The Book of 1 Corinthians
Author	Paul the Apostle
Date Written	Between AD 55 and 57
Title	From Paul's first recorded letter to the church at Corinth
Background	The Roman general Mummius destroyed the Greek city of Corinth in the second century BC, but Julius Caesar restored the city in about 46 BC. Corinth, located on the Mediterranean became the commercial and economic center of Greece. This wealthy cosmopolitan city of about 700,000 people soon set the standard for immorality and licentiousness. It is in this perverse environment that Paul establishes the church at Corinth while there for over a year and a half on his second missionary journey. Priscilla, Aquila, Silas, and Timothy are instrumental in aiding Paul's efforts. But soon after Paul's departure, problems and factions threaten the stability and even the existence of the church.
Where Written	Ephesus
To Whom	To the church at Corinth
Content	The household of Chloe has reported to Paul that there is strife in the church at Corinth. The church sends a delegation of men with a letter to Paul seeking his wisdom on several concerns and questions the church has. This letter from Paul to the Corinthians systematically answers these issues: divisions in the church, immorality, lawsuits, challenges to Paul's apostleship, meat sacrificed to idols, marriage, divorce, and the Lord's Supper. 3 classic chapters are offered on spiritual gifts (chapter 12), Christian love (chapter 13), and the Resurrection (chapter 15). In addition to Paul's words of discipline, he gives practical suggestions to the people while proclaiming the Gospel as the power and wisdom of God.
Themes	Christ alone can cleanse us of our sins and give us right standing before God. True love is more than emotion or action&ldots;it is an attitude and a commitment. God will never let us be tempted beyond our limits to endure. Christians share oneness and unity not available to the world. Mature Christians need to limit their liberties for the benefit of those weaker. Jesus Christ wants to be Lord in all areas of our life.
Key Words	“Correction”; “Unity.” Paul offers words of “correction” with both love and firmness. The only hope available to the Corinthians is “unity” in Jesus Christ. Bound together they can love, serve, minister, and overcome evil by drawing their strength from the same Spirit of God within each of them.
Outline	1:1-1:9  Introduction. 1:10-4:21  Problems in the Corinthian church. 5:1-6:20  Discipline for the church. 7:1-7:40  Concerning marriage. 8:1-11:16  Principles of Christian rights and liberty. 11:17-14:40  Concerning public worship and spiritual gifts. 15:1-15:58  Concerning the Resurrection. 16:1-16:24  Conclusion.
More	A more extensive Outline of 1 Corinthians Audio of the Book of 1 Corinthians

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