An Introduction to Reading 1 Corinthians
Before diving into 1 Corinthians, it’s crucial to understand the city of Corinth and the spiritual challenges the early church faced. This introduction offers the historical and theological context we need to read Paul’s letter with clarity, purpose, and a heart anchored in Christ.
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Greeting
1 Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving
4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
About the City of Corinth
Corinth was a city of wealth and culture, situated at the crossroads of the Roman Empire. It was where all the trade and commerce of the empire passed through. It was a city of beauty, a resort city that was located in a very beautiful area, but it was also a city characterized by darkness and depravity.
Corinth was an economic center devoted to trade and commerce, but it was also devoted to the worship of pagan gods. On a little hill that rose behind the ancient city, there was a temple built to Aphrodite (Goddess of Lust), and every evening the priests and priestesses, both male and female prostitutes, would come down from the temple into the streets to ply their trade.
The Apostle Paul penned this letter to a church that was planted in Corinth and had some years of health and vitality. However, they’ve entered an era where some course correction is needed. God gave Paul guidance to speak into this church, and that’s where the letter opens:
“Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes.” 1 Corinthians 1:1
Sosthenes was a former Jewish synagogue leader, a Messianic Jew, who was converted to Christianity and came to journey alongside Paul, helping to propagate and establish the church.
In Paul’s 13 letters, he almost always begins by telling the readers who he is in relation to God and who we are in relation to God. However, the opening of 1 Corinthians is different because of the way Paul establishes his identity in relation to God. This is wildly different from what you see and hear in advertisements:
Car commercials want you to think of your life in relation to the things you have.
Beer commercials want you to think of your life in relation to the people you hang out with as you drink.
Life insurance commercials want you to think of your life in relation to your family with touching scenes of childhood and graduation and marriage and first home, and first child.
Soap/deodorant/shampoo wants you to think of your life in relation to your body.
Yet, the relentless testimony of God’s Word is that we’re not defined by any of those things. Instead, we’re defined by our existence in relation to God. The Bible is relentless as it calls us back again not to deny things like the practical necessities, such as cars, friends, family, health, and so forth, but it calls us to give these things true meaning in relation to God. The Bible defines everything in relation to God, because everything has its true significance, or insignificance in relation to Him.
Now, also note Paul’s self-understanding in verse 1: “Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.” Don’t you love the strength and solidity and clarity of Paul’s self-understanding? He knows who he is!
He knows why he is here: To be an apostle of Christ Jesus, an ambassador, a spokesman with inspired authority.
He knows how he got here: By the will of God.
He knows where he comes from: From a God who is sovereign and all-powerful in whom all of history will be summed up.
He knows where he is going: To speak the truth for the King of kings and call persons to submit to his lordship and receive the gift of His Gospel.
And he knows who he is with his:
Thorn in the flesh.
Romans 7 failures.
Call up to the third Heaven.
Persecutions and sleepless nights.
Undaunted faith in the Son of God, who loved him and gave himself for him.
God wants all of his children to have that kind of solid, strong, clear self-understanding. Put your name in verse 1 with the appropriate changes. Consider these examples:
Jonathan, called by the will of God to be a financial planner for the glory of Jesus Christ!
Judy, called by the will of God to be a teacher for the glory of Jesus Christ!
Dave, called by the will of God to be a banker for the glory of Jesus Christ!
Ruth, called by the will of God to be a nurse for the glory of Jesus Christ!
[Your name], called by the will of God to be a [profession] for the glory of Jesus Christ!
There is a freedom and stability in being defined in relation to God. When we allow God and His inspired Word to define us rather than the world, it causes a tremendous change in how we view and interact with things, groups, opinions, and even our own bodies. This is especially true in an era where social media, and all of its influences, tell us subtle lies about who we should be.
To know where you’ve come from, where you are heading, and where you stand now in relation to God will free you. You will not be the stepchild of contemporary advertising. You won’t be the slave of fads or trends. You won’t crumble in insecurity, dissatisfaction, and covetousness that shift like the wind. But you will stand on what your one & only life really means in relation to God!
