INTRODUCTION TO FIRST CORINTHIANS

Corinth was the chief commercial city of Greece, with a population of about 650,000 (including 400,000 slaves). It was located on a narrow isthmus connecting the Greek mainland with the Peloponnesian Peninsula. The religion of the Corinthians focused on Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Religious prostitution was practiced, and sexual immorality was so common that 'to Corinthianize' meant to practice sexual immorality. In 1:26-31, and again in 6:9-11 Paul reminds the Corinthian Christians of their humble origins and sinful past.

Paul pioneered the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18). He spent about a year and a half there, working as a tentmaker with Priscilla and Aquila. Later, on his third journey, he wrote Romans from Corinth.

Paul wrote this letter from Ephesus in answer to a letter from the Corinthians. He is their shepherd, and he knows them well. In this letter he applies the gospel to practical problems such as divisions in the church, marriage, lawsuits, differences of opinion about eating and worship, etc. He rebukes them in love. Chapter 13 is a description of Jesus' love, which is the best gift and the most excellent way. Chapter 15 calls us to practical belief and hope in the resurrection of Jesus, for the resurrection is the heart of the gospel. No one can be a Christian without resurrection faith.

1. Greetings to God's holy people (1-3)

Paul writes with apostolic authority. Sosthenes was the synagogue ruler from Corinth who was beaten (Acts 18:17), and who later became a Christian. God's people are called to be a holy nation. We are holy because Jesus' blood cleanses us from sin. We must live as holy people in an unholy world. We can do this only when we call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--put our trust wholly in him. Grace and peace come from God the Father and from Jesus.

2. God will keep you strong to the end (4-9)

Paul thanks God for his gracious work in the Corinthians. When Paul preached, God's Spirit worked to apply the gospel to their lives and change them from worldly pagans into the holy people of God. The gifts of the Spirit abounded in their fellowship. People are weak, but God who called us into fellowship with his Son is strong. He is faithful, and he will keep us to the end.

Application: Lord, thank you for the grace of forgiveness, and for your Holy Spirit. Keep me strong in Christ until he comes.
One Word: God who called us is faithful