Bible Book of 1 Corinthians | Order in the Church

Paul addresses challenges in a divided church, providing guidance on spiritual gifts, conduct, and the power of love. 1 Corinthians chapters with summary and commentary.

Genre: Epistle. Theme: Order in the Church

  • Author: Paul
  • Date: AD 55
  • Read Time: 65 mins
  • Purpose: To address divisions and disorder in local church.
  • Key Verse: 1 Cor 13:13 - And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
  • Christ: The Resurrection and the Life.
  • Audience: A gifted but carnal and divided local church
  • Themes: Love, spiritual gifts, resurrection.
  • Church Correction: Addresses specific problems: divisions, lawsuits, immorality, and misuse of spiritual gifts.
  • Resurrection Defense: Chapter 15 provides the Bible’s most extensive defense of the physical resurrection of Christ.

1 Corinthians shows that the 'wisdom of the cross' is the only solution for a church corrupted by worldly culture.

A reactive letter that answers a series of questions sent to Paul by the household of Chloe.

Jesus is the Wisdom of God (1:24) and the 'Firstfruits' of those who have fallen asleep (15:20).

1 Corinthians 1 - Greeting

Paul, to the church in Corinth. Let there be no divisions. The cross is folly to those perishing, but to us it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2 - Proclaiming Christ Crucified

I knew nothing among you except Christ crucified. We speak the wisdom of God. Through the Spirit we know what God has freely given.

1 Corinthians 3 - Divisions in the Church

You are still infants. One follows Paul, another Apollos. We are co-workers with God. Christ is the foundation. You are God's temple.

1 Corinthians 4 - The Ministry of Apostles

Think of us as stewards of the mysteries of God. You are kings already? We are fools for Christ. I admonish you as my dear children.

1 Corinthians 5 - Sexual Immorality Defiles the Church

You boast about the sexual immorality among you. You should deliver that man to Satan. But I am not judging those outside the church.

1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits Against Believers

Do you take one another to court? Why not rather be wronged? Your body is not for sexual immorality, it is a temple of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 7 - Paul on Marriage

It is good to stay unmarried, but better to marry than to burn with lust. Each should live as God has called. I want you to be free.

1 Corinthians 8 - Wisdom in Meat Sacrified to Idols

About food offered to idols: An idol is nothing. There is only one God. But if food makes my brother stumble I will never eat meat.

1 Corinthians 9 - Paul Surrenders His Rights

You are the seal of my apostleship. Do we not have the right to material support? But I made myself a servant to all for the gospel.

1 Corinthians 10 - Warning Against Idolatry

Do not desire evil as our fathers did. God will make you able to endure temptation. Flee from idolatry. Do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 11 - Imitate me as I imitate Christ

The head of a woman is her husband. I hear that some go hungry when you meet! With the bread and cup you proclaim the Lord's death.

1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit

Now there are various spiritual gifts, but one Spirit. If the whole body were an eye, how would it hear? You are the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 13 - If I have not Love the greatest

Without love I am nothing. Love is patient, does not boast, endures all things. Tongues will cease, but faith, hope and love remain.

1 Corinthians 14 - Prophecy and Tongues

Tongues edifies the speaker, prophecy edifies the church. Each of you brings a hymn, a lesson or a tongue. Let all be done in order.

1 Corinthians 15 - Good news of Jesus rose from the dead

Christ was raised from the dead. If not then your faith is futile. But he is the firstfruits. At the trumpet we will all be changed.

1 Corinthians 16 - The Collection for the Saints

Put aside an offering for the saints. I will come to you. The churches of Asia greet you. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.