1 Corinthians

Lore & Background

Paul opens by asserting his apostolic authority (1 Corinthians 1:1) and immediately confronts factionalism, asking if Christ is divided or if anyone was baptized in Paul's name (1 Corinthians 1:13). He contrasts the foolishness of God with human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25) and claims to speak wisdom among the mature, not the wisdom of this world (1 Corinthians 2:6). Paul rebukes the Corinthians for boasting and failing to judge disputes among themselves (1 Corinthians 5:6; 6:5), and he urges self-examination before communion (1 Corinthians 11:28).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray 1 Corinthians as a pastoral letter addressing internal conflicts and theological confusion. Paul defends his apostleship (1 Corinthians 1:1) and criticizes the Corinthians for glorying in human leaders (1 Corinthians 1:13). He uses the metaphor of milk and meat to indicate their spiritual immaturity (1 Corinthians 3:2) and warns that a little leaven corrupts the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6). Practical guidance covers marriage (1 Corinthians 7:9), freedom for slaves (1 Corinthians 7:21), and eating meat sold in markets (1 Corinthians 10:25). Worship regulations include head coverings (1 Corinthians 11:4) and women keeping silent in churches (1 Corinthians 11:16; 14:34). The letter climaxes with a defense of bodily resurrection: Christ appeared to over 500 (1 Corinthians 15:6), and the dead will be raised incorruptible (1 Corinthians 15:42), with death swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54). Paul writes from Ephesus, planning to stay until Pentecost (1 Corinthians 16:8).

Did You Know?

• Paul mentions that Christ was seen by over 500 brethren at once, most of whom were still alive when he wrote (1 Corinthians 15:6).
• Paul says it is better to marry than to burn with passion (1 Corinthians 7:9).
• Paul states that a little leaven leavens the whole lump, rebuking the Corinthians' boasting (1 Corinthians 5:6).
• Paul writes that he will remain at Ephesus until Pentecost (1 Corinthians 16:8).