1 Corinthians
Paul answers a divided, gifted, and troubled church in a bustling Greek port city.
Who wrote it
The letter names Paul as author (1:1, 16:21), and nearly all scholars accept that. Sosthenes is named with him as a co-sender (1:1); Paul probably dictated and then added a greeting in his own hand (16:21). Some scholars think a few verses (such as 14:34-35) may have been added later, and a few debate whether our letter combines more than one of Paul's letters to Corinth. Paul mentions an earlier letter that we do not have (5:9).
Who it was for
Paul founded the church on his second journey and stayed about eighteen months (Acts 18). Corinth was a Roman colony and a wealthy port with two harbors, known for trade, religious variety, and a reputation for loose living. The church wrote to Paul with questions (7:1) and Chloe's people reported quarrels (1:11).
When it happens
Paul writes from Ephesus (16:8), during his third journey, planning to pass through Macedonia and come to Corinth (16:5-8). The date comes from the timeline of Acts and from Gallio's governorship in Achaia (Acts 18:12), and is good but not certain. The letter was probably carried by Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus (16:17).
How to read it
A pastoral letter that answers reports and written questions one by one. Paul often moves from a problem to a principle and back to a practical answer, and sometimes quotes slogans from the Corinthians (such as "all things are lawful for me") before correcting them.
Map: Corinth, Ephesus, Macedonia, and Jerusalem
Open mapPaul writes from Ephesus to Corinth across the Aegean Sea, plans a route through Macedonia, and is gathering money for the poor in Jerusalem.
Timeline
Open timelineIn order, not to scale.
The cross reshapes everything. Because Christ was crucified and raised, a divided and proud church is called to be one body, shaped by love, and to look forward to resurrection.
- Unity in one body
- The wisdom of the cross
- Love above gifts
- Holiness and freedom
- The resurrection of the body
Who’s who
Paul
The apostle who founded the church in Corinth, writing from Ephesus.
- Chapters: 1, 3, 16
Sosthenes
Named with Paul as co-sender (1:1); perhaps the former synagogue leader of Acts 18:17.
- Chapters: 1
Apollos
An eloquent Jew from Alexandria who taught in Corinth after Paul (Acts 18:24-28).
- Chapters: 1, 3, 4, 16
Stephanas
A Corinthian whose household were Paul's first converts in Achaia (16:15).
- Chapters: 1, 16
Chloe's people
Members of Chloe's household who told Paul about the quarrels (1:11).
Cephas (Peter)
The apostle Simon Peter; some in Corinth said, "I follow Cephas."
- Parents: Jonas
- Siblings: Andrew
- Chapters: 1, 3, 9, 15
Family links and chapters: Theographic Bible Metadata, CC BY-SA 4.0. About our sources