- Paul writes to the Church of God in Corinth and pleads with them to avoid quarrels and division. Follow Christ, not men. For the Jews require a sign and the Greeks seek after wisdom: we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block & unto the Greeks foolishness. #1Cn1
- A demonstration of the Spirit is that our faith rests not on human wisdom but on God’s power. What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind conceived, these are the things revealed to us by the Spirit. No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. #1Cn2
- We are mere infants in Christ, planting and watering a seed that God makes grow. Build with care, as the foundation you construct will be judged. You are God’s temple: God’s spirit dwells in your midst. You should become “fools” so that you may become wise. #1Cn3
- We apostles should be regarded as servants of Christ entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but we are wise in Christ. Paul sends Timothy to Corinth so they do not become arrogant. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. #1Cn4
- Paul admonishes the Corinthians to avoid sexual immorality & to reject such followers, including one accused of incest. A little yeast leavens the whole loaf. Get rid of the old yeast leavened with malice & wickedness & keep the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. #1Cn5
- Paul tries to shame believers who take their disputes before nonbelievers. Unlawful acts are condemned, including sexual immorality & men who have sex with men. Flee fornication. Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost? #1Cn6
- Have sex only between wives & husbands, for it is better to marry than to burn (with passion). Do not leave unbelieving spouses, but let them leave. Better to remain unmarried, since married life divides one’s interests from God. Rules on divorce and remarriage are stated. #1Cn7
- We know that food sacrificed to idols is meaningless, but not all know that. Avoid eating in an idol’s temple, which could mislead others. Knowledge puffs up, while love (or charity) builds up. There is no other God but one God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. #1Cn8
- Paul discusses his rights as an apostle, including enjoying the rewards of his preaching.If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? Paul uses his freedom to teach the gospel and become a slave to Christ. #1Cn9
- Paul says to avoid idolatry and sexual immorality. Do not tempt the Lord, as even the bodies of Israelites are scattered in the wilderness. You may eat with an unbeliever, but not of sacrificial food. Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. #1Cn10
- Paul argues for men’s heads to be uncovered & women’s to be covered for prayer & prophesy. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. Long hair on men is disgraceful, but a glory for women. All should be welcome to partake equally of a meal at the church of God. #1Cn11
- The Spirit of God works differently in different people. In some it is for working miracles, others for prophecy, or healing, or speaking in tongues, etc. As the body is one, & hath many members, so also is Christ. By one spirit we are baptized into one body. #1Cn12
- Paul writes a paean to love (or charity). Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. When I was a child, I thought like a child. When I became a man, I put childhood ways behind me. Of faith, hope, & love, the greatest is love. #1Cn13
- Paul says prophecy, which is a sign to believers, is better than unintelligible speaking in tongues, which is a sign to unbelievers. Women should remain silent in church. #1Cn14
- The articles of faith are stated, including the resurrection of Christ and the dead, who return in spiritual bodies with different splendors, like the Sun and stars. If Christ has not been raised, then your faith is vain. The dead will be raised when Christ is triumphant. #1Cn15
- Paul asks the Corinthians to make a collection for the church in Jerusalem. He describes his plans to go to Macedonia & Ephesus, hopes for Timothy, and plans for Apollos & others to support the church. Any who does not love the Lord is cursed. Maranatha (Our Lord comes)! #1Cn16