First Corinthians

Learn more about the City of Corinth and the Church established there.

Who wrote First Corinthians?

The Apostle Paul wrote this epistle with a man named Sosthenes at his side.

When and where was 1 Corinthians written?

This epistle was written from Ephesus in A.D. 55

Purpose for 1 Corinthians

After receiving negative reports from Corinth through Chloe and Stephanus, Paul wrote:

1. To set aright disorders and grave sins in the Corinthian church which some members were taking too lightly.

2. To answer questions about moral and theological issues which were being asked.

3. To give doctrinal instruction in regard to these problems as well as other important issues.

Overview and Message of 1 Corinthians

This Epistle is orderly in its content as it sequentially addresses a group of problems that have come to Paul's attention. The letter basically divides four ways outside of the introduction and conclusion.

1. The problem of division / factions in the church (Ch. 1-4)

2. The problem of moral disorder in the church (Ch. 5-6)

3. Various other questions and difficulties (Ch. 7-14)

4. The resurrection of Jesus Christ (Ch. 15, 16)

As he prepares to deal with the serious problems present in the Corinthian church early on in the Epistle, Paul proclaims the relevance and sufficiency of Christ for every believer.

In dealing with the sexual immorality, Paul stresses the importance of church discipline and purity. The primary good of discipline is restoration (5:9-13).

The relationship of Christian liberty and Christian love is explored. Paul writes that "all things are lawful for me but all things are not helpful" (6:12) and chapter 13 contains the most extensive teaching on Christian Love.

In addition 1 Corinthians contains extensive doctrinal instruction on spiritual gifts in the church (Ch. 12-14)

Leave First Corinthians and move to Second Corinthians