1 Corinthians

Part One: Introduction to 1 Corinthians

The Author and Date

"Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother" (1:1). Sosthenes may be the former ruler of the Corinthian synagogue who was beaten before Gallio (Acts 18:17) and later became a believer. Paul wrote from Ephesus (16:8, 19) around AD 55-56, during his three-year ministry there on his third missionary journey (Acts 19), intending to stay until Pentecost. He had written an earlier letter, now lost (5:9).

The City of Corinth

Corinth stood on the narrow isthmus joining mainland Greece to the Peloponnese, with a port on each side: Cenchrea to the east and Lechaeum to the west. Ships and goods were hauled across the isthmus, making Corinth a wealthy centre of trade. The old Greek city was destroyed by Rome in 146 BC and rebuilt by Julius Caesar as a Roman colony in 44 BC; it became the capital of the province of Achaia. It hosted the Isthmian Games, second only to the Olympics (compare 9:24-27). Above the city rose the Acrocorinth with its temple of Aphrodite, goddess of love. Corinth was so notorious for immorality that the Greeks coined a verb, "to Corinthianize," meaning to practise sexual immorality. It was cosmopolitan, proud, materialistic and religiously diverse.

The Church at Corinth

Paul founded the church on his second missionary journey and stayed eighteen months (Acts 18:1-18). Converts included Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, and many Gentiles, mostly from the lower classes (1:26), along with a few prominent people. After Paul left, Apollos ministered there with great effect (Acts 18:27-19:1). The church was richly gifted (1:5-7), but spiritually immature and deeply influenced by the culture around it.

The Occasion

Paul had received two kinds of information:

• Reports from "them which are of the house of Chloe" about divisions and other problems (1:11; compare 5:1; 11:18).
• A letter from the church asking questions, which Paul answers with the phrase "Now concerning" (7:1, 25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1, 12). The letter was probably brought by Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus (16:17).

Purpose and Theme

1 Corinthians corrects the problems of a carnal church by applying the cross of Christ to every area of life. Paul addresses divisions, pride, immorality, lawsuits, marriage, Christian liberty, worship, the Lord's Supper, spiritual gifts and the resurrection. Throughout, he calls the church to holiness ("sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints," 1:2), to unity in Christ, and to love.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 6:20

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

1 Corinthians 13:13

Problems and Paul's Answers

Outline of 1 Corinthians

Part Two: Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis

Section I: Introduction (1:1-9)

Chapter 1:1-9 — Saints in Corinth

Paul addresses "the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints" (1:2). Despite all their problems, they were saints: set apart to God in Christ. Their position was holy; their practice needed to catch up. Paul thanked God for His grace to them: "That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge... So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1:5-7). Christ would confirm them "unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1:8-9). Their security rested on God's faithfulness, not their own.

Section II: Problems Reported (1:10-6:20)

Chapter 1:10-31 — Divisions and the Foolishness of the Cross

"I beseech you... that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you" (1:10). The church had split into parties: "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ" (1:12). Even the "Christ" party used His name as a badge against others.

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Corinthians 1:13

Paul was glad he had baptized only a few of them, Crispus, Gaius and the household of Stephanas, so no one could claim to have been baptized in his name (1:14-16). "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect" (1:17). Baptism is important, but it is not part of the gospel itself; if it were necessary for salvation, Paul could not have said this.

The root of division was human pride in wisdom and personalities. Paul answered with the message of the cross:

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18

God has made worldly wisdom foolish (1:19-20; Isaiah 29:14). "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (1:21).

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:22-24

To Jews, a crucified Messiah was a contradiction (Deuteronomy 21:23); to Greeks, a crucified God was absurd. Yet "the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1:25).

God proved this by whom He called: "not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty... That no flesh should glory in his presence" (1:26-29).

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

Everything the believer needs is found in Christ. There is no room for boasting in men.

Chapter 2 — The Wisdom of God Revealed by the Spirit

Paul had not come to Corinth with impressive oratory or philosophy:

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:2-5

Yet the gospel is the deepest wisdom, "the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (2:7-8). The crucified Jesus is "the Lord of glory," God Himself.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

This verse is often quoted only of heaven, but Paul's point is that God's wisdom, which human beings could never discover, has now been revealed by His Spirit. Only God's Spirit knows the things of God (2:11). The apostles received the Spirit "that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (2:12-13). This describes the inspiration of Scripture: the Spirit gave the very words.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:14

The unsaved person, however intelligent, cannot grasp spiritual truth without the Spirit. The spiritual person discerns all things, "For who hath known the mind of the Lord...? But we have the mind of Christ" (2:15-16).

Chapter 3 — Carnal Christians and God's Building

Paul had to speak to the Corinthians "as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat" (3:1-2). Their envy, strife and divisions proved their immaturity; they were behaving like unconverted men (3:3-4). Believers can be genuinely saved yet carnal, controlled by the flesh rather than the Spirit.

Paul and Apollos were only servants: "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase" (3:6-7). "For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building" (3:9).

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11

On that foundation each builder builds with different materials: "gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble" (3:12).

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15

At the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), believers' works will be tested for quality, not quantity. Lasting work will be rewarded; worthless work will be burned up. The believer whose work burns "shall suffer loss" of reward, "but he himself shall be saved." This judgment concerns rewards, not salvation.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are" (3:16-17). The "ye" is plural: the local church is God's temple, and those who wreck it with division will face God's judgment. "Let no man deceive himself... the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (3:18-20; Job 5:13; Psalm 94:11). There is no reason to boast in men, "For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas... And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's" (3:21-23).

Chapter 4 — Faithful Stewards

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

A steward managed his master's household and was accountable to him. Paul did not care about the Corinthians' judgment or even his own; "he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God" (4:3-5).

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

1 Corinthians 4:7

Every gift is from God; there is no room for pride. With sharp irony Paul wrote, "Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us" (4:8). In contrast, the apostles were "made a spectacle unto the world... We are fools for Christ's sake... we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day" (4:9-13). The Corinthians acted as if they had already reigned; the apostles were following the path of the cross.

Paul wrote not to shame them but to warn them as a father: "though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me" (4:14-16). He was sending Timothy to remind them of his ways (4:17). "For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power" (4:20). "What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?" (4:21).

Chapter 5 — Immorality and Church Discipline

It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned

1 Corinthians 5:1-2

A man was living with his stepmother, a sin condemned even by pagans (Leviticus 18:8). Worse, the church was proud, perhaps of its tolerance. Paul, though absent, had judged the matter: in the name of the Lord Jesus, when gathered together, they were "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus" (5:3-5). This means removing him from the church's fellowship and protection into the realm of Satan's domain, the world, so that he might come to repentance. The goal of discipline is restoration, and 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 suggests he did repent and was restored.

Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

1 Corinthians 5:6-8

At Passover, Israel removed all leaven from their homes (Exodus 12:15). Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed; His people must remove the leaven of tolerated sin, which spreads through the whole church.

Paul clarified his earlier letter: he did not mean believers should avoid all contact with immoral unbelievers, "for then must ye needs go out of the world" (5:9-10). But they must not keep company with anyone "that is called a brother" who lives in fornication, covetousness, idolatry, reviling, drunkenness or extortion, "with such an one no not to eat" (5:11). "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without?... But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person" (5:12-13). The church judges its own members; God judges the world. (Compare Matthew 18:15-17.)

Chapter 6 — Lawsuits and the Body's Purity

Lawsuits (6:1-11). Believers were taking each other to pagan courts. "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?... Know ye not that we shall judge angels?" (6:2-3). Surely they could settle ordinary disputes among themselves. "Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" (6:7). Yet some were doing wrong and defrauding their brothers (6:8).

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Those whose lives are characterised by these sins, including homosexual practice, will not inherit God's kingdom. But "such were some of you": the gospel transforms sinners of every kind. They had been washed (cleansed from sin), sanctified (set apart to God) and justified (declared righteous). This is a message of hope as well as warning.

The body is for the Lord (6:12-20). Some Corinthians justified immorality with slogans: "All things are lawful unto me" and "Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats" (6:12-13), as if sexual appetite were no more significant than hunger. Paul answered: "all things are not expedient... I will not be brought under the power of any" (6:12). "Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body" (6:13). God will raise the body (6:14). Believers' bodies are members of Christ; uniting them with a prostitute is unthinkable, for "two, saith he, shall be one flesh" (6:15-16; Genesis 2:24). "But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" (6:17).

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Sexual sin is uniquely destructive because it involves the whole person. The believer's body is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit and has been purchased by Christ's blood. The right response to sexual temptation is to flee, like Joseph (Genesis 39:12).

Section III: Questions Answered (Chapters 7-16)

Chapter 7 — Marriage and Singleness

"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman" (7:1). Some Corinthians, reacting against immorality, apparently thought even marriage and marital relations were unspiritual.

Within marriage (7:1-7). "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband" (7:2). Husband and wife owe each other marital affection; neither has exclusive authority over his or her own body. "Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not" (7:3-5). Marriage and its physical union are good gifts of God. Paul wished all could be single as he was, "But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that" (7:7). Both marriage and singleness are gifts.

The unmarried and widows (7:8-9). It is good for them to remain single, "But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn" with passion (7:9).

The married (7:10-16). "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife" (7:10-11), repeating Jesus' teaching. To those married to unbelievers (a situation Jesus had not addressed), Paul said the believer should not leave if the unbeliever is willing to stay, "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife... else were your children unclean; but now are they holy" (7:12-14). The believing spouse brings a godly influence into the home and the family is set apart for God's blessing; this does not mean the unbeliever or the children are saved without faith. "But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace" (7:15). Baptists differ on whether this permits remarriage after desertion by an unbelieving spouse. "For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband?" (7:16).

Remain in your calling (7:17-24). Becoming a Christian does not require changing one's outward circumstances. The circumcised and uncircumcised, slave and free, should serve God where they are. "Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather" (7:21). "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men" (7:23).

Virgins and the unmarried (7:25-40). "Because of the present distress" (perhaps a time of persecution or famine), Paul advised remaining as they were, though marriage is no sin (7:26-28). "The time is short... the fashion of this world passeth away" (7:29-31). The unmarried can care "for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord," while the married must also care for their spouse (7:32-34). Paul wrote this not to restrict them, "but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction" (7:35). A widow is free to remarry, "only in the Lord" (7:39): believers must marry only believers.

Chapter 8 — Knowledge, Love and Idol Food

"Now as touching things offered unto idols" (8:1). Much of the meat sold in Corinth's market had first been offered in pagan temples. Some believers knew idols were nothing and ate freely; others, recently converted from idolatry, felt that eating such meat was participating in idol worship.

Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

1 Corinthians 8:1

Paul agreed with the theology of the "strong": "an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one... But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him" (8:4-6). Here Jesus is named alongside the Father as the one Lord through whom all things were created. But "there is not in every man that knowledge" (8:7); the weak brother's conscience could be defiled. Food itself is spiritually neutral (8:8). "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak" (8:9). If a weak believer sees a strong one eating in an idol's temple and is encouraged to act against his conscience, "through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?" (8:10-11). Sinning against a brother is sinning against Christ (8:12).

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

1 Corinthians 8:13

Love limits liberty for the sake of others.

Chapter 9 — Paul's Example: Rights Given Up for the Gospel

Paul illustrated the principle from his own life. "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?" (9:1). He had every right to food and drink, to travel with a believing wife "as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas" (9:5), and to be financially supported. Soldiers, vineyard workers and shepherds are paid (9:7). The law says, "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn" (9:9; Deuteronomy 25:4); priests live from the temple (9:13). "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" (9:14). Churches should support their pastors (1 Timothy 5:17-18).

But Paul gave up this right at Corinth so as not to hinder the gospel (9:12, 15). "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" (9:16).

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews... To them that are without law, as without law... To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

1 Corinthians 9:19-22

Paul adapted his customs and approach (never his message or morals) to reach different people (9:21: "being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ").

He drew on the Isthmian Games:

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Athletes trained with strict discipline for a wreath of pine leaves that soon withered. "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (9:26-27). "Castaway" (Greek adokimos) means "disqualified," an athlete disapproved for the prize. Paul feared losing his reward and usefulness, not his salvation.

Chapter 10 — Warnings from Israel and the Glory of God

Israel's example (10:1-13). All Israel experienced God's blessings: under the cloud, through the sea, "baptized unto Moses," eating manna and drinking from the rock, "for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ" (10:1-4). "But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness" (10:5). Privileges did not protect them from judgment when they sinned. They lusted after evil things (Numbers 11), committed idolatry: "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play" (Exodus 32:6), committed fornication with Moabite women, so that "fell in one day three and twenty thousand" (Numbers 25:9 records 24,000 in total, so Paul's number may count those who died in one day), tempted Christ and were destroyed by serpents (Numbers 21), and murmured (10:6-10).

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:11-13

The Old Testament stories are warnings for believers. Overconfidence is dangerous. Yet no temptation is unique; God is faithful, limits every temptation, and always provides a way of escape.

No fellowship with demons (10:14-22). "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry" (10:14). The Lord's Supper expresses fellowship with Christ and with one another: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body" (10:16-17). Pagan sacrifices, though idols are nothing, are offered "to devils, and not to God" (10:20). "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils" (10:21). Eating at pagan temple feasts was participation in idolatry.

Liberty governed by love and God's glory (10:23-33). "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth" (10:23-24). Meat bought in the market could be eaten without questions, "For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof" (10:25-26; Psalm 24:1). At an unbeliever's dinner, eat what is served; but if someone points out that it was offered to idols, don't eat it, for his conscience' sake (10:27-29).

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God

1 Corinthians 10:31-32

The ultimate test of any activity is whether it glorifies God and helps others.

Chapter 11 — Headship in Worship and the Lord's Supper

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (11:1).

Headship and head coverings (11:2-16).

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

1 Corinthians 11:3

God has established an order of headship. It does not imply inferiority: Christ is fully equal with the Father, yet the Father is His head. Similarly, man and woman are equal in worth and in Christ (Galatians 3:28), but have different roles. In Corinth, a man praying with his head covered dishonoured Christ, and a woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered dishonoured her husband, because in that culture the covering signified respect for this God-given order (11:4-6). Paul grounds the principle in creation: the man "is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man" (11:7-9; Genesis 2:21-23). The woman should have "power [a sign of authority] on her head because of the angels" (11:10), who observe the church's worship. Yet man and woman are interdependent: "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord" (11:11-12). "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering" (11:14-15). Baptists apply this passage in different ways: some practise head coverings in worship, while many understand the woman's long hair as the covering (11:15), or see the permanent principle of headship expressed through culturally appropriate forms.

The Lord's Supper (11:17-34). The Corinthians' gatherings did "more harm than good" (11:17). There were divisions, and at the fellowship meal that accompanied the Supper, the wealthy ate and drank to excess while the poor went hungry: "one is hungry, and another is drunken... despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not?" (11:18-22). Paul reminded them of what the Lord instituted:

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The Lord's Supper looks back ("in remembrance of me"), proclaims the present ("ye do shew the Lord's death"), and looks forward ("till he come"). Baptists understand it as a memorial ordinance: the bread and cup represent Christ's body and blood, received by faith, not a sacrifice or a means of saving grace.

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

1 Corinthians 11:27-28

"Unworthily" describes the manner, not the person: no one is worthy in himself, but all must come reverently, self-examined, and in love for the body of believers. Those who ate "not discerning the Lord's body" brought judgment on themselves: "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep" (11:29-30). God disciplined them with illness and even death. "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world" (11:31-32). Believers are disciplined as children, not condemned. They should wait for one another and eat at home if hungry (11:33-34).

Chapter 12 — One Body, Many Gifts

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant" (12:1). The Corinthians were fascinated with spectacular gifts, especially tongues.

One Spirit, many gifts (12:1-11). The test of genuine spiritual activity is its confession of Christ: "no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" (12:3).

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

The Spirit, the Lord (Christ) and God (the Father) work together, the Trinity in action. Every believer has a gift, given for the common good. Paul lists nine gifts: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues (12:8-10). "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will" (12:11). The Spirit decides who receives which gift.

One body (12:12-27).

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Every believer, at the moment of salvation, is baptized by the Spirit into the body of Christ. This is not a later experience for a few but the common experience of "all." The body needs every member: the foot should not feel excluded because it is not a hand, nor the eye despise the hand (12:15-21). "God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him" (12:18). The weaker and less honourable members are indispensable and deserve greater honour (12:22-24). "And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (12:26-27).

Ranking the gifts (12:28-31). "God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues" (12:28). Tongues, which the Corinthians prized most, come last. "Are all apostles?... do all speak with tongues?" (12:29-30). The expected answer is no: no single gift is given to every believer. "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way" (12:31).

Chapter 13 — The More Excellent Way: Love

The famous chapter on love stands between two chapters on gifts, showing that gifts without love are worthless. "Charity" (from the Latin caritas) translates the Greek agape: self-giving love.

The necessity of love (13:1-3).

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

The character of love (13:4-7).

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is described by its actions. Each description corrected a Corinthian fault: impatience, envy, boasting, pride, rudeness, selfishness, irritability, keeping records of wrongs, and rejoicing in sin (5:2). This is a portrait of Christ Himself, and of what He produces in believers.

The permanence of love (13:8-13).

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

1 Corinthians 13:8-10

Gifts are temporary; love is eternal. "That which is perfect" (complete) has been understood as the completed New Testament Scriptures, after which partial revelatory gifts would cease (a view held by many Baptists who believe the sign gifts ended with the apostolic age); as the maturity of the church; or as the return of Christ and the eternal state, when we will see "face to face" (13:12). On any view, the partial gives way to the complete. "When I was a child, I spake as a child... but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (13:11-12). Ancient mirrors of polished metal gave only a dim reflection.

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

1 Corinthians 13:13

Chapter 14 — Edification and Order in Worship

"Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy" (14:1). Love seeks the good of others, so the gift that edifies the church is to be preferred.

Prophecy over tongues (14:1-25). Tongues spoken without interpretation edify only the speaker, since no one understands; prophecy speaks to people "to edification, and exhortation, and comfort" (14:2-4). Speech must be intelligible: "if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" (14:8). "I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also" (14:15). "Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue" (14:19). "Brethren, be not children in understanding" (14:20). Quoting Isaiah 28:11-12, where foreign languages signalled judgment on unbelieving Israel, Paul says, "tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not" (14:21-22). If unbelievers walk into a church where everyone speaks in tongues, they will say, "ye are mad"; but clear prophetic preaching convicts them, "and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth" (14:23-25).

Order (14:26-40). "Let all things be done unto edifying" (14:26). At most two or three should speak in tongues, in turn, and only with an interpreter; otherwise they should keep silent (14:27-28). Two or three prophets should speak, and the others judge what is said (14:29). "And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints" (14:32-33). True spiritual gifts are under the speaker's control.

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home

1 Corinthians 14:34-35

Since women prayed and prophesied in some form (11:5), this cannot forbid every word. In context, it concerns the evaluation of prophecy and disruptive questioning in the assembly, and it agrees with 1 Timothy 2:11-12, where women are not to teach or exercise authority over men in the church. Baptists therefore understand the pastoral and teaching office over men as reserved for qualified men. "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord" (14:37).

Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Corinthians 14:40

Chapter 15 — The Resurrection

Some Corinthians, influenced by Greek thought that despised the body, said "there is no resurrection of the dead" (15:12). Paul's answer is the greatest chapter in Scripture on the resurrection.

The gospel and its witnesses (15:1-11).

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved... For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

This is the core of the gospel: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, all "according to the scriptures" (Isaiah 53; Psalm 16:10). Many scholars believe Paul is quoting an early Christian creed he received within a few years of the resurrection. Then he lists the witnesses: Cephas, the twelve, "above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present" (anyone could check with them), James, all the apostles, "And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time" (15:5-8). "But by the grace of God I am what I am" (15:10).

If Christ is not raised (15:12-19). If there is no resurrection, then Christ is not risen; preaching is empty; faith is empty; the apostles are liars; "ye are yet in your sins"; dead believers have perished; "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable" (15:14-19). Christianity stands or falls with the resurrection.

Christ the firstfruits (15:20-28).

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

1 Corinthians 15:20-23

The firstfruits were the first sheaf of harvest, offered to God as a pledge of the full harvest to come (Leviticus 23:10-11). Christ rose on the day of firstfruits; His resurrection guarantees the resurrection of His people. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to the Father, having put down all opposition. "For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" (15:25-26; Psalm 110:1; 8:6). Then the Son Himself will be subject to the Father, "that God may be all in all" (15:28), a subjection of role in the plan of redemption, not of nature.

Practical arguments (15:29-34). Some were "baptized for the dead" (15:29), a much-debated phrase with dozens of interpretations; whatever it meant, Paul neither endorses it as a practice nor teaches proxy baptism, but uses it to show that their own actions assumed a resurrection. Why would Paul face daily danger and fight "beasts at Ephesus" if there is no resurrection? "Let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die" would be the only sensible philosophy (15:30-32; Isaiah 22:13). "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not" (15:33-34).

The resurrection body (15:35-49). "How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?" (15:35). A seed must die before it springs to life, and the plant is different from the seed, though continuous with it (15:36-38). There are different kinds of bodies and glories (15:39-41).

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44

A "spiritual body" is not a non-physical body but a body fully empowered and governed by the Spirit, like Christ's resurrection body (Luke 24:39). "The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit" (15:45; Genesis 2:7). "As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly" (15:49).

The victory (15:50-58). "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God" (15:50): our bodies must be transformed.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52

At Christ's coming for His people, dead believers will be raised and living believers instantly transformed (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (15:53). Then:

Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

(Isaiah 25:8; Hosea 13:14.) Christ has drawn death's sting by bearing our sin. The doctrine of the resurrection ends with a practical call:

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Chapter 16 — The Collection and Closing Charge

"Now concerning the collection for the saints," the gift for the poor believers in Jerusalem (16:1):

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

1 Corinthians 16:2

Giving should be regular ("upon the first day of the week," the day the church gathered), personal ("every one of you"), planned ("lay by him in store") and proportionate ("as God hath prospered him").

Paul planned to come through Macedonia and perhaps winter with them, but would stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries" (16:5-9). Opportunity and opposition often come together. He commended Timothy (16:10-11) and noted that Apollos was unwilling to come at that time (16:12).

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

He commended the household of Stephanas, "the firstfruits of Achaia," who "addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints" (16:15-18), and sent greetings from the churches of Asia and from Aquila and Priscilla, "with the church that is in their house" (16:19). Writing the closing with his own hand (16:21), he added a solemn word:

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

1 Corinthians 16:22

"Anathema" means accursed; "Maranatha" is Aramaic for "Our Lord, come" or "The Lord cometh." The letter that began "waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1:7) ends with that same longing, and with grace and love (16:23-24).

Part Three: Christ in 1 Corinthians

Christ the Answer to Every Problem

Paul answers every Corinthian problem by pointing to Christ: divisions by the cross (1:13); pride by Christ our wisdom (1:30); immorality by Christ our Passover and our body's Owner (5:7; 6:15, 20); idolatry by the one Lord (8:6); disorder by remembering His death (11:26); gift-envy by the one body of Christ (12:27); and doubt by His resurrection (15:20).

Portraits of Christ

The Witnesses of the Resurrection

Part Four: Prophecies Fulfilled and Future

Part Five: Key Passages in Depth

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 — The Wisdom of the Cross

The message of a crucified Saviour looks foolish to the world but is God's power and wisdom. God deliberately chooses the weak and lowly so that no one can boast except in the Lord. Christ is all the believer's wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 14 — Spirit-Empowered Preaching

Paul relied not on eloquence but on the Spirit's power, preaching Christ crucified. The natural man cannot understand spiritual truth unless the Spirit enables him.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 — Building on Christ

Christ is the only foundation. Every believer is building on it, and the quality of each one's work will be tested at the judgment seat. Some will receive rewards; others will be saved "as by fire," with nothing to show.

1 Corinthians 5 — Church Discipline

A church that tolerates open, unrepentant sin is like dough spreading with leaven. Loving discipline aims at the sinner's restoration and the church's purity.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 — Such Were Some of You

God's kingdom excludes the unrepentant, but the gospel washes, sanctifies and justifies sinners of every kind.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 — The Temple of the Holy Ghost

The believer's body belongs to God, bought by Christ's blood and indwelt by the Spirit. Flee sexual sin, and glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 7 — Marriage and Singleness

Marriage is good, holy and permanent; marital intimacy is a mutual duty; singleness is a gift that allows undistracted devotion. Believers must marry "only in the Lord."

1 Corinthians 8-10 — Liberty Limited by Love

Knowledge alone puffs up; love builds up. Christians should limit their liberty rather than cause a brother to stumble, avoid any participation in idolatry, and do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 — Running to Win

The Christian life requires discipline, purpose and self-control, with an eternal crown in view.

1 Corinthians 10:13 — The Way of Escape

Every temptation is common to man, limited by a faithful God, and accompanied by a way of escape.

1 Corinthians 11:23-32 — The Lord's Supper

The Supper remembers Christ's death, proclaims it, and looks forward to His return. Believers must partake reverently, examining themselves and honouring the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12 — The Body of Christ

Every believer is baptized by the Spirit into one body and given a gift for the common good. Every member is needed, honoured and cared for.

1 Corinthians 13 — The Supremacy of Love

Without love, the greatest gifts and sacrifices are worthless. Love is patient, kind, humble and enduring. Gifts will pass away; love never fails.

1 Corinthians 15 — The Resurrection

The gospel rests on Christ's death, burial and resurrection, attested by Scripture and hundreds of witnesses. Because He rose, believers will rise with glorious bodies, and death will be swallowed up in victory. Therefore our labour in the Lord is never in vain.

Part Six: The Major Teachings of 1 Corinthians

1. The Centrality of the Cross

The message of Christ crucified is God's wisdom and power (1:18-2:5).

2. The Unity of the Church

Divisions around leaders are carnal; believers are one in Christ (1:10-13; 3:3-9; 12:12-27).

3. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

The Spirit reveals God's truth, inspires Scripture, indwells believers, baptizes them into Christ's body, and gives gifts (2:10-14; 3:16; 6:19; 12:4-13).

4. Rewards and the Judgment Seat of Christ

Believers' works will be tested and rewarded (3:10-15; 4:5; 9:24-27).

5. Church Discipline

The church must judge unrepentant sin among its members for their restoration (5:1-13).

6. Sexual Purity

The body belongs to the Lord; sexual sin is forbidden; marriage is the God-given setting for sexual union (6:12-20; 7:1-5).

7. Marriage, Divorce and Singleness

Marriage is permanent; singleness is a gift; believers marry believers (7).

8. Christian Liberty and Love

Liberty must be limited by love for weaker believers and devotion to God's glory (8-10).

9. Headship and Order in Worship

God has ordered relationships and worship; all should be done decently and in order (11:3-16; 14:33, 40).

10. The Lord's Supper

A memorial of Christ's death, observed reverently until He comes (10:16-17; 11:23-34).

11. Spiritual Gifts

Given by the Spirit to every believer for the edification of the church, governed by love and order (12-14).

12. Love

The greatest and most enduring virtue (13).

13. The Resurrection

Christ's bodily resurrection guarantees believers' resurrection and transformation at His coming (15).

14. Christian Stewardship

Faithful stewardship of the gospel, of gifts, and of money given regularly and proportionately (4:1-2; 16:1-2).

Part Seven: Connections — How 1 Corinthians Links to the Rest of the Bible

1 Corinthians and the Old Testament

1 Corinthians and the New Testament

Themes That Run from 1 Corinthians Through Scripture

Part Eight: Practical Lessons

• Remember that you are a saint, and live like one (1:2).
• Refuse to divide the church around personalities (1:12-13).
• Don't be ashamed of the "foolish" message of the cross (1:18, 23).
• Glory only in the Lord (1:31).
• Preach Christ crucified, depending on the Spirit's power (2:2-4).
• Grow out of spiritual infancy (3:1-3).
• Build on Christ with materials that will last (3:11-14).
• Be found faithful as a steward (4:2).
• Remember that every gift you have was received (4:7).
• Mourn over sin in the church, and deal with it lovingly (5:2, 5).
• Remove the leaven of malice and wickedness (5:8).
• Settle disputes between believers within the church (6:1-7).
• Rejoice that Christ washes, sanctifies and justifies sinners (6:11).
• Flee sexual immorality (6:18).
• Glorify God in your body; you are not your own (6:19-20).
• Honour marriage and fulfil your duties to your spouse (7:3-5).
• Marry only in the Lord (7:39).
• Let love govern your liberty (8:1, 13).
• Become all things to all men to win some (9:22).
• Run with discipline for an incorruptible crown (9:24-27).
• Learn from Israel's failures (10:11).
• Take heed lest you fall (10:12).
• Look for God's way of escape in temptation (10:13).
• Flee from idolatry (10:14).
• Do all to the glory of God (10:31).
• Follow godly examples as they follow Christ (11:1).
• Examine yourself before the Lord's Supper (11:28).
• Use your spiritual gift for others' good (12:7).
• Value every member of the body (12:21-26).
• Pursue love above every gift (13:1-3, 13).
• Seek to edify the church (14:12, 26).
• Let worship be done decently and in order (14:40).
• Hold fast the gospel of Christ's death and resurrection (15:1-4).
• Live in light of the resurrection (15:19, 32-34).
• Be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the Lord's work (15:58).
• Give regularly and proportionately on the Lord's day (16:2).
• Watch, stand fast, quit you like men, be strong (16:13).
• Do everything with love (16:14).

Part Nine: Key Verses to Memorize

Conclusion

1 Corinthians is Paul's letter to a church that was rich in gifts but poor in holiness, love and unity. Living in a proud, wealthy and immoral city, the Corinthians had split into factions around their favourite preachers, tolerated incest, sued one another, excused sexual sin, argued over marriage and food offered to idols, turned the Lord's Supper into a scene of selfishness, competed over spiritual gifts, and doubted the resurrection. Paul answered each problem with Christ: Christ crucified, the wisdom and power of God; Christ the only foundation; Christ our Passover; Christ who bought our bodies with His blood; the one Lord through whom all things exist; the Head of the body whose members all need one another; the One whose death we remember until He comes; and the risen Lord, the firstfruits of the resurrection, through whom death will be swallowed up in victory. At the centre stands love, without which all gifts are nothing, and which alone will never fail. The letter ends where Christian hope always ends: "Maranatha," the Lord is coming, and so believers are to be stedfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in His work, knowing it is never in vain.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58