Introduction to 1st Corinthians

1. Understanding the City of Corinth: The World the Church Lived In

To understand the book of 1st Corinthians, we must first understand Corinth, the city where the believers lived. Corinth was not just any city—it was one of the most important and influential cities in the Roman Empire during the time of the Apostle Paul.

Location and Importance

Corinth was located on a narrow strip of land called the Isthmus of Corinth, between the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea in present-day Greece. This location made it a major trade hub. All ships traveling from east to west passed through Corinth. Goods from across the empire—Italy, Asia Minor, Egypt, and beyond—flowed in and out of its ports.

Economic Life

Corinth was a wealthy city, full of traders, business people, craftsmen, and sailors. Because of trade, the city became rich, and many people came seeking fortune. However, with wealth came pride, luxury, and indulgence in sin. The rich flaunted their power, and the poor were often despised or neglected. This class division appears in the church as well (see 1 Corinthians 11:20–22).

Social and Moral Life

Corinth was morally corrupt. The city was known across the Roman world for its sexual immorality. So notorious was Corinth's sin that to “Corinthianize” became a proverb meaning “to live in sexual sin.”

At the heart of this immorality was the Temple of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty (called Venus by the Romans). This massive temple stood on the Acrocorinth, a mountain overlooking the city. Inside the temple were hundreds of temple prostitutes, both women and men. These were not ordinary prostitutes—they were priestesses and priests who performed sexual rituals as acts of worship to the goddess. People believed that by engaging in sexual acts with them, they were connecting with the divine and receiving blessings.

This form of idolatry—worshipping false gods through sexual rituals—was a central part of Corinthian religion. It affected the culture so deeply that even after conversion, some believers in the church struggled to separate from those past sins (see 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, 18–20).

Religious Life and Idolatry

Corinth was a city of idols. The people worshipped many gods and goddesses: Aphrodite for love and pleasure, Apollo for music and wisdom, Asclepius for healing, and Poseidon for the sea. One of the most influential goddesses was Diana (Artemis), whose temple was in nearby Ephesus but whose worship was widespread, including Corinth. Diana was the goddess of fertility, and her worship was also filled with sexual and mystical rituals.

Public feasts were often held in idol temples, where meat was offered to these false gods and then eaten in fellowship with others (see 1 Corinthians 8–10). This created a big problem for new Christians—should they eat meat offered to idols? Should they attend such gatherings?

The religious life of Corinth was deeply connected with its social life. Idolatry was not just personal; it was public, celebrated, and deeply woven into business, family, and friendship. Rejecting idols meant being rejected by society.

Political Influence

Corinth was a Roman colony, and its people were proud Roman citizens. They followed Roman law, celebrated Roman holidays, and had Roman-style government. It was a city of power and status. Wealth, knowledge, eloquence, and freedom were highly valued. This background helps us understand why the Corinthians valued human wisdom and public speaking so much (see 1 Corinthians 1:18–25; 2:1–5).

2. Founding of the Church in Corinth

The Apostle Paul came to Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–18). He preached the Gospel and stayed for a year and six months, teaching the Word of God. Many believed and were baptized. Key people involved in the founding of the church include Aquila and Priscilla, Silas, Timothy, and later Apollos.

Despite the difficult environment, God planted His church in Corinth. But after Paul left, problems began to rise, which leads us to the reason for this letter.

3. Why Did Paul Write 1st Corinthians?

Paul wrote this letter from Ephesus during his third missionary journey (1 Corinthians 16:8), around AD 54–57. He had received disturbing reports from Chloe’s household (1 Corinthians 1:11) about divisions in the church. There was also:

Sexual immorality (chapter 5),
Believers suing one another in court (chapter 6),
Confusion about marriage, food offered to idols, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection.

In addition, the Corinthian believers had written to Paul asking for guidance on certain issues (1 Corinthians 7:1). Paul writes to correct their sins, answer their questions, and call them back to unity in Christ.

4. Central Structure of 1st Corinthians

Here is a basic structure of the book:

Chapters 1–4: Divisions and pride in the church.
Chapters 5–6: Discipline and holiness.
Chapter 7: Marriage, singleness, and family life.
Chapters 8–10: Christian liberty and food offered to idols.
Chapters 11–14: Worship, spiritual gifts, and order in the church.
Chapter 15: The resurrection of Christ and believers.
Chapter 16: Final instructions and greetings.

5. Key Chapter and Key Verse

Key Chapter: 1 Corinthians 13 – The “Love Chapter,” showing that no spiritual gift or knowledge matters without charity (love).
Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18 –
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

This verse contrasts the world's view of wisdom and strength with God's wisdom revealed in the cross of Christ.

6. Central Theme of the Book

“Sanctification in a Sinful World: God’s Church Must Be Holy, United, and Governed by the Wisdom of the Cross.”

Paul teaches that though the Corinthians were saved by grace, they must now live holy, orderly, and loving lives, reflecting the Gospel in their culture.

7. Summary

1st Corinthians is a powerful book. It shows us that the church, even in a sinful and idolatrous world, can still live for Christ. It teaches that the Gospel does not only save us—it transforms how we live, worship, relate to one another, and walk in love.

Even today, Christians face similar struggles: sexual sin, worldly wisdom, spiritual pride, and confusion about worship. But the same Gospel that corrected and strengthened the Corinthians can guide us now. Let us walk through this letter with open hearts, ready to learn how God builds His holy people even in the darkest places.

1 Corinthians Teaching Notes: Chapters 1–4

1. Book Overview

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:18 — “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
Key Chapter: Chapter 13 – Emphasizes the supremacy of love (charity) in all Christian life and ministry.
Central Theme: Correcting a carnal and divided church by calling it back to gospel-centered unity, holiness, and love.
Purpose of Writing:
- To address divisions, immorality, and doctrinal confusion in the church.
- To answer questions raised by the Corinthian believers.
- To re-establish gospel priorities amid cultural compromise.

2. 1:1–9 – Greetings and Thanksgiving

Paul’s Identity (v.1)

Paul, “called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ” — not self-appointed.
His authority comes from divine calling, not popularity.
Corinth needed to recognize apostolic authority in a time of spiritual rebellion.

Recipient Identity (vv.2–3)

“Church of God which is at Corinth” — they belonged to God despite their failures.
Called to be saints — separated unto God.
Corinth was a wealthy, idolatrous, and immoral city; yet God planted His church there.

Paul’s Prayer (vv.4–6)

He gives thanks for the grace given to them.
They were enriched in utterance and knowledge — spiritual gifts were present, yet maturity was lacking.
Paul's approach is pastoral: affirming God’s work before correcting their failures.

Paul’s Pastoral Love (vv.7–9)

He assures them that God will sustain them until the end.
God is faithful — this is Paul's foundation for church reform.
Even with their flaws, Paul believes in their perseverance by God's grace.

3. The First Reason for the Epistle: Divisions in the Church (1:10–3:23)

The Reason Revealed (1:10–16)

The church was divided over personalities (Paul, Apollos, Cephas, Christ).
Paul pleads for unity: “that ye all speak the same thing.”
He urges agreement in doctrine and mind — not uniformity of personalities but unity in gospel truth.

Not Sent to Baptize but to Preach the Gospel (1:17)

Paul downplays his role in baptizing to avoid sectarianism.
He emphasizes the gospel over ceremonial acts.
Baptism is good, but preaching is central.

The Gospel: Foolish to the Lost, Power to the Saved (1:18)

The gospel is offensive to human pride.
It looks weak, yet it is the only message that saves.
Corinth’s culture valued eloquence and philosophy — but God chose “the foolishness of preaching.”

God’s Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom (1:19–25)

God destroys the wisdom of the wise (v.19).
The cross doesn’t appeal to Jews (they want signs) or Greeks (they want logic).
But the gospel is God’s power and wisdom to those called (v.24).
God reverses the world’s values — strength in weakness, wisdom in simplicity.

The Called and the Uncalled (1:26–31)

God deliberately calls the weak and foolish things of this world.
This humbles the proud and gives glory to God alone.
Believers should not boast in themselves, but in the Lord.

Lessons from Paul’s Conduct (2:1–5)

Manner of Preaching

No excellency of speech — not impressive oratory.
No trust in human wisdom or testimonies.
He preached “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
He came with fear and trembling — a humble preacher, not a performer.
He relied on the Holy Spirit’s power, not persuasion.

God’s Wisdom Revealed to the Mature (2:6–13)

Spiritual Wisdom

God’s wisdom is hidden from the world.
It was ordained before the world began — aimed at our glorification.
Rulers of this world (spiritual or political) could not understand it.
Only the Spirit of God can reveal it.
Believers receive the Spirit and are able to understand these truths.
The deep things of God are spiritually discerned, not academically attained.

Why Some Cannot Understand Spiritual Truths (2:14–16)

The Natural Man

He does not receive the things of the Spirit of God.
Spiritual truths seem like foolishness to him.
He cannot know them because he lacks the Spirit.
Only those with the “mind of Christ” can understand God's wisdom.

Evidence of Carnality in the Church (3:1–4)

Paul calls them “babes in Christ.”
They were full of envy, strife, and division — signs of spiritual immaturity.
They were behaving like the world, not like the church.
Carnal Christians live by feelings and fleshly impulses.

The Mature View: Laborers Together (3:5–9)

Paul and Apollos are not rivals, but servants.
God gives the increase — He alone causes growth.
Ministry is teamwork under God.
Every servant will receive his reward based on faithfulness, not fame.

Building on the Right Foundation (3:10–12)

Paul laid the foundation (Christ), others build upon it.
Every minister must be careful how he builds.
The foundation is Jesus Christ — not personalities, methods, or philosophies.

Judgment of Every Man’s Work (3:13–15)

Each believer’s work will be tested by fire (Bema Seat).
Work done in Christ will receive reward; false work will be burned.
Even if one suffers loss, he is still saved — but with no reward.

Believers Are God’s Temple (3:16–23)

You (plural) are the temple of God.
The Spirit of God dwells in the church.
Defiling the church brings God’s judgment.
Wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
All things are yours — ministers, future, present — for you are Christ’s.

4:1–21 – Ministers Are Stewards

Ministers are not owners, but stewards.
Faithfulness is what God requires.
Judgment belongs to Christ, not to men.
Don't glory in man — glory in Christ who gave gifts to all.
Paul rebukes their pride and defends his fatherly authority.
Though others may teach, only Paul was their spiritual father in Christ.
He urges imitation of his example, and promises to come and deal with disorder in power and love.

1 Corinthians 5–7 — Teaching Notes

Chapter 5 – Church Discipline for Moral Purity

5:1–2 – Open Fornication in the Church

A man was committing fornication with his father's wife (likely a stepmother).
This sin was not even accepted among the Gentiles—yet the Corinthian church tolerated it.
Corinth was a city known for sexual immorality, especially associated with temple prostitution at the Temple of Aphrodite. Immorality was normalized in society, but it should never be normalized in the church.
Paul rebukes their arrogance and calls for mourning over sin.

5:3–5 – Deliver the Sinner to Satan

Paul uses apostolic authority to instruct church discipline even from afar.
The offender must be removed from fellowship—“delivered unto Satan” refers to removal from the spiritual protection of the church, for the destruction of the flesh (discipline that leads to repentance).
The goal is restoration, not humiliation—“that the spirit may be saved.”

5:6–8 – Purge Out the Leaven

Leaven symbolizes sin’s corrupting influence.
If unchecked, sin spreads and defiles the entire body.
Christ is our Passover Lamb; therefore, the church must be unleavened (holy).

5:9–13 – Do Not Tolerate Unrepentant Sin

Christians are not called to judge unbelievers in the world—but we must judge those within the church who claim to be believers but live in sin.
Paul lists various sins (fornication, covetousness, idolatry, etc.) and instructs no fellowship with any so-called brother who lives in these sins without repentance.
Church discipline is an act of love and obedience, not harshness.

Chapter 6 – Lawsuits and Sexual Purity

6:1–8 – Lawsuits Among Believers

Believers were taking each other to secular courts—a shameful thing for the church.
In Corinth’s Greco-Roman society, courts were often corrupt, biased, and used for public boasting.
Paul says the church should be wise enough to settle disputes internally.
It is better to suffer wrong than to shame Christ’s name before the world.

6:9–11 – The Unrighteous Shall Not Inherit the Kingdom

Paul warns that habitual, unrepentant sinners will not inherit God’s kingdom.
He names sins common in Corinth: fornication, idolatry, homosexuality, drunkenness, extortion, etc.
But then he gives hope: “And such were some of you” — a powerful reminder of the gospel's transforming power.
They were washed, sanctified, and justified — identity changed by grace.

6:12–20 – Glorify God in Your Body

Corinthian slogans (“All things are lawful,” etc.) were misused to justify sin.
Paul corrects them: freedom does not mean license to sin.
The body is not for fornication, but for the Lord.
Union with Christ forbids sexual union with a harlot — Paul appeals to spiritual union and holiness.
Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost — it is not your own.
You were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body.

Chapter 7 – Marriage, Singleness, and Christian Calling

7:1–9 – Marriage and Sexual Responsibility

In light of sexual temptation, Paul encourages marriage as a God-ordained solution.
Husbands and wives must fulfill each other’s needs — mutual submission in marriage.
Sexual intimacy is not optional in marriage; it is part of serving one another.
Paul affirms singleness as a gift for those able to control themselves.

7:10–16 – Divorce and Separation

Paul commands married couples not to separate.
If separation happens, reconciliation or singleness is to be maintained.
In mixed marriages (believer married to unbeliever), the believer should not leave unless the unbeliever departs.
The believing spouse may be an influence for salvation in the home.
Sanctification of the home doesn’t mean automatic salvation, but spiritual influence.

7:17–24 – Remain in Your Calling

Paul encourages contentment in one’s life station.
Whether circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free — remain where God called you, unless providential change comes.
This was particularly helpful advice in socially divided Corinth, where many desired upward mobility or identity change.
What matters is not social status, but obedience to Christ.

7:25–40 – Counsel to Virgins and Widows

Paul gives pastoral advice regarding singleness and marriage, especially considering the “present distress” (possibly persecution or famine).
Marriage is not sin, but those who marry will face trouble in the flesh — Paul is realistic, not cynical.
He encourages singleness for undistracted devotion to the Lord.
Widows are free to remarry—but “only in the Lord.”
Paul reminds them that his advice is Spirit-led, not legalistic.

Key Applications to the Church Today

Church discipline must be practiced lovingly and courageously in a culture that tolerates sin.
Christians must settle disputes within the body, not before the world’s courts.
Sexual purity is essential to Christian witness; our bodies are not private property but belong to Christ.
Marriage and singleness are both honored callings—each person should follow God’s will with contentment.
The gospel transforms sinners — there is hope for even the worst offender when they repent and believe.
Christian identity is not based on culture, class, or background, but on being “in Christ.”

1 Corinthians 8–10 — Teaching Notes

Chapter 8 – Christian Liberty Governed by Love

8:1–3 – Knowledge Puffs Up, Love Builds Up

Corinthian believers were boasting about their knowledge — especially concerning idols (i.e., “we know idols are nothing”).
But knowledge without love leads to pride.
True Christian maturity is seen not in how much you know, but in how much you love.

8:4–6 – Idols Are Nothing in Reality

Yes, Paul agrees: an idol is nothing in itself. There is only one true God.
Corinth, as a cosmopolitan port city, had many temples to gods like Aphrodite, Apollo, and Poseidon — idol worship was integrated with everyday life.
Paul clarifies: for us, there is one God and one Lord Jesus Christ — the Creator and Sustainer of all.

8:7–13 – Be Careful Not to Stumble the Weak

Not all Christians have the same level of knowledge.
Some, recently saved from idolatry, are still sensitive to food offered to idols.
If a mature believer eats idol meat in public and a weaker brother sees it, it may lead to spiritual confusion or compromise.
Paul says: “If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh.”
Love restrains liberty for the sake of others’ growth.

Chapter 9 – Paul’s Apostolic Example of Self-Denial

9:1–14 – Paul’s Right to Support

Paul defends his apostleship: he had every right to be supported financially.
Apostles had the right to eat, marry, and receive offerings — like a soldier or a farmer reaps from his labor.
Old Testament law even protects oxen — so ministers should not be expected to serve without support.

9:15–23 – But He Did Not Use His Rights

Paul refused to use his rights so as not to hinder the gospel.
His reward was to preach freely without charge.
He made himself “all things to all men” — adapting culturally without compromising truth.
- To Jews, he lived under the Law.
- To Gentiles, he lived outside the Law (not lawless but under Christ).
The goal: to win as many as possible to Christ.

9:24–27 – The Race of Self-Control

The Christian life is like a race — it requires discipline.
Corinth hosted the Isthmian Games, second only to the Olympics.
Athletes exercised strict self-control for a perishable crown — how much more should Christians do so for an eternal reward.
Paul “keeps under” (disciplines) his body, lest he be disqualified — not for salvation, but for usefulness and reward.

Chapter 10 – Warnings from Israel’s History and the Danger of Idolatry

10:1–13 – Learn from Israel’s Failures

Israel had spiritual blessings: the cloud, the sea (Red Sea), manna, and water from the rock — yet many fell in the wilderness.
Why? Because of lust, idolatry, fornication, tempting God, and murmuring.
Corinth faced the same temptations: sensuality, grumbling, pride.
Paul warns: these things were written for our example.
“Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
God is faithful — He always provides a way to escape temptation.

10:14–22 – Flee Idolatry

Corinthian believers were attending idol feasts in pagan temples while also partaking of the Lord’s Table.
Paul warns: you cannot drink the cup of the Lord and of devils.
Participating in idol rituals, even just socially, was spiritual fellowship with demons.
Christians must flee not flirt with idolatry.

10:23–33 – Liberty Guided by Conscience and Love

“All things are lawful” — yes, but not all things edify.
Seek not your own profit, but that of others.
Believers may eat meat sold in the marketplace without asking questions — unless someone explicitly says it was offered to idols.
In such a case, for conscience' sake, abstain.
Whether eating or drinking — do all to the glory of God.
Offend not Jew, Gentile, or the church of God — be a good example in all things.

Key Applications for Today’s Church

Christian liberty is real, but love must govern how we use our freedom.
Knowledge alone is not maturity; maturity is shown by humility and how we help the weaker brethren.
We must avoid anything that might blur the line between truth and error, especially in a spiritually confused world.
Ministry is sacrificial — like Paul, we must be ready to surrender rights for the sake of souls.
God’s people today must learn from Israel’s failures — compromise with sin leads to judgment.
True worship cannot be mixed with worldliness or false religion — God is a jealous God.
Our goal in every decision — even what we eat, where we go, how we speak — should be to glorify God and edify others.

1 Corinthians 11–14 — Teaching Notes

Chapter 11 – Headship and the Lord’s Supper in Worship

11:1–16 – Head Coverings and Gender Order in Worship

Cultural Background

In Corinth, head coverings for women signified modesty and submission, especially in public or religious spaces.
Uncovered heads could be interpreted as disrespect, rebellion, or even immodesty, often associated with temple prostitutes of Aphrodite.
Men covering their heads during worship (as Jews sometimes did) suggested the opposite — confusion of gender roles in the created order.

Paul’s Teaching

v.3 – God’s order of headship: God → Christ → Man → Woman.
Paul is not speaking of inequality, but order and purpose in creation and worship.
v.7–9 – The man is the image and glory of God; the woman is the glory of the man.
Paul affirms interdependence (vv. 11–12) — both are needed, yet with distinct roles.
The call is for appropriate, respectful worship — one that reflects God's design, not cultural rebellion.

Modern Application

The core principle is not about veils or hair, but about honoring God’s order in a visible and humble way.
Churches must maintain gender distinctions, modesty, and order in worship without binding consciences to outdated cultural customs.

11:17–34 – Correction of the Lord’s Supper

Historical Setting

In Corinth, love feasts often preceded the Lord’s Supper, but wealthier believers would eat excessively while poorer members were neglected.
This reflected the social class divisions of Corinthian society, where the rich often despised the poor.

Paul’s Rebuke

v.20–22 – Their conduct profaned the Lord’s Table — turning it into a social club, not a remembrance of Christ.
Paul reminds them of the institution of the Supper (vv. 23–26): Christ’s body and blood were given for them; they must partake reverently.
v.27–32 – Unworthy partaking brings judgment, including weakness, sickness, and even death.
v.33–34 – Wait for one another. The Supper is a communal, reverent act of worship — not a selfish ritual.

Modern Application

The Lord’s Table must be approached with repentance, unity, and reverence.
Division, bitterness, and careless behavior disrespect the cross.
Examine your heart. Remember Christ. Proclaim His death. Live in holiness.

Chapter 12 – Unity and Diversity in Spiritual Gifts

12:1–11 – The Source and Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

Cultural Setting

Corinth highly valued ecstatic speech and dramatic religious experiences, especially from their pagan background.
Spiritual gifts were being misused as badges of status, leading to competition and pride.

Paul’s Correction

The Spirit gives gifts to profit the whole body, not elevate individuals.
One Spirit, many gifts — wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, tongues, interpretation, etc.
All gifts come from the same Spirit according to His will.

12:12–31 – One Body, Many Members

The church is the Body of Christ — united but with diverse functions.
No member should feel superior or inferior.
The foot, ear, eye — all are needed.
Some parts are less visible but more necessary — a rebuke to Corinthian showiness and status-seeking.
vv. 27–31 – God has appointed order and priority in gifts.
Seek the best gifts, especially those that edify (like prophecy).

Modern Application

Every believer has a God-given role in the church.
We should avoid both spiritual pride and false humility.
Gifts are for building the body, not personal display.

Chapter 13 – The More Excellent Way: Love

13:1–3 – Gifts Without Love Are Nothing

You can speak in tongues, prophesy, give everything — but without love, you are nothing.
Corinth lacked love — they had gifts but no grace in how they used them.

13:4–7 – The Character of Christian Love

Love is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not rude.
It does not seek its own, is not provoked, keeps no record of wrongs.
Rejoices in truth, bears all things, believes, hopes, endures.

13:8–13 – Love Is Permanent

Tongues, prophecies, and knowledge will pass away — they are partial.
Love never fails — it is eternal and perfect.
Of faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love.

Modern Application

Love is the heart of ministry — without it, gifts are hollow.
Churches must measure maturity not by giftedness, but by Christlike love.
True spirituality is marked by how you treat people.

Chapter 14 – Order in Public Worship and Proper Use of Gifts

14:1–19 – Prophecy vs. Tongues

Desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, because it edifies.
Speaking in tongues benefits the speaker unless interpreted.
Prophecy speaks to men for edification, exhortation, and comfort.
In the assembly, Paul would rather speak five understandable words than ten thousand in an unknown tongue.

14:20–25 – Clarity Brings Conviction

Uninterpreted tongues confuse unbelievers.
Prophecy convicts and reveals hearts — leading to worship and repentance.
The goal of public worship is clarity, conviction, and Christ-exalting order.

14:26–40 – Rules for Orderly Worship

Everyone may contribute (hymns, teaching, revelations), but let all things be done unto edifying.
Limit tongues and interpretations — two or three, and one must interpret.
Prophets should take turns, and their words judged.
Women to be silent in the churches — a cultural and spiritual call to submission and order, not a prohibition of all speaking (cf. 11:5).
“Let all things be done decently and in order” — God is not the author of confusion.

Cultural Note

Pagan worship in Corinth was known for chaotic ecstasy. Paul instructs the church to be different — orderly, reverent, Christ-centered.

Key Applications for the Church Today

Worship must reflect God’s holiness and order, not man’s excitement or confusion.
Spiritual gifts are tools to build, not toys to display.
Every gift must be governed by love and aimed at edification.
The Lord’s Supper must be treated with reverence and unity.
Biblical gender roles in worship should be honored, not politicized.
Let all things in the church be done for God’s glory and the body’s growth.

1 Corinthians 15–16 — Teaching Notes

Chapter 15 – The Resurrection of Christ and Believers

15:1–11 – The Gospel Centered on the Resurrection

The Gospel Paul Preached

The gospel is not man-made; Paul received it and passed it on (v.3).
It consists of:
1. Christ died for our sins (according to the Scriptures).
2. He was buried.
3. He rose again the third day (according to the Scriptures).
4. He was seen by many witnesses, including Peter, James, over 500 brethren, and lastly Paul.

Cultural Background

Greek culture (especially in Corinth) despised bodily resurrection, seeing the body as a prison. Many Corinthians embraced a dualistic worldview, thinking only the spirit mattered.
Paul confronts this directly: the bodily resurrection of Christ is essential to the gospel.

15:12–19 – The Necessity of the Resurrection

If Christ is not risen:
- Preaching is useless.
- Faith is in vain.
- Apostles are false witnesses.
- We are still in sin.
- The dead are perished.
- Christians are the most pitiful of all people.

Application: Without the resurrection, Christianity collapses. Our hope, joy, and salvation rest on the fact that Christ is risen.

15:20–28 – Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection

Christ’s resurrection is the firstfruits—a guarantee of the full harvest to come (believers’ resurrection).
Death came by Adam; resurrection comes by Christ.
Christ will reign until all enemies are subdued, including death.
After that, He will deliver the kingdom to God the Father.

15:29–34 – Consequences of Denying Resurrection

Paul uses rhetorical challenges:
- Why baptize for the dead (a misunderstood or misused practice)?
- Why suffer and die daily if there's no resurrection?
If there’s no resurrection, “let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die”—a Corinthian slogan for hedonistic living.
“Evil communications corrupt good manners” — bad theology leads to sinful living.
Wake up from sin! Some had no knowledge of God — to their shame.

15:35–49 – Nature of the Resurrection Body

Paul anticipates the question: “How are the dead raised?”
He explains with metaphors:
- A seed must die to bear fruit.
- Different bodies have different glories — heavenly and earthly.
The resurrection body is:
- Sown in corruption, raised incorruptible.
- Sown in dishonor, raised in glory.
- Sown in weakness, raised in power.
- Sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body.
The first man (Adam) was of earth; the second man (Christ) is from heaven.
Believers will bear the image of the heavenly man — the glorified Christ.

15:50–58 – Victory Over Death

Flesh and blood cannot inherit God’s kingdom — we need transformation.
“Behold, I shew you a mystery” — at the last trumpet, the dead will rise incorruptible, and the living will be changed.
This is the hope of the rapture and final resurrection.
Death is swallowed up in victory.
“O death, where is thy sting?”
Our labor is not in vain because of the certain victory in Christ.

Key Applications for the Church Today (Chapter 15)

The resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
Denying bodily resurrection leads to moral compromise and doctrinal ruin.
Christian suffering and sacrifice are meaningful because of future glory.
The resurrection gives hope, motivation, endurance, and purpose.

Chapter 16 – Final Instructions, Giving, and Greetings

16:1–4 – Collection for the Saints

Historical Context

Paul was organizing a relief fund for poor believers in Jerusalem suffering due to famine and persecution.
Corinth, a wealthy city, was asked to give sacrificially and systematically.

Giving Principles

Giving should be:
- Regular: “Upon the first day of the week.”
- Personal: “Let every one of you.”
- Proportional: “As God hath prospered him.”
- Purposeful: Collected before Paul arrived.

16:5–12 – Paul’s Travel Plans and Fellow Ministers

Paul intended to visit after passing through Macedonia.
He desired to spend time with them, not just pass by.
He stayed in Ephesus for an open door of ministry, even amid opposition.
Timothy was coming, and the church was to receive him with peace.
Apollos was also encouraged to visit when possible.

Application

Paul models flexible planning and cooperation in ministry.
Ministry requires teamwork, openness, and care for fellow laborers.

16:13–18 – Final Exhortations

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Let all be done in love — balancing courage and compassion.
Paul commends the household of Stephanas — firstfruits of Achaia, devoted to service.
Believers are to submit to such leaders who labor in ministry.

16:19–24 – Personal Greetings and Closing

Churches of Asia, Aquila and Priscilla greet the Corinthians.
Paul ends with a strong warning: “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.”
- Anathema – cursed.
- Maranatha – the Lord is coming.
Final words: “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

Key Applications for the Church Today (Chapter 16)

Christian giving must be regular, cheerful, and in response to God’s blessings.
Churches should be generous, especially toward suffering believers.
Ministry must be organized with integrity, humility, and mutual respect.
Final encouragements: Be strong, walk in love, and serve the Lord while watching for His return.

Conclusion: The Corinthian Call

What God taught Corinth, He teaches us today:

A divided, carnal church needs doctrinal clarity, gospel centrality, and Christlike love.
Worship must be orderly, gender-conscious, and Spirit-led.
Gifts are for building up the body, not showing off.
The resurrection is the anchor of Christian hope.
Ministry and mission require generosity, humility, and endurance.

Kenneth Malenge