1 Corinthians

Paul addresses divisions in the Corinthian church where factions claim different leaders. He argues that the message of the cross is foolishness to the world but the power of God to those being saved. God chose the foolish things to shame the wise, so that no one may boast before Him.

Paul recalls coming to Corinth in weakness, relying not on eloquent wisdom but on the Spirit's power. He teaches that God reveals deep truths through the Spirit—the natural person cannot understand spiritual things. We have the mind of Christ.

Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their spiritual immaturity and factionalism—they are still infants in Christ. He explains that leaders are co-workers in God's field, each with different roles. The church is God's temple, and each person's work will be tested by fire.

Paul describes apostles as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. He challenges the Corinthians' arrogance, reminding them that everything they have is a gift. He warns that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Paul confronts a case of sexual immorality in the church that even pagans would not tolerate. He instructs the church to remove the unrepentant person for the sake of the community's purity. A little leaven leavens the whole lump—Christ is our Passover lamb.

Paul rebukes believers for suing each other in secular courts. He warns against sexual immorality, teaching that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. You were bought at a price—therefore honor God with your bodies. He lists sins that will not inherit the kingdom but celebrates that believers are washed and sanctified.

Paul addresses marriage, singleness, and divorce. He teaches that each person should remain in the situation God called them. He commends singleness as a gift that allows undivided devotion to the Lord, while affirming marriage as good and honoring.

Paul addresses food sacrificed to idols, balancing knowledge with love. While idols are nothing and food does not bring us closer to God, knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Believers must not use their freedom to cause a weaker brother to stumble.

Paul defends his apostolic rights while explaining why he voluntarily forfeits them for the gospel's sake. He becomes all things to all people so that by all means some might be saved. He compares the Christian life to a race, urging discipline to win the prize.

Paul warns against idolatry using Israel's wilderness failures as examples. He assures believers that God is faithful—He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but will provide a way out. He teaches that participation in communion is participation in Christ.

Paul discusses head coverings in worship and corrects abuses of the Lord's Supper. He recounts Jesus' institution of communion—this is my body, this is the new covenant in my blood—and warns against partaking in an unworthy manner.

Paul teaches about spiritual gifts, using the metaphor of the body. Just as a body has many parts with different functions, so the church has diverse gifts—all given by the same Spirit. No part can say to another it is not needed. God arranged the parts as He willed.

The love chapter: Paul declares that without love, all gifts are meaningless. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, boast, or keep record of wrongs. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Faith, hope, and love remain—but the greatest of these is love.

Paul compares prophecy and tongues, arguing that prophecy builds up the church while uninterpreted tongues only build up the individual. He urges orderly worship where everything is done for edification. God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

The resurrection chapter: Paul presents the gospel—Christ died, was buried, and rose on the third day. If Christ has not been raised, faith is futile. But Christ has been raised as the firstfruits. Paul explains the resurrection body and declares victory: Where, O death, is your sting?

Paul gives instructions for the collection for the Jerusalem saints and shares his travel plans. He urges the Corinthians to be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous and strong, and do everything in love. He closes with greetings and the Aramaic prayer maranatha—come, Lord!