New Testament · Epistle
The Book of 1 Corinthians
Live as God's holy people in the middle of a messy city.
Paul addresses divisions, sexual ethics, worship, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection in a struggling church.
Author and background of 1 Corinthians
Author
Paul
Date written
c. AD 55
Original audience
Church in Corinth.
Cosmopolitan, immoral Roman Corinth.
Major themes of 1 Corinthians
The theology of 1 Corinthians centers on god's character and glory and sin, grace, and redemption. Trace these threads as you read.
God's character and glory
Every page reveals more of who God is — His holiness, mercy, and steadfast love.
Sin, grace, and redemption
Scripture diagnoses our brokenness honestly and points us to the rescue God provides.
Covenant and promise
God binds Himself to His people in faithful, unbreakable promises fulfilled in Christ.
Worship and obedience
Faith expresses itself in a life of worship, repentance, and joyful obedience.
Key characters in 1 Corinthians
Paul
Apostle.
Apollos
Eloquent teacher.
Every chapter of 1 Corinthians explained
Verse-by-verse explanations and reflections for every chapter of 1 Corinthians — ideal for personal study, devotionals, and small group discussion.
Key verses from 1 Corinthians
"Faith, hope, and love... but the greatest of these is love."
"Christ died for our sins... and was raised."
How to apply 1 Corinthians today
1 Corinthians is not just history — it is God's Word for your life this week. Try these practical steps:
- Read prayerfully, asking the Spirit to teach and convict you.
- Identify one truth about God and one truth about yourself in every chapter.
- Look for Christ — every book testifies of Him (Luke 24:27).
- Turn what you read into prayer and obedience this week.
Pray 1 Corinthians back to God
- Father, open my eyes to behold wondrous things in Your Word (Ps. 119:18).
- Lord, give me a soft heart that trembles at Your Word (Isa. 66:2).
- Spirit of God, conform me to Christ as I read.
- Help me to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only (James 1:22).
Study 1 Corinthians more deeply
Explore themes, characters, historical context, application guides, and devotionals built for 1 Corinthians.
Keep going · Amazon picks
Go deeper into 1 Corinthians on Amazon
Hand-picked search shortcuts to trusted commentaries, study Bibles, and devotionals on 1 Corinthians. Purchases through these links support this ministry at no extra cost to you.
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1 Corinthians — Anthony Thiselton
Deep, careful commentary on 1 Corinthians.
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1 Corinthians for You — Andrew Wilson
Very readable expositional guide.
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Bible study journal
A journal for notes, prayer, and reflection as you work through this content.
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1 Corinthians — frequently asked questions
+Who wrote the book of 1 Corinthians?
Paul — written around c. AD 55.
+What is the main message of 1 Corinthians?
Live as God's holy people in the middle of a messy city.
+How many chapters are in 1 Corinthians?
1 Corinthians has 16 chapters.
+Who was 1 Corinthians written to?
Church in Corinth.
+What are the key themes of 1 Corinthians?
God's character and glory; Sin, grace, and redemption; Covenant and promise; Worship and obedience.