Missions · Paul's Letter to a Problem Church
1 Corinthians — Pauline Epistles
Πρὸς Κορινθίους Αʹ
16 chapters · Paul's most wide-ranging letter, addressing every area of church life — divisions, the foolishness of the cross, sexual immorality, the Lord's Supper, spiritual gifts, the love chapter, and the greatest chapter on resurrection ever written. Every problem, every answer.
Part I — Wisdom of the Cross
Divisions & the Theology of the Cross
Four factions tearing the church. Paul dismantles them with the paradox of the cross — foolishness to the perishing, power of God to the saved. The Spirit reveals what no eye has seen. God's field; God's building; Christ the only foundation.
Chapters 1 – 4
Part II — Moral Issues
Immorality, Lawsuits & Marriage
Expel the immoral brother. No lawsuits before pagans — saints will judge the world. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit — bought at a price. Questions about marriage, celibacy, the present distress, and remaining in one's calling.
Chapters 5 – 7
Part III — Worship Order
Idol Food, Apostleship & the Lord's Supper
Knowledge puffs up; love builds up. Paul's apostolic rights — all things to all people. Israel as warning. The Lord's Supper institution narrative — the oldest written form. Head coverings in their cultural context.
Chapters 8 – 11
Part IV — Spiritual Gifts
Gifts, the Body & the Love Chapter
Nine gifts; one Spirit; the body of Christ. Without love — tongues are clanging brass, prophecy is nothing. Love's 15 attributes. Love never fails. Prophecy over tongues in public; let everything be done decently and in order.
Chapters 12 – 14
Part V — Resurrection
The Greatest Chapter on Resurrection
Christ died, was buried, was raised, and appeared to 500+. If no resurrection, faith is futile. Christ the firstfruits. Four contrasts of the resurrection body. "O Death, where is your sting?" Always abounding in the work of the Lord.
Chapter 15
Part VI — Closing
Collection, Travel Plans & Maranatha
The collection for Jerusalem. Timothy coming. "Be watchful, stand firm in faith, be courageous, be strong, do everything in love." Greetings from Aquila, Priscilla, and the church in their house. Maranatha — Come, Lord!
Chapter 16