Synopsis: Paul is writing to the church he established in Corinth and correcting their doctrine and the many problems this church was experiencing. Sexual sin and idolatry was occurring in this body of believers along with leadership worship and doctrinal confusion. Paul clearly lays out the errors they are committing and the correct path they should choose to be followers of Jesus Christ. Chapters 1-4 addresses the problems in the church. Chapter 5 deals with a church member and his sin. Chapters 6-14 discusses seven specific areas of questions and confusion to the Corinthian believers. Chapter 15 is all about the belief in the resurrection of the dead. Chapter 16 is Paul’s closing comments.
Key Verse: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10
Note: What is an epistle? Epistle is the English version of the Greek word, epistole, and it means a letter. All the Epistles in the New Testament are letters written to converted Christian believers. They were not written to unbelievers or the unsaved. As such, the Epistles are also written to converted Christian believers living today and to those living in the future. They are the Christians’ mail. Therefore, one cannot make a plan of salvation out of any statements written in these letters. The only plan of salvation provided in the New Testament is in Acts chapter 2 where the Apostle Peter answered the question, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” and Peter answered, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” That is God’s method or plan of salvation. Any thing else written in the Epistles is to people who have already done what Peter commanded in Acts chapter 2 and is simply a confirmation of their faith.