What 1 Corinthians is about

Paul addresses the ekklesia at Corinth, a church fractured by allegiance to rival leaders—Paul, Apollos, Cephas—and a misplaced fascination with sophia (wisdom) and rhetorical prowess. He reframes the cross as the paradoxical locus of divine power, overturning Greco-Roman valuations of eloquence and status.

Corinth was a prosperous Roman colony and commercial crossroads, notorious for its social stratification and patronage culture. Paul founded this church around AD 50-51 during his second missionary journey, and writes this letter from Ephesus circa AD 54-55 in response to reports from Chloe's household and a letter from the congregation.

Key themes

Unity Wisdom Love Resurrection

Every verse in 1 Corinthians, explained

All 71 verses of 1 Corinthians have a page of their own — what the verse means, who is speaking, and where it sits in the story. Tap any verse number inside a chapter to open it.

Where to start in 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 1 · A Messy Church 1 Corinthians 12 · One Body, Many Parts 1 Corinthians 13 · Love Defined 1 Corinthians 15 · The Resurrection

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All 16 chapters

1 Corinthians

1 A Messy Church Paul writes to a church that has every problem imaginable — division, immorality, lawsuits, chaos in worship. His response is both blunt and deeply loving. 2 Wisdom from the Spirit Paul didn't come with eloquent philosophy. He came with the cross — foolishness to the world, but the deep wisdom of God revealed by the Spirit. 3 Spiritual Infants You're still drinking milk when you should be eating solid food. The Corinthians are divided over leaders, but the church belongs to God alone. 4 Fools for Christ Apostles are the scum of the earth in the world's eyes — hungry, beaten, homeless. Paul contrasts their suffering with the Corinthians' self-satisfaction. 5 Removing the Leaven A man is sleeping with his father's wife, and the church is proud of its tolerance. Paul is appalled. Some boundaries must be enforced. 6 Your Body Is a Temple Lawsuits between believers, sexual immorality tolerated — Paul reminds the Corinthians that their bodies are not their own. They were bought at a price. 7 Marriage and Singleness In a culture obsessed with status and passion, Paul offers sober counsel on marriage, singleness, and the freedom that comes with undivided devotion. 8 Knowledge Puffs Up, Love Builds Up You're free to eat meat offered to idols — but freedom without love destroys the person sitting next to you. Knowledge alone isn't enough. 9 Rights Surrendered Paul has every right to financial support, but he refuses it. A runner disciplines his body. An apostle surrenders his privileges for the gospel's sake. 10 Lessons from the Wilderness Israel had miraculous food, miraculous water, and still fell into idolatry. Their story is a warning: don't assume God's patience is infinite. 11 The Lord's Supper Some gorge themselves while others go hungry at the communion table. Paul rebukes the abuse and recalls the night Jesus broke bread. 12 One Body, Many Parts An eye can't say to the hand, I don't need you. The Spirit distributes gifts differently to every believer, but every part matters. 13 Love Defined Read at every wedding, but written to a church tearing itself apart. Love looks less like a feeling and more like daily choices. 14 Order in Worship Prophecy edifies the church; uninterpreted tongues edify only the speaker. Paul insists that worship must be intelligible, orderly, and building others up. 15 The Resurrection If Christ has not been raised, Paul says, everything falls apart. But He has — and that changes everything. 16 Final Instructions Take up a collection, hold firm, be courageous. Paul closes with travel plans, greetings, and a love letter to a church that drives him crazy.

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