Summary Of 1 Corinthians
A brief introduction and overview of the book of 1 & 2 Corinthians as recorded in ‘The Bible Brief’ – A complete summary of the Bible from Genesis to Revelations.
The Bible Brief’s 1 Corinthians Summary:
When 1 Corinthians was written: Around A.D.55.
Who wrote 1 corinthians: Paul himself. (Ch.1:1)
People & Places of note: Christ; Paul; Apollos
Corinth; Ephesus
Noteable Sound-Bites:
“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (Ch.1:18)
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20. For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” (Ch.6:19,20)
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (Ch.15:52)
The Messianic Link:
He is the First-fruits of 1 Corinthians 15:23; and the Last Adam 15:47
1 Corinthians Summary:
Paul writes to the Church at Corinth, primarily to address a number of issues and divisions amongst the people; beginning with disunity in chapter 1 brought on by ‘cliques’ forming over who had been baptized by whom.
They had also succumbed to the temptations of Corinth, in a way that was not acceptable, and so Paul had to exhort and rebuke in alternate measure in order to get them to understand the error of their ways. In chapter 10 he reminds them of Israel’s failings, and the Judgement of God upon them.
Even their use of the Spiritual gifts was not being exercised properly (Ch.12), leading to some thinking they were superior to others; he points out that, without love, then it is all of no account (Ch.13).
Notes & Quotes:
The issues that faced the Corinthian church, especially with regard to immorality, in my opinion, are mirrored in the age in which we live. In fact, with the advent of the Internet and free access to all sorts of pornographic material, as well as the temptations of the world that are put before us on TV screens that are increasingly explicit, I would say that Christian values are truly ‘under the Cosh’, so to speak.
The Church has to get its act together and promote a Gospel that is relevant and exciting, as well as morally acceptable, if it is to encourage and influence people—especially the youth—in today’s world. The difficulties that people have with temptations of all kinds was something that Paul understood perfectly, and something that we have to tackle earnestly in today’s Church, if we are to see it prosper and influence our communities in a positive way.
1 Corinthians In A Nutshell:
Written by the Apostle Paul from Ephesus around 53 Ad after his first visit some 3 years previously. He deals with the issues plaguing the early Corinthian church mainly those of immorality, the division of the leadership into ‘cliques’, and the tendancy towards lawsuits amongs the believers.
Summary Of 2 Corinthians
A brief introduction and overview of the book of 2 Corinthians
The Bible Brief’s 2 Corinthians Summary:
When 2 corinthians was written: Around A.D.55.
Who wrote it: Paul himself.
Noteable People & Places:
Christ; Paul; Timothy
Corinth; Jerusalem
Sound-Bites:
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. (Ch.3:18)
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (Ch.5:17)
“For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.” (Ch.10:18)
The Messianic Link:
As in 1 Corinthians: He is the First-fruits of 1 Corinthians 15:23; and the Last Adam 15:47.
2 Corinthians Summary:
Paul begins this letter by re-iterating his call to the Apostleship, and emphasizing the trials and tribulations he has been through for the Gospels’ sake. He explains the reasons behind his travel plans, while at the same time defending his integrity against those within the Church that would seek to undermine him.
Chapter 3 through to 7 see Paul preaching and ministering the New Covenant of ‘the righteousness of Christ’ against the old ‘ministry of condemnation’ (Ch.3:9).
In Chapters 6 and 7, Paul goes on to defend his ministry, emphasizing the severe persecution he has been put through for the Gospels’ sake; while at the same time assuring the Corinthians of his sincere love for them.
In chapters 8-9 he discusses the aspect of giving to the ministry, emphasizing the need to give with a cheerful heart (Ch.9:7)
He finishes his letter by further defending his position of authority over them, and pleading with them to examine themselves; lest they themselves should fail the test. (13:5)
Notes & Quotes:
In this second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul is again having to deal with internal issues, and problems with people within the church trying to undermine his own ministry, even to the point of doubting his authority and calling.
The fact that he feels it necessary to prove himself (Ch.12) irritates him to the point that he calls himself a ‘fool’ for doing so.
It would be great to think that the Church of the past was all ‘sweetness and love’; the fact is, however, that even from its conception there has been internal trouble. The reason for this? Simple; although perfected in spirit, we are not perfect at heart and still battle against the ‘old man’ inside. Check out Romans 7:14-25, if you are in any doubt!
The fact is, though, that we are the Church that God in His wisdom has decided to use for His Glory—and He does not make mistakes!
2 Corinthians In A Nutshell:
This is the Apostle Pauls second letter to the Corinthian church. Written around 56 AD to defend his teaching and the authenticity of his calling to minister the Gospel message. He warns against false teachers spreading heresy amongst new believers.