1 Corinthians

Paul writes into real church chaos. Chapters 1–4 dismantle pride and party spirit (Paul/Apollos/Cephas) with the scandalous wisdom of the cross. Chapters 5–7 deal with discipline and sexuality—purity within the body of Christ, wise counsel on marriage and singleness. Chapters 8–10 address knowledge vs. love in disputes over idols' food and Christian freedom, urging consciences formed by love and the gospel.

In corporate worship (11–14), Paul corrects abuses at the Lord's Supper, explains the body of Christ, and orders spiritual gifts under the supremacy of love (chap. 13). Chapter 15 anchors everything in the resurrection of Christ and believers; without it, faith is empty—but because Christ is raised, labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Written by the apostle Paul (with Sosthenes, 1:1). The letter responds to reports from Chloe's people and to questions from the church (7:1).

1 Corinthians teaches that the gospel of the cross reshapes identity, ethics, and community. True wisdom is cruciform; love governs knowledge, liberty, and gifts; worship builds up the body; and resurrection hope fuels steadfast, holy living.

This letter is foundational for the theology and practice of church unity, discipline, sexuality, conscience and freedom, worship and sacraments, spiritual gifts, love, and resurrection. It remains a blueprint for addressing church conflicts with gospel clarity and pastoral care.

Usually dated AD 53–55, likely from Ephesus during Paul's extended stay on his third missionary journey.

1 Corinthians moves from divisions healed by the cross, to holiness and conscience in daily life, to orderly, loving worship, culminating in the centrality of the resurrection.

The main sections of 1 Corinthians are:

• Divisions and the wisdom of the cross 1 Corinthians 1–4

  Factionalism rebuked; God's folly wiser than human wisdom; leaders are servants.
• Discipline, purity, and vocation 1 Corinthians 5–7

  Sexual immorality confronted; lawsuits rejected; counsel on marriage, singleness, and calling.
• Conscience, idols, and mission-shaped freedom 1 Corinthians 8–10

  Knowledge tempered by love; example of Paul's self-denial; flee idolatry; do all to God's glory.
• Worship, the body, and gifts under love 1 Corinthians 11–14

  Lord's Supper corrected; one body, many members; gifts exercised decently and in order with love supreme.
• The resurrection of Christ and believers 1 Corinthians 15

  Gospel of Christ crucified and raised; firstfruits; transformation; victory over death.
• Collection and closing matters 1 Corinthians 16

  Jerusalem collection; travel plans; commendations; final exhortations and greetings.