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A summary of 1st. Corinthians

The First Epistle to the Corinthians, commonly referred to as First Corinthians, was written by the Apostle Paul around AD 55. It was penned in Ephesus, during his third missionary journey. Paul starts the letter by identifying himself and greeting the church in Corinth 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, [AMP] These scriptures are the introduction to Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. In these verses, Paul establishes his credentials and purpose for writing, while also greeting the church in Corinth. In verse 1, Paul identifies himself and states his role as an apostle, chosen by Jesus Christ through the will of God. He also mentions Sosthenes, who is possibly a co-author or scribe for the letter. In verse 2, Paul addresses the letter to the church of God in Corinth, emphasizing that they are made holy, or sanctified, by Christ Jesus and are called to be saints. This call is not limited to just them but extends to all those, everywhere, who call upon the name of Jesus Christ. Finally, in verse 3, Paul offers a blessing of grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace represents God's undeserved favor and love, while peace refers to the state of spiritual well-being and wholeness that comes from a right relationship with God. A significant portion of this letter is devoted to addressing the various issues and disputes that had arisen in the Corinthian church. Paul discusses divisions in the church 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, [AMP], sexual immorality 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, [AMP], and lawsuits among believers 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, [AMP]. Paul also provides answers to specific questions that had been asked of him. These include topics related to marriage and singleness 1 Corinthians 7, [AMP], food sacrificed to idols 1 Corinthians 8, [AMP], and the use of spiritual gifts 1 Corinthians 12-14, [AMP] One of the most well-known chapters is 1 Corinthians 13, often called the "love chapter," where Paul eloquently describes love's superior importance over all spiritual gifts 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, [AMP] Lastly, in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses the resurrection, first of Christ and then of believers, calling it of first importance (Paul is asserting the vital role that Christ's resurrection plays in Christian belief and salvation. Without the resurrection, the faith and hope placed in Christ would be meaningless.)
1 Corinthians 15:1-4, AMP In Verse 1 and 2, Paul reminds the Corinthians about the gospel, the Good News, he preached, which they received and on which they have taken their stand. Their salvation is tied to this message, assuming they hold firmly to it. In Verses 3 and 4, Paul states the foundational truths of this gospel: Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, he was buried, and he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. These three truths - Christ's death, burial, and resurrection - are central to the Christian faith . Paul emphasizes that these events occurred "according to the Scriptures", indicating they were fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are indeed prophesied in the Old Testament. Here are a few key references: 1. **Death**: Isaiah 53 is a significant passage in this regard, especially Isaiah 53:5-12. These verses speak of the suffering servant who is "pierced for our transgressions" and whose "life is poured out unto death." Psalm 22 is also seen as a prophetic account of Jesus's crucifixion, especially verses Psalm 22:1, 7-8, and 16-18. 2. **Burial**: Isaiah 53:9 prophesies about the burial of the suffering servant: "He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death..." This is seen as being fulfilled in the account of Jesus's burial in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man (Matthew 27:57-60). 3. **Resurrection**: Psalm 16:10 is often quoted in reference to Jesus's resurrection: "For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption." In Acts 2:27 and Acts 13:35, this verse is quoted by Peter and Paul respectively as being fulfilled in Jesus's resurrection, meaning that His body did not decay in the grave but was raised to life. The Old Testament prophecies are often understood as pointing towards Jesus's death and resurrection in light of New Testament revelation. He concludes the letter with final exhortations, greetings, and a blessing of grace 1 Corinthians 16:19-24, [AMP].