1 Corinthians Bible Study: Guide to Paul's Letter

Verses to read

• “Now I beg you, brothers, through the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

  1 Corinthians 1:10

• “Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud.”

  1 Corinthians 13:4

• “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

  1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Why was 1 Corinthians written?

Paul started the church in Corinth, but after he left, things got messy. People started taking sides and arguing. Some thought they were better than others because of their special skills or who baptized them.

Paul wrote this letter to fix these problems. He wanted to remind them that the church is like a human body. Every part is important, and every part must work together to stay healthy.

What is the most famous part of the book?

Most people know 1 Corinthians chapter 13. This is often called the 'Love Chapter.' It explains that even if we are very smart or do great things, it means nothing if we do not have love.

Paul describes love as being patient and kind. He says love does not give up and never fails. This chapter helps us understand how God wants us to treat our friends, family, and even people we disagree with.

How does Paul handle church arguments?

Paul tells the people to stop following human leaders as if they were gods. He says that Jesus is the only foundation for the church. Instead of fighting to be right, Christians should try to serve each other.

He also talks about spiritual gifts. These are special abilities God gives people to help others. Paul explains that these gifts are not for showing off. They are tools to build up the church and help it grow stronger.

What does the book say about Jesus coming back?

In the end of the letter, Paul talks about the resurrection. This is the belief that Jesus died and then came back to life. Paul says this is the most important part of the Christian faith.

Because Jesus rose from the dead, Paul promises that followers of Jesus will also live again one day. This gives people hope that death is not the end and that God will make all things new.

Common questions

Who wrote 1 Corinthians?

The apostle Paul wrote this letter while he was staying in a city called Ephesus. He wrote it to help the church he had started in Corinth a few years earlier.

What does 'division' mean in this book?

Division means breaking apart into groups that fight with each other. Paul wanted the church to be united instead of split into small, angry groups.

Why is 1 Corinthians 13 read at weddings?

It is popular at weddings because it gives a perfect definition of love. However, Paul originally wrote it to tell a whole church how to behave, not just married couples.

What are spiritual gifts?

Spiritual gifts are special talents or powers given by the Holy Spirit. Examples include teaching, helping others, or having great faith, all used to serve God.