1 Corinthians

Hey there! Ever gotten a letter from a friend who really cares about you, but also has to tell you some tough stuff? That’s kinda like the book of 1 Corinthians.

Who Wrote It and Why?

A guy named Paul, who was a super important figure in early Christianity, wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, a city known for being a bit wild. The Christians there were facing all sorts of problems: cliques, disagreements about spiritual gifts, even some were living immorally. So Paul wrote this letter to guide them back on track.

What’s in the Letter?

1 Corinthians is packed with wisdom about how to live as a Christian in a messy world. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Unity: Paul stresses the importance of sticking together, even when people have different opinions or backgrounds. He reminds them that they’re all part of the same team, with Jesus as their leader.
• Spiritual Gifts: Some people in Corinth were getting a bit puffed up about their spiritual abilities, while others felt left out. Paul explains that these gifts are meant to build up the whole church, not just individuals.
• Love: This is a big one! Paul famously describes what real love looks like in 1 Corinthians 13 – it’s patient, kind, and doesn’t brag or envy. He says that without love, all the other stuff doesn’t matter much.
• Resurrection: Some people in Corinth doubted that people would be raised from the dead. Paul strongly affirms this belief, saying it’s the cornerstone of Christian faith.
• Practical Advice: Paul also gives advice on topics like marriage, eating meat offered to idols, and how to worship together in a way that honours God.

Questions for Thought

1. What are some challenges Christians face today that are similar to what the Corinthians were going through?
2. How can we apply Paul’s teachings on unity and spiritual gifts to our own lives and communities?
3. What does 1 Corinthians 13 tell us about how we should treat others, even when it’s difficult?
4. Why is the belief in resurrection so important for Christians?
5. What’s one practical piece of advice from 1 Corinthians that you could start putting into practice?

Remember: 1 Corinthians isn’t just an ancient letter; it’s full of timeless wisdom that can help us navigate the challenges of our own lives and grow closer to God and each other.

---

The first letter to the Corinthians revolves around the theme of problems in Christian conduct in the church. It thus has to do with progressive sanctification, the continuing development of a holy character. Obviously Paul was personally concerned with the Corinthians’ problems, revealing a true pastor’s (shepherd’s) heart.

The Corinthian church contained some Jews, but more Gentiles, and the apostle had to contend with the superstition of the one, and the sinful conduct of the other. The peace of this church was disturbed by false teachers, who undermined the influence of the apostle. Two parties were the result; one contending earnestly for the Jewish ceremonies, the other indulging in excesses contrary to the gospel, to which they were especially led by the luxury and the sins which prevailed around them. This epistle was written to rebuke some disorderly conduct, of which the apostle had been apprised, and to give advice as to some points whereon his judgment was requested by the Corinthians. Thus the scope was twofold.
… To apply suitable remedies to the disorders and abuses which prevailed among them.
… To give satisfactory answers on all the points upon which his advice had been desired.
The address, and Christian mildness, yet firmness, with which the apostle writes, and goes on from general truths directly to oppose the errors and evil conduct of the Corinthians, is very remarkable. He states the truth and the will of God, as to various matters, with great force of argument and animation of style.

Matthew Henry