Reading With the People of God #14 Proverbsنموونە

I Corinthians Introduction

Forty miles west of Athens, Corinth was a wealthy port city on a narrow isthmus between the Adriatic and Aegean Seas. It is said that at one time, Corinth had as many as twelve pagan temples, so for Christianity to take a foothold there, it had to be the work of the Lord through the apostle Paul. Paul was on his second missionary journey when he first visited the ancient city of Corinth and established a church there with his partner Silas, along with Timothy. The trio spent eighteen months in Corinth before moving on to Ephesus. It seems it was after he departed and returned to Ephesus that he heard of the Corinthians' struggles and wrote this letter to the conflicted Christian community that his heart had embraced.

In this letter, Paul shows a pastor's heart as he writes to correct problems of Christian conduct, misuse of spiritual gifts, and disharmony in the church. He wrote to them because he was concerned for the sins they seemed to take lightly, and he also wrote to answer questions they had concerning doctrine, adding the beautiful teaching we have on the resurrection of Christ and the dead in Christ.

In 1 Corinthians, we will find some of the greatest theological passages of the New Testament and some of the most practical for everyday living. Through Paul’s other letters, we know we are not saved by obeying the Law, but this letter makes it plain that we are to live out our lives in obedience to God, as evidenced in the life of Christ. Sanctification is a major theme of this letter.

* Primer contributed by Jinet Troost