Title and Author: The book of 1 Corinthians is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. The title "1 Corinthians" indicates that it is the first of two canonical letters written by Paul to the church in Corinth. Paul, a key figure in the early Christian church, is known for his missionary journeys and extensive epistles that form a significant portion of the New Testament.

Historical Context: 1 Corinthians was written around A.D. 55 during Paul's third missionary journey, likely from Ephesus. Corinth was a major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth, commerce, and moral decadence. The city was a melting pot of cultures and religions, which presented unique challenges for the early Christian community.

Audience: The letter is addressed to the Christian church in Corinth, a diverse congregation comprising Jews and Gentiles. The church was struggling with internal divisions, moral issues, and questions about Christian doctrine and practice.

Purpose: Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address various issues within the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts and the resurrection. He aimed to provide guidance, correct errors, and promote unity and holiness.

Genre and Style: 1 Corinthians is an epistle, characterized by its didactic and corrective tone. Paul uses rhetorical questions, analogies, and direct instructions to convey his message.1. Paul (1 Corinthians 1:1)
- Paul is the author of the letter. He is an apostle of Jesus Christ, called by the will of God to spread the gospel.

2. Sosthenes (1 Corinthians 1:1)
- Sosthenes is mentioned as a co-sender of the letter with Paul. He is likely the same Sosthenes who was a synagogue leader in Acts 18:17.

3. Chloe's People (1 Corinthians 1:11)
- Chloe's people are members of Chloe's household or associates who reported to Paul about the divisions in the Corinthian church.

4. Apollos (1 Corinthians 1:12)
- Apollos is a Jewish Christian from Alexandria, known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures. He was a prominent teacher in the early church.

5. Cephas (Peter) (1 Corinthians 1:12)
- Cephas, also known as Peter, is one of Jesus' original apostles and a leading figure in the early Christian church.

6. Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12)
- Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity, whose teachings and resurrection are the foundation of the faith.

7. Stephanas (1 Corinthians 16:15)
- Stephanas is noted as one of the first converts in Achaia and is recognized for his service to the saints.

8. Fortunatus (1 Corinthians 16:17)
- Fortunatus is mentioned as one of the individuals who visited Paul and provided him with support and encouragement.

9. Achaicus (1 Corinthians 16:17)
- Achaicus is another individual who, along with Fortunatus and Stephanas, visited Paul and refreshed his spirit.1. Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2)
- Corinth is the primary location and the recipient city of the letter. It was a major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth, commerce, and diverse population. The church in Corinth was established by Paul during his missionary journeys.

2. Achaia (1 Corinthians 16:15)
- Achaia refers to the Roman province in southern Greece, of which Corinth was the capital. It is mentioned in the context of the household of Stephanas, who were the first converts in Achaia.

3. Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:3)
- Jerusalem is mentioned in the context of the collection for the saints. Paul discusses sending representatives with the contributions to Jerusalem, where the early church was centered.1. Introduction and Greeting (1:1-3)
- Paul opens the letter with a greeting to the church in Corinth, expressing grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ.

2. Thanksgiving for the Corinthians (1:4-9)
- Paul expresses gratitude for the grace given to the Corinthians and their enrichment in speech and knowledge.

3. Divisions in the Church (1:10-17)
- Paul addresses the issue of divisions among the Corinthians, urging them to be united in mind and judgment.

4. The Message of the Cross (1:18-25)
- Paul discusses the wisdom and power of the cross, contrasting it with worldly wisdom.

5. God’s Wisdom and Human Wisdom (1:26-31)
- Paul explains how God chose the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the wise and strong.

6. Paul’s Ministry and God’s Power (2:1-5)
- Paul describes his approach to preaching in Corinth, emphasizing reliance on the Spirit’s power rather than human wisdom.

7. Spiritual Wisdom (2:6-16)
- Paul speaks about the wisdom revealed by the Spirit, which is understood by spiritual people.

8. Divisions and Worldly Behavior (3:1-9)
- Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their worldly behavior and divisions, using the metaphor of planting and watering.

9. Building on the Foundation of Christ (3:10-15)
- Paul discusses the importance of building on the foundation of Jesus Christ with quality materials.

10. The Temple of God (3:16-17)
- Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in them.

11. Warnings Against Pride and Boasting (3:18-23)
- Paul warns against self-deception and boasting in human leaders, emphasizing that all things belong to them in Christ.

12. The Role of Apostles (4:1-13)
- Paul describes the apostles as servants and stewards of God’s mysteries, enduring hardships for the sake of the gospel.

13. Paul’s Fatherly Admonition (4:14-21)
- Paul writes as a spiritual father, urging the Corinthians to imitate him and warning them of his potential visit.

14. Immorality in the Church (5:1-13)
- Paul addresses a case of sexual immorality in the church and instructs the Corinthians to expel the offender.

15. Lawsuits Among Believers (6:1-8)
- Paul criticizes the Corinthians for taking legal disputes before secular courts instead of resolving them within the church.

16. Sexual Immorality and the Body (6:9-20)
- Paul warns against sexual immorality, emphasizing that believers’ bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

17. Marriage and Singleness (7:1-40)
- Paul provides guidance on marriage, singleness, and related issues, emphasizing devotion to the Lord.

18. Food Offered to Idols (8:1-13)
- Paul discusses the issue of eating food offered to idols, advising sensitivity to the conscience of others.

19. Paul’s Rights as an Apostle (9:1-27)
- Paul defends his rights as an apostle but explains his choice to forgo them for the sake of the gospel.

20. Warnings from Israel’s History (10:1-13)
- Paul uses Israel’s history as a warning against idolatry and immorality.

21. The Lord’s Supper (11:17-34)
- Paul addresses issues related to the Lord’s Supper, urging proper conduct and self-examination.

22. Spiritual Gifts (12:1-31)
- Paul discusses the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts, emphasizing their purpose for the common good.

23. The Way of Love (13:1-13)
- Paul describes love as the greatest virtue, essential for the proper use of spiritual gifts.

24. Prophecy and Tongues (14:1-40)
- Paul provides instructions on the use of prophecy and tongues in worship, prioritizing edification and order.

25. The Resurrection of Christ (15:1-11)
- Paul affirms the resurrection of Christ as a foundational truth of the gospel.

26. The Resurrection of the Dead (15:12-58)
- Paul explains the significance of the resurrection for believers, offering hope and victory over death.

27. The Collection for the Saints (16:1-4)
- Paul gives instructions for a collection to support the saints in Jerusalem.

28. Final Instructions and Greetings (16:5-24)
- Paul concludes with travel plans, final exhortations, and greetings to various individuals and groups.1. Unity in the Church (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Paul addresses divisions within the Corinthian church, urging believers to be united in mind and purpose. He emphasizes that allegiance should be to Christ rather than to individual leaders, promoting harmony and collective identity in the faith.

2. Wisdom and Foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18)
The contrast between human wisdom and God's wisdom is a recurring theme. Paul explains that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but is the power of God to those who are being saved, highlighting the paradox of divine wisdom.

3. Spiritual Maturity (1 Corinthians 3:1)
Paul discusses the need for spiritual growth, criticizing the Corinthians for their immaturity and reliance on worldly wisdom. He encourages them to move beyond elementary teachings and grow in their understanding and application of spiritual truths.

4. Sexual Morality (1 Corinthians 5:1)
Addressing issues of sexual immorality within the church, Paul calls for purity and discipline. He instructs the church to maintain moral standards and to separate from those who persist in sinful behavior, emphasizing the importance of holiness.

5. Lawsuits Among Believers (1 Corinthians 6:1)
Paul advises against taking legal disputes between believers to secular courts. He encourages resolving conflicts within the church community, underscoring the importance of maintaining a testimony of integrity and unity before the world.

6. Marriage and Singleness (1 Corinthians 7:1)
Paul provides guidance on marriage, singleness, and sexual relations, addressing questions from the Corinthians. He discusses the benefits and challenges of both states, advocating for contentment and devotion to the Lord in whatever situation one finds themselves.

7. Christian Freedom and Responsibility (1 Corinthians 8:1)
The issue of eating food offered to idols is used to explore the balance between Christian liberty and responsibility. Paul teaches that while believers have freedom, they should be considerate of others' consciences and avoid causing others to stumble.

8. The Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17)
Paul addresses improper practices during the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing its significance as a proclamation of the Lord’s death. He calls for self-examination and reverence, ensuring that the observance reflects unity and respect for the body of Christ.

9. Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1)
Paul discusses the diversity and purpose of spiritual gifts, highlighting that they are given by the Holy Spirit for the common good. He stresses the importance of using these gifts to build up the church and to serve one another in love.

10. Love (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Known as the "Love Chapter," Paul describes love as the greatest virtue, essential for the proper use of spiritual gifts. He outlines the characteristics of love, emphasizing its enduring nature and its supremacy over all other spiritual attributes.

11. The Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12)
Paul defends the doctrine of the resurrection, affirming the resurrection of Christ as the cornerstone of Christian faith. He explains the implications of the resurrection for believers, offering hope and assurance of eternal life.

12. Orderly Worship (1 Corinthians 14:26)
Paul provides instructions for orderly worship services, emphasizing clarity and edification. He addresses the use of tongues and prophecy, advocating for practices that build up the church and ensure that worship is conducted in a fitting and orderly manner.1. Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, etc.)
- Description: The term "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." It signifies Jesus as the one chosen and anointed by God to bring salvation to humanity.

2. Lord (1 Corinthians 1:2, 1:3, 1:7, etc.)
- Description: The title "Lord" emphasizes Jesus' authority and divinity. It reflects His role as the sovereign ruler and master over all creation and the church.

3. Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24, 1:30)
- Description: Jesus is described as the embodiment of God's wisdom, surpassing human understanding and philosophies. He is the ultimate revelation of God's plan and purpose.

4. Power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24)
- Description: Jesus is the manifestation of God's power, particularly in His resurrection and the transformative power of the Gospel.

5. Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30)
- Description: These terms highlight Jesus' role in the believer's life. He is our righteousness, making us right with God; our sanctification, setting us apart for holiness; and our redemption, delivering us from sin.

6. Foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11)
- Description: Jesus is the foundation upon which the church is built. No other foundation can be laid that will endure, emphasizing the centrality of Christ in the faith.

7. Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)
- Description: Jesus is likened to the Passover lamb, whose sacrifice brings deliverance from sin, echoing the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.

8. Head of Every Man (1 Corinthians 11:3)
- Description: This title underscores Jesus' authority and leadership over all men, establishing a divine order in relationships and the church.

9. Firstfruits of Those Who Have Fallen Asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20)
- Description: Jesus' resurrection is the firstfruits, a guarantee of the future resurrection of believers. It signifies the beginning of the new creation.

10. Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45)
- Description: Jesus is contrasted with the first Adam. While the first Adam brought sin and death, the last Adam, Jesus, brings life and resurrection.

11. Life-giving Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45)
- Description: Jesus, as a life-giving spirit, imparts eternal life to those who believe in Him, transforming them spiritually.1. Prophecy as a Spiritual Gift:
- First Occurrence: 1 Corinthians 12:10
- "to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues."
- Discussion: Paul discusses prophecy as one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church.

2. Prophecy of the Resurrection of the Dead:
- First Occurrence: 1 Corinthians 15:12-13
- "But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised."
- Fulfillment: The resurrection of Christ is presented as a fulfilled event and a guarantee of the future resurrection of believers.

3. Prophecy of the Coming of the Lord:
- First Occurrence: 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
- "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."
- Fulfillment: This is a future prophecy concerning the transformation of believers at the return of Christ.

While these passages discuss future events and the role of prophecy, they do not provide specific prophecies with immediate fulfillments within the text of 1 Corinthians itself. Instead, they offer theological insights and future expectations for believers.

1. Introduction  ( 1:1⁠–⁠9 )

a. Greetings from Paul and Sosthenes  ( 1:1⁠–⁠3 )

b. Thanksgiving  ( 1:4⁠–⁠9 )

2. Divisions Within the Church  ( 1:10⁠–⁠4:5 )

a. Call for Unity in the Church  ( 1:10⁠–⁠31 )

i. Is Christ Divided?  ( 1:10⁠–⁠17 )

ii. The Message of the Cross  ( 1:18⁠–⁠25 )

iii. Wisdom from God  ( 1:26⁠–⁠31 )

b. Spiritual Wisdom  ( 2:1⁠–⁠16 )

c. Follow Christ, Not Man  ( 3:1⁠–⁠4:5 )

i. God’s Fellow Workers  ( 3:1⁠–⁠9 )

ii. Christ Our Foundation  ( 3:10⁠–⁠15 )

iii. God’s Temple and God’s Wisdom  ( 3:16⁠–⁠23 )

iv. Spiritual Servants  ( 4:1⁠–⁠5 )

3. Pride Leads to Sin  ( 4:6⁠–⁠6:20 )

a. Do Not Be Proud  ( 4:6⁠–⁠13 )

b. Paul Warns against Arrogance  ( 4:14⁠–⁠21 )

c. Sexual Immorality  ( 5:1⁠–⁠6:20 )

i. Immorality Rebuked  ( 5:1⁠–⁠5 )

ii. Your Boasting is Not Good  ( 5:6⁠–⁠8 )

iii. The One Who Claims to be a Brother  ( 5:9⁠–⁠6:17 )

1. Expel the Immoral Brother  ( 5:9⁠–⁠13 )

2. Lawsuits among Believers  ( 6:1⁠–⁠8 )

3. Members of Christ  ( 6:9⁠–⁠17 )

iv. The Temple of the Holy Spirit  ( 6:18⁠–⁠20 )

4. The Marriage Covenant  ( 7:1⁠–⁠40 )

a. Principles of Marriage  ( 7:1⁠–⁠16 )

b. Live Your Calling  ( 7:17⁠–⁠24 )

c. The Unmarried and Widowed  ( 7:25⁠–⁠40 )

5. Sanctified Living  ( 8:1⁠–⁠11:1 )

a. Food Sacrificed to Idols  ( 8:1⁠–⁠13 )

b. Apostleship  ( 9:1⁠–⁠27 )

i. The Rights of an Apostle  ( 9:1⁠–⁠18 )

ii. Paul the Servant to All  ( 9:19⁠–⁠23 )

iii. Run Your Race to Win  ( 9:24⁠–⁠27 )

c. Warnings from Israel’s Past  ( 10:1⁠–⁠11:1 )

i. Lessons from the Exodus from Egypt  ( 10:1⁠–⁠13 )

ii. Flee from Idolatry  ( 10:14⁠–⁠22 )

iii. All to God’s Glory  ( 10:23⁠–⁠11:1 )

6. Instructions for Worship  ( 11:2⁠–⁠14:40 )

a. Roles in Worship  ( 11:2⁠–⁠16 )

b. Sharing in the Lord’s Supper  ( 11:17⁠–⁠34 )

c. Spiritual Gifts  ( 12:1⁠–⁠14:25 )

i. Different Gifts, Same Spirit  ( 12:1⁠–⁠11 )

ii. The Body of Christ is Composed of Many Parts  ( 12:12⁠–⁠26 )

iii. The Greater Gifts  ( 12:27⁠–⁠31 )

iv. Love  ( 13:1⁠–⁠13 )

v. Prophecy and Tongues  ( 14:1⁠–⁠25 )

d. Orderly Worship  ( 14:26⁠–⁠40 )

7. The Resurrection of the Dead  ( 15:1⁠–⁠58 )

a. The Resurrection of Christ  ( 15:1⁠–⁠11 )

b. Our Hope in the Resurrection  ( 15:12⁠–⁠19 )

c. The Order of Resurrection  ( 15:20⁠–⁠34 )

d. The Resurrection of the Body  ( 15:35⁠–⁠49 )

e. Where, O Death, Is Your Victory?  ( 15:50⁠–⁠58 )

8. Paul’s Salutation  ( 16:1⁠–⁠24 )

a. The Collection for the Saints  ( 16:1⁠–⁠4 )

b. Paul’s Travel Plans  ( 16:5⁠–⁠9 )

c. Timothy and Apollos  ( 16:10⁠–⁠12 )

d. Concluding Exhortations  ( 16:13⁠–⁠18 )

e. Signature and Final Greetings  ( 16:19⁠–⁠24 )