founding the church is seen in 1
Cor. 2:1-2. While there Paul made his home with Aquila and Priscilla,
Jews who had been expelled from Rome (Acts 18:2-3), but who now became
members of the church. Apollos preached to this church and aided it in
Paul's absence (18:24-28; 19:1). Both Epistles are full of information
as to the condition of the church and the many problems which hit had
to face from time to time. It must be remembered that Corinth was one
of the most wicked cities of ancient times and that the church was
surrounded by heathen customs and practices. Many of its members had
but recently been converted from heathenism to Christianity and the
church was far from ideal.

First Corinthians.

The Occasion and Purpose of the Letter. Unfavorable news had come to
Paul concerning the Corinthian church and he had written them a letter
(5:9) which has been lost. In that letter he seems to have commanded
them to give up their evil practices and promised to visit them. In
the meantime, members of the household of Chloe(1:11) and other
friends (16:17) came to him at Ephesus and brought news of their
divisions and of the evil practices of certain of their members.
Finally, they wrote him a letter asking his advice on certain matters
(7:1). From all this we learn (1) that there were four factions among
them, 1:2; (2) that there was gross immorality in the church as in the
case of the incestuous person, Ch. 5; (3) that they went to law with
each other, Ch. 6; (4) that many practical matters troubled them.
Paul, therefore, wrote to correct all these errors in doctrine and
practice.

Content. This letter contains some of the greatest passages in the New
Testament. It is, however, remarkable especially for the very
practical nature of its contents. It deals with many of the problems
of every day life and has been said not to discuss but one great
doctrine, that of the resurrection.

Date. From Ephesus in the spring of A. D. 57.

Analysis.

Introduction, 1:1-9.

I. Concerning Divisions and the Party Spirit. 1:10-4.

Divisions are prevented:
1. By Christ as the center of Christianity, 1:10 end.

2. By spiritual mindedness, 2:1-3:4.

3. By a right view of preachers, 3:5-4 end.

II. Correction of Moral Disorders, Chs. 5-6.

1. The incestuous person, Ch. 5.

2. Lawsuits, 6:1-11.

3. Sins of the body, 6;12 end.

III. Answers to Questions and Cognate Matters, 7:1-16:4.

1. Concerni