Paul writes to a gifted but divided church and points them back to the cross and to love.
- Section
- New Testament, Letters
- Book
- 46 of 66
- Chapters
- 16
- Written by
- Paul
- When
- About AD 53 to 55
- Written to
- The church in Corinth
The big picture
The church in Corinth had many gifts and many problems: quarrels over leaders, lawsuits, sexual sin, confusion about marriage and food, and disorder in worship.
Paul answers each problem by bringing them back to the gospel of Christ crucified. He teaches about spiritual gifts and the body of Christ, writes the great chapter on love, and ends with the resurrection: because Christ is raised, those who belong to Him will be raised too.
Why it was written
To correct and encourage a young church, answer the questions they had sent him, and call them to unity and love.
Key passages
Tap or hover over a reference to read it.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18 – The message of the cross is the power of God
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – Many gifts, one Spirit
- 1 Corinthians 13 – Love is patient and kind
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 – Christ died, was buried and was raised
How it points to Jesus
Paul says he decided to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). The whole letter rests on Jesus: His cross ends our pride, His Spirit gives the gifts, and His resurrection is the first fruits of ours.
Themes and people
Themes: Unity · The cross · Spiritual gifts · Love · Resurrection
People: Paul · Apollos · Peter (Cephas) · Chloe’s household · Timothy
Study it together
- Read 1 Corinthians 13 and put your own name in place of “love”. Where do you fall short, and where is God growing you?
- What gift has God given you to build up the church?
- How does the resurrection change the way you face death and loss?
Bring your answers and questions to Friday Bible Study, or watch our sermons.
Prepared by Spring Valley Church, Luton. Bible references open the English Standard Version (ESV) in a pop-up supplied by Logos Reftagger.