“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, ESV)
The apostle Paul
In this epistle to the church in Corinth, Paul lovingly identifies several issues that needed attention and ultimately correction. He addresses fundamental problems such as bickering and disagreements between believers, sexual immorality, and other forms of internal corruption. It is an important epistle and should be studied by individuals and taught in churches, but due to some sections being controversial many choose not to study it, and that would definitely be a mistake. It is important to remember, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV) And of course that includes the book of First Corinthians.
The fifteenth chapter is probably the best known and most-often quoted section of the epistle, which begins with a simple, yet eloquent, summary of the gospel message followed by a detailed explanation of the resurrection of believers, including a rare glimpse of the end times. I strongly encourage reading the entire epistle (in other words don’t just read chapter fifteen) and face those controversial sections with prayer.
Sadly, the church in Corinth can also serve as an example as to how fast a group of believers can turn solid Christian teaching into something so corrupt that it is barely recognizable as being Christian! What does that mean for us? First, we should be concerned about how fast that decay occurred. If this happened in just a few years or less, what could have decayed or become corrupt regarding Christian theology, doctrine, and any developed dogma over the last nearly two-thousand years? Should we asking, “Is the church today anything like it was back then?” Secondly, if we recognize a similar problem within our own churches we need to again approach God in prayer to understand our role in remediation. When we read about how the believers of the church were divided over a number of issues, we have a tendency to discount those things by thinking, “What church is without division?” Which may be true, but God’s people should try to remain united, to pursue the truth, not division (read about Jesus praying for our unity in John 17:20-26). Since grumbling and discontentment are tools of the devil, it is my prayer is that you will read and study both 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, unite in His Word, and grow closer to God!
David A. Heywood
Rediscover the Bible Ministries, Inc.
The City of Corinth
Although a mere shadow of its former fame, the city still exists and is located on a narrow isthmus that connects the Peloponnese Peninsula to the mainland of Greece. Like many ancient large and influential cities, especially those located in strategic locations, Corinth had its share of despot leaders (true tyrants) and conquerors (Rome rebuilt the city in 44 B.C.). At the time of Paul’s writing it was considered one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire.
Reputation of the City
Due to it being in a central location it was ideal for prosperous trade, a good port for naval power, and the home of many Roman leaders and Greek philosophers. It was also a city dedicated to grand entertainment and was nicknamed “sin city” during the first century. It boasted of many temples including the Temple of Apollo, one of the Olympian deities and the Temple of Aphrodite the goddess of love, that employed over a thousand temple prostitutes. Which was a major attraction for wealthy merchants and powerful officials who frequented the city.
The Church in Corinth
Recorded in Acts 18:1-17 we read how the church in Corinth got started. The apostle Paul preached at the synagogue regularly but with little success leading to being very frustrated and decided to turn to the Gentiles instead. But Jesus spoke to Paul in a vision saying, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” (Acts 18:9-10, ESV) So Paul stayed there for one and a half years. The church was planted and thriving, but it didn’t take long for the church with so many distractions in town to begin compromising the gospel message.
Paul’s First Epistle to the Church
To call this an epistle of admonishment would be an understatement. Most of Paul’s epistles to the churches had some issue to admonish (with the possible exception of Ephesians). But this epistle addresses several issues. On some of the points Paul is very specific and blunt, while others are mentioned more subtly. Paul was likely a bit apprehensive in sending this epistle as he is overjoyed to hear their favorable response as recorded in his second epistle. But...
Paul’s Second Epistle to the Church
Did they really repent? This is a major concern of Paul's, as he addresses some new issues, primarily aimed at the concern that they have encountered several false teachers that claim to be Christian, but are preaching a different gospel. So, he will defend his faith and calling. He also addresses an old promise they made regarding a special collection. Like the first epistle, Paul 'weaves' in several solid theological points that will be beneficial to all believers.
A Commentary on Paul’s First Epistle to the Church in Corinth © 2025 by David A. Heywood. All rights reserved. Published by Rediscover the Bible Ministries, Inc.
Unless otherwise noted or verses marked ESV, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2016 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Verses marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I. Chapter One
A. Opening Greeting (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)
B. Paul Gives Thanks (1 Corinthians 1:4-9)
C. Disunity and Division (1 Corinthians 1:10-17)
D. Wisdom and Power from God in Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:18-31)
II. Chapter Two
A. Faith in the Power of God (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
B. Wisdom from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:6-16)
III. Chapter Three
A. Spiritual Immaturity and Division Within the Church (1 Corinthians 3:1-23)
IV. Chapter Four
A. A Plea to Pay Attention and Respond (1 Corinthians 4:1-21)
V. Chapter Five
A. Corruption Within the Church (1 Corinthians 5:1-13)
VI. Chapter Six
A. Grievances and Lawsuits Between Believers (1 Corinthians 6:1-11)
B. A Plea to Flee from Sexual Immorality (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
VII. Chapter Seven
A. Now Regarding Marriage (1 Corinthians 7:1-16)
B. Live the Life God Wants for You (1 Corinthians 7:17-24)
C. To the Unmarried and Widow (1 Corinthians 7:25-40)
VIII. Chapter Eight
A. Eating Food Offered to Idols (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)
IX. Chapter Nine
A. The Rights and Authority of an Apostle (1 Corinthians 9:1-27)
X. Chapter Ten
A. A Warning Against Idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:1-22)
B. Do All to the Glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:23-33)
XI. Chapter Eleven
A. Regarding Head Coverage (1 Corinthians 11:1-16)
B. Regarding the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
XII. Chapter Twelve
A. Regarding Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
B. Regarding the Use of the Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:12-31)
XIII. Chapter Thirteen
A. The More Excellent Way - The Way of Love (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
XIV. Chapter Fourteen
A. Regarding the Gifts of Prophecy and Speaking in Tongues (1 Corinthians 14:1-25)
B. Regarding When the Believers Gather Together (1 Corinthians 14:26-40)
XV. Chapter Fifteen
A. Regarding Essential Doctrine - The Basic Gospel Message (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)
B. Regarding Essential Doctrine - The Resurrection of the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:12-49)
C. Regarding Essential Doctrine - The Body Must Change (1 Corinthians 15:50-58)
XVI. Chapter Sixteen
A. Various Travel Plans (1 Corinthians 16:1-12)
B. Closing Remarks (1 Corinthians 16:13-23)