46 - 1 Corinthians
TLDR: Paul corrects a divided church: factions, immorality, lawsuits, marriage, food offered to idols, worship, and the resurrection. "Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Overarching Storyline
Division and wisdom (ch. 1–4). Immorality and discipline (ch. 5–6). Marriage and singleness (ch. 7). Food, idols, and liberty (ch. 8–10). Head coverings; Lord's Supper (ch. 11). Spiritual gifts; love (ch. 12–14). Resurrection (ch. 15). Collection; closing (ch. 16).
Bible Project: 1 Corinthians overview.
Pegs for Memorizing This Book
- Person: Paul, Apollos, Cephas; the church at Corinth.
- Image: Body (many members), building, love chapter.
- Number: 13 (love in ch. 13), 15 (resurrection in ch. 15).
- Phrase: "Greatest of these is love" (13:13); "Foolishness of the cross" (1:18).
Highlights
- 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 — Lord's Supper: in remembrance of me.
- 1 Corinthians 13 — Love is patient, kind…
- 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 — Christ died for our sins; raised on the third day.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 — Stand firm; your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
(Link to verse entries and meditations as added.)
Before and After
- Before: Romans; 1 Corinthians addresses specific problems in one church.
- After: 2 Corinthians; Paul follows up on obedience and defends his ministry.
Place in the Overarching Biblical Story
Church life. How to live together: unity, purity, love, and the hope of resurrection. The resurrection chapter (15) is central for Christian hope.
Interesting Facts
- Love chapter — 1 Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings; in context it is about the use of spiritual gifts in the church.
- Resurrection — If Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile (15:17); the whole chapter grounds hope in the risen Lord.