1 Corinthians

Epistle · New Testament · The apostle Paul · c. 53–54 CE

First Corinthians is an epistle written to a diverse and factional church in Corinth to address specific ethical, theological, and practical issues within the community. The letter provides guidance on topics such as internal divisions, sexual morality, Christian freedom, public worship, and spiritual gifts. It culminates in a foundational defense of the bodily resurrection of Jesus and of believers.

16 chapters

• 11 Corinthians 1Paul addresses divisions within the Corinthian church and contrasts human wisdom with the power of Christ crucified.
• 21 Corinthians 2Paul explains that he preaches through the Spirit's power rather than human wisdom, which is understood only by spiritual people.
• 31 Corinthians 3Paul corrects the Corinthians' sectarianism, describing church leaders as mere builders on the single foundation of Jesus Christ.
• 41 Corinthians 4Paul defends his apostolic ministry, warning the proud Corinthians and urging them to imitate his humble, self-sacrificing lifestyle.
• 51 Corinthians 5Paul commands the church to expel a member committing incest, urging them to purge sin like old leaven.
• 61 Corinthians 6Paul warns against lawsuits among believers in pagan courts and condemns sexual immorality, stating that the body is a temple.
• 71 Corinthians 7Paul addresses marriage, celibacy, divorce, and remaining in one's calling, advising believers to focus on the Lord because time is short.
• 81 Corinthians 8Paul discusses eating food sacrificed to idols, emphasizing that love for weaker believers must take precedence over personal knowledge and freedom.
• 91 Corinthians 9Paul defends his apostolic rights but explains how he voluntarily surrenders them and disciplines his body to spread the gospel effectively.
• 101 Corinthians 10Paul uses Israel's wilderness history to warn against idolatry and urges the Corinthians to prioritize others' consciences when eating meat.
• 111 Corinthians 11Paul addresses proper decorum for women and men during worship and corrects abuses regarding the celebration of the Lord's Supper.
• 121 Corinthians 12Paul explains the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts, comparing the Christian community to a single body with many essential parts.
• 131 Corinthians 13Paul exalts love as the most essential and enduring virtue, far surpassing spiritual gifts like prophecy, tongues, and knowledge.
• 141 Corinthians 14Paul regulates the use of prophecy and tongues in public worship to ensure the congregation is edified and order is maintained.
• 151 Corinthians 15Paul defends the physical resurrection of Christ and believers, explaining the nature of the future resurrected spiritual body.
• 161 Corinthians 16Paul instructs the Corinthians on the Jerusalem collection, details his travel plans, commends fellow workers, and sends final greetings.