1 Corinthians 1:18

Overview

First Corinthians addresses a wide range of practical problems in the church at Corinth, including divisions, immorality, lawsuits among believers, marriage questions, idol meat, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection. At the heart of the letter stands chapter 13, Paul's magnificent description of love as the greatest virtue.

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Historical Context

Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan, and morally corrupt port city in Greece. The church there reflected many of the city's problems. Paul founded the church during his second missionary journey and wrote this letter from Ephesus to correct the numerous issues that had arisen.

Book Outline

1

Divisions in the Church

Chapters 1-4

2

Moral and Ethical Issues

Chapters 5-6

3

Marriage and Christian Liberty

Chapters 7-10

4

Worship and Spiritual Gifts

Chapters 11-14

5

The Resurrection

Chapters 15-16

Key Themes

Key Verses

1 Corinthians 1:18

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

1 Corinthians 10:13

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

1 Corinthians 15:55-57

How to Study 1 Corinthians

Study Tips

  • Read through the entire book to understand the overall narrative flow and purpose.
  • Pay attention to the historical and cultural context of when it was written.
  • Look for repeated words, phrases, and themes — these highlight the author's key messages.
  • Cross-reference key verses with related passages throughout Scripture.
  • Discuss what you learn with your family using the questions below.

For a deeper study approach, see our guide on How to Study the Bible.

Family Discussion & Activity

Discussion Questions

  1. ? What does 1 Corinthians 13 teach about what real love looks like?
  2. ? How should Christians handle disagreements within the church?
  3. ? Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important to our faith?

Family Activity

Read the first chapter of 1 Corinthians together as a family this week. Each person can share one thing that stood out to them and what they think it means for your family today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the love chapter?

First Corinthians 13, often called "the love chapter," describes the characteristics of genuine love: it is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, keeps no record of wrongs, and never fails. Paul wrote this in the context of spiritual gifts to show that love is more important than any gift.

What does Paul teach about the resurrection?

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul provides the most detailed New Testament teaching on the resurrection. He argues that Christ's resurrection is a historical fact attested by many eyewitnesses, that it is essential to the gospel, and that believers will likewise be raised with glorified, imperishable bodies.

What does "your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost" mean?

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit dwells within each believer, making their body a sacred temple. This truth motivates Christians to honor God with their bodies, avoiding immorality and treating their physical lives as belonging to God who purchased them.

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