conduct, relationships, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection of Jesus.
Background
Author: Paul
Audience: The church in Corinth
Date: AD 53–55
Location Written: Ephesus
Context: Corinth was a wealthy, diverse, morally chaotic city. The church reflected many of the same issues found in the culture around them. Paul writes to correct problems reported by Chloe’s household and to answer questions the church had sent him. The letter confronts division, sexual immorality, lawsuits among believers, confusion about marriage, idolatry, spiritual gifts, and improper worship. Paul ultimately points the church back to the cross, calling them to humility, love, and order.
Characters
- Paul — author addressing major problems and questions within the church
- Corinthian Church — diverse community struggling with division and immorality
- Apollos — gifted teacher admired by some in Corinth
- Cephas (Peter) — respected apostle used by some as a rallying point
- Chloe’s People — messengers who informed Paul of the church’s issues
- Members practicing immorality or causing division — individuals Paul confronts for the church’s health
Events
- Rebuke of division and pride within the church (Chapters 1–4)
- Confrontation of sexual immorality and a call for discipline (Chapter 5)
- Instruction against lawsuits among believers (Chapter 6)
- Teaching on marriage, singleness, and divorce (Chapter 7)
- Warnings about idolatry and misuse of Christian freedom (Chapters 8–10)
- Correction regarding the Lord’s Supper and worship practices (Chapter 11)
- Teaching on spiritual gifts and the unity of the body of Christ (Chapters 12–14)
- The love chapter describing the supremacy of love (Chapter 13)
- Detailed teaching on the resurrection of Christ and believers (Chapter 15)
- Final instructions about giving, leadership, and hospitality (Chapter 16)
Bible Study Videos
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of 1 Corinthians
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Disclosures & Notices
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