46. 1 Corinthians (Bible Summary)

Introduction (1:1–9)

Paul’s Salutation: Paul begins with a greeting to the church of God in Corinth, offering grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving: Paul expresses gratitude to God for the grace given to the Corinthians in Christ Jesus, who has enriched them with every gift and confirmed them in their faith.

Divisions in the Church (1:10—4:21)

The Fact of the Divisions (1:10–17)

Appeal for Unity: Paul appeals to the Corinthians to be united in mind and judgment, condemning the factions that have developed within the church. He points out that there is no place for divisions in the body of Christ, and that the gospel is about the work of Christ, not human leaders.

The Causes of the Divisions (1:18—4:13)

A Wrong Conception of the Christian Message (1:18—3:4): Paul explains that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God. He contrasts worldly wisdom with the wisdom of God, stressing that the gospel cannot be understood through human wisdom but only through God’s revelation.
A Wrong Conception of Christian Ministry and Ministers (3:5—4:5): Paul stresses that ministers of the gospel are merely servants, and that God is the one who gives growth. He critiques the Corinthians for elevating ministers to a level that detracts from God’s glory. Ministers are to be faithful stewards of God’s mysteries, and their work will be judged by God.
A Wrong Conception of the Christian (4:6–13): Paul defends his apostleship and that of Apollos, urging the Corinthians to not think of themselves more highly than they ought. He contrasts the humility of the apostles with the arrogance of the Corinthians, illustrating the suffering and humility the apostles endure for the gospel.

The Exhortation to End the Divisions (4:14–21)

Paul’s Fatherly Appeal: Paul appeals to the Corinthians as a spiritual father, urging them to imitate his example of humility and servant leadership. He warns them that he will not spare his rebuke when he comes, but will deal with the issue of division with authority.

Moral and Ethical Disorders in the Life of the Church (chs. 5–6)

Laxity in Church Discipline (ch. 5)

Immorality in the Church: Paul addresses a case of serious sexual immorality within the church, reprimanding the Corinthians for their tolerance of such behavior. He urges the church to expel the immoral brother, so that the church may be pure.
The Principle of Purity: Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in the church, using the analogy of leaven affecting the whole batch of dough. He reminds the Corinthians that Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed, and they should live in sincerity and truth.

Lawsuits before Non-Christian Judges (6:1–11)

Disputes among Believers: Paul rebukes the Corinthians for taking their disputes with fellow believers to secular courts instead of resolving them within the church. He points out that believers will judge the world and even angels, and should therefore be able to handle small matters among themselves.

Sexual Immorality (6:12–20)

Flee from Immorality: Paul addresses issues of sexual immorality, urging the Corinthians to honor God with their bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit. He reminds them that they were bought at a price, and therefore should glorify God in their bodies.

Instruction on Marriage (ch. 7)

General Principles (7:1–7)

The Gift of Marriage and Celibacy: Paul discusses the benefits of both marriage and celibacy, urging believers to live in accordance with their calling, whether married or single.

The Problems of the Married (7:8–24)

Marriage and Divorce: Paul offers practical advice for married couples, encouraging them to remain faithful and not to divorce. He acknowledges that the married face challenges, but encourages them to stay committed.

The Problems of the Unmarried (7:25–40)

Advice for Singles: Paul gives counsel for unmarried individuals, urging them to remain unmarried if possible, but acknowledging that marriage is a good and honorable choice.

Instruction on Questionable Practices (8:1—11:1)

The Principles Involved (ch. 8)

Freedom in Christ: Paul addresses the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols, urging believers to use their freedom in Christ responsibly. He emphasizes that love for others should guide their actions, especially when it comes to issues that may cause a fellow believer to stumble.

The Principles Illustrated (ch. 9)

Paul’s Example: Paul illustrates the principle of self-sacrifice for the sake of others by pointing to his own ministry. He chooses not to take financial support from the Corinthians, even though he has the right to do so, in order not to hinder the gospel.

A Warning from the History of Israel (10:1–22)

Avoiding Idolatry: Paul warns the Corinthians not to repeat the mistakes of Israel in the wilderness, urging them to flee from idolatry. He uses Israel’s history as a cautionary tale, showing how their actions displeased God.

The Principles Applied (10:23—11:1)

Living for the Glory of God: Paul emphasizes the importance of living for God’s glory in all things, including eating and drinking. He encourages believers to seek the good of others and to imitate him, just as he imitates Christ.

Instruction on Public Worship (11:2—14:40)

Propriety in Worship (11:2–16)

Head Coverings: Paul discusses the proper conduct for men and women in worship, specifically addressing the issue of head coverings. He teaches that men should not cover their heads, while women should cover theirs as a sign of respect and authority.

The Lord’s Supper (11:17–34)

Correcting the Abuse of the Lord’s Supper: Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their selfishness and divisions during the Lord’s Supper. He reminds them of the significance of the meal, urging them to partake in a worthy manner, reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice.

Spiritual Gifts (chs. 12–14)

The Test of the Gifts (12:1–3): Paul reminds the Corinthians that spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit and are meant to glorify God and build up the church.
The Unity of the Gifts (12:4–11): Paul explains that there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them for the common good.
The Diversity of the Gifts (12:12–31a): Paul uses the analogy of the body to explain how the different gifts work together to form one unified body.
The Necessity of Exercising the Gifts in Love (12:31b—13:13): Paul emphasizes that the exercise of spiritual gifts must be motivated by love, the greatest of all virtues.
The Superiority of Prophecy Over Tongues (14:1–25): Paul prioritizes prophecy over speaking in tongues because prophecy edifies the church, while speaking in tongues only edifies the speaker.
Rules Governing Public Worship (14:26–40): Paul provides guidelines for orderly worship, including the proper use of spiritual gifts in the assembly. He emphasizes that everything in worship should be done decently and in order.

Instruction on the Resurrection (ch. 15)

The Certainty of the Resurrection (15:1–34)

The Foundation of the Gospel: Paul reiterates the centrality of the resurrection of Christ, which is foundational to the gospel. He affirms that Christ’s resurrection is a guarantee of the future resurrection of believers.

The Consideration of Certain Objections (15:35–57)

The Nature of the Resurrection Body: Paul addresses questions regarding the nature of the resurrection body, explaining that it will be imperishable, glorious, and powerful, unlike the natural body.

The Concluding Appeal (15:58)

Encouragement to Stand Firm: Paul encourages the Corinthians to stand firm in their faith, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Conclusion: Practical and Personal Matters (ch. 16)

Final Instructions and Exhortations: Paul provides various instructions, including giving for the collection for the saints, showing hospitality to Timothy, and sending personal greetings.
Benediction: Paul closes with a prayer for God’s grace to be with all who love the Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.