The book of 1 Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul to address various issues and answer questions from the church in Corinth. Corinth was a busy trade city in ancient Greece with people from all walks of life. The church Paul established there struggled with divisions, immorality, marriage, food sacrificed to idols, public worship, and the resurrection. Through his letter, Paul provided guidance, correction, and encouragement to live according to God’s standards.
Divisions in the Church (1 Corinthians 1-4)
Paul opens his letter acknowledging divisions in the Corinthian church over loyalty to certain leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Peter. He reminds them that the gospel message he preached unified them in Christ. Salvation is from God alone, not through eloquent human wisdom. Believers should boast in the Lord, not human leaders. Paul explains that church leaders like himself and Apollos merely planted and watered seeds, but God caused the growth. All leaders will be judged by God, so there is no place for pride or division over them. The Corinthians were acting immaturely, boasting as if they already had everything while the apostles endured hardship for their benefit. Paul urges them to imitate him as he imitates Christ.
Dealing with Immorality (1 Corinthians 5)
Paul reprimands the church for tolerating sexual immorality, specifically a man sleeping with his father’s wife. Even pagans would condemn this. Rather than boasting, they should mourn and remove this man from fellowship. Paul says not to associate with any who claim Christ but continue in sexual sin. God will judge those outside the church, but they must hold each other accountable to holy living.
Lawsuits Among Believers (1 Corinthians 6:1-11)
Paul cannot believe Christians in Corinth are taking their disputes before unbelieving judges in court. They should be able to resolve trivial matters privately within the church. Even if wronged, it is better to accept injustice than drag Christian conflicts into the public eye. Unrighteous people will not inherit God’s kingdom. Paul lists sins they previously engaged in but were set free from through salvation in Christ.
Sexual Immorality (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
Everything is permissible but not beneficial. The body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord. God will raise the physical body. Sexual sin harms and unites Christ with a prostitute. The body is the Lord’s temple indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We are bought at a price and should glorify God with our bodies.
Marriage and Singleness (1 Corinthians 7)
Paul answers questions posed by the Corinthians. Celibacy is good but marriage is not wrong, especially to avoid sexual temptation. Spouses should fulfill marital duties and not deprive each other. Divorce should be avoided but permitted if an unbelieving spouse wants to leave. God calls people to live in the life situation they were in when converted. Stay single or married as you were called. Paul wishes all could be single like him but recognizes it is better to marry than burn with passion. Marriage brings many worldly concerns whereas the unmarried can focus more on God. Remain as you are but serve God faithfully.
Food Sacrificed to Idols (1 Corinthians 8)
While idols are not real gods, not all believers have this knowledge. Eating food sacrificed to idols can appear to endorse idol worship. Knowledge puffs up but love builds up others. Be careful that your freedom in Christ does not cause the weak to stumble. It is better to give up your rights than destroy a weaker brother for whom Christ died.
Paul’s Example as an Apostle (1 Corinthians 9)
Paul defends his apostleship and rights even though he waived them. He asks if he is not an apostle, having seen the risen Christ. As their father in faith, Paul has the right to financial support, but he has not used it so the gospel remains free of charge. He endures all things to spread the good news. All effort is meaningless unless done for the gospel’s reward. Become like those you want to reach to win more. Paul disciplines and controls himself to avoid disqualification. Run to win the prize as he does.
Warning Against Idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:1-22)
The Israelites in the wilderness saw God’s power yet sinned and displeased him. They must not follow their bad example by worshiping idols, sexual sin, or testing Christ. Guard against overconfidence – be vigilant. Idols represent demons, not God. You cannot partake in the Lord’s Supper and offer sacrifices to demons too.
Instructions About Head Coverings (1 Corinthians 11:2-16)
Paul praises them for following the traditions passed down. But he wants women to wear head coverings when praying or prophesying as a sign of authority. Woman came from man, not vice versa. Angels are watching public worship, so women must show submission by wearing head coverings.
Observing the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
The Corinthians humiliate the poor in celebrating the Lord’s Supper while divisions exist. This is not really the Lord’s meal. Paul reminds them of the sacred meaning – proclaiming Christ’s death until he returns. Partaking in an unworthy manner brings judgment. Examine yourself first before participating. Discipline prevents condemnation with unbelievers. Receive Christ worthily with reverence and self-examination.
Spiritual Gifts in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12)
Believers have diverse gifts from the same Spirit for the common good. No gift is superior, like feet, hands, eyes which all serve vital functions. God arranged the parts as he desired. There should be no division but equal concern for all. God gives greater honor to the weaker parts. Suffering or honor is shared. Seek the greater gifts of faith, hope and love which remain forever.
Love is Greater Than Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 13)
Gifts without love are useless. Love is patient, kind, trusting, hopeful, and enduring. Prophecies and knowledge will pass but love remains. Now we see dimly but one day face to face. Faith, hope, and love abide – the greatest is love.
Orderly Worship (1 Corinthians 14:1-25)
Eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy for strengthening the church. Tongues edify yourself but prophecies build up others. Seek gifts that bless the church. Speak so people understand, or keep silent. Pray for interpretation of tongues. Paul would rather speak five intelligible words than endless unintelligible tongues. Tongues can repel unbelievers but prophecy reveals their sinful state. Proclaiming God’s truth in normal language can lead unbelievers to worship.
Instructions About Tongues (1 Corinthians 14:26-40)
When you gather, do everything for edification. Limit speaking in tongues and have an interpreter or stay silent. Two or three prophets may speak while others weigh carefully. The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets’ control. God desires order, not confusion in worship. Women should remain silent rather than disrupt worship. Paul will provide further instructions later. Earnestly desire prophesying and do all things properly and orderly.
Resurrection of the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-58)
Paul declares the gospel he preached: Christ died for our sins and rose again. Witnesses saw the risen Christ. If there is no resurrection, Christian faith and hope are meaningless. But Christ is risen, the first fruits of those who will rise. Death came through Adam but life through Christ who destroys death’s power. Believers will be made alive when he returns. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom. The dead will rise imperishable and immortal. Death is swallowed up in victory through Christ. Be steadfast in this hope. Give fully to the Lord’s work which is not in vain.
Collection for Believers in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4)
Paul instructs them to set aside money weekly for famine relief in Jerusalem. He will send those approved to deliver this gift.
Paul’s Final Greetings (1 Corinthians 16:5-24)
Paul plans to visit after passing through Macedonia. He urges Timothy be well received or sent back to Paul unharmed. Be on guard, stand firm, be courageous, do everything in love. Stephanas’ household brought the gospel to the region. Submit to those working hard like them. Aquila and Priscilla greet warmly as do all the Asian churches. Watch out for anyone who rejects Paul’s teaching. Anathema to those who do not love Christ. Maranatha! Paul signs off with his own hand, offering grace in Jesus.