First Corinthians

First Corinthians.

The Genre of the book is epistle. The key theme of this book is to give Christians advice on behavior that will Glorify God. That Christian behavior is based on believer’s relationship to Christ. The key characters and events are as follows. The apostle Paul founded a church in Corinth.  A few years after leaving the church, Paul heard troubling reports that the church had misunderstanding of Christian doctrines. The church was full of pride they were excusing sexual immorality, spiritual gifts were being used improperly and the very foundation of the church was in jeopardy of crumbling.  Paul deals with the problems of the young church with some sound Christian advice. Paul address the sexual immorality in the church by reminding the members that they have been made new through the sacrifice of Christ.  Their faithfulness is not due to the Mosaic Law, but understands that they are married to Christ, and should live accordingly, their body a temple for the Holy Spirit.  Paul discourages Christians from taking each other to court because it could hurt their witness. Paul encourages those who are single to remain so that they can fully devote themselves to the service of Christ. He tells the people that they have freedom through Christ to eat what they wish. He makes the point that one action is more important than one’s own rights.  The whole of the Christian life is devotion to God and love for others. He tells the people that no matter what they do it is God who changes the person heart that they are only his instrument. That God wants the church to be unified and one body in Christ. That marriage is another way that people can serve God. The letter also gives a very in depth account of the resurrection.