Book 46 · New Testament · Paul's Letters
1 Corinthians
To reform a gifted but divided church around cross-shaped love and resurrection hope.
World at a glance
A wealthy Roman colony · patronage · temples · status games
Paul
About AD 53–55
The church in Corinth
What was happening in the world
Corinth was a booming Roman colony refounded by Julius Caesar — a port city of sailors, merchants, freed slaves, and social climbers, famous for wealth, sexual license, and the cult of Aphrodite. The young church was full of converts carrying that culture's status games, lawsuits, and sexual ethics straight into their gatherings.
What this helps us see
The Lord's Supper was being ruined by class divisions at the meal itself. “Discerning the body” includes recognizing and caring for the people gathered around you.
The shape of the book
- 01Divisions and holiness (1–6)
- 02Questions about life and worship (7–14)
- 03Resurrection and mission (15–16)
Grace and holy living
Gifts without love are just noise. Grace orders our bodies, our freedom, our worship, and our power toward our neighbor's good.
For reflection
Where is God’s grace inviting you beyond knowledge into wholehearted love and faithful action?