1 Corinthians

The Corinthian church is rebuked for its divisions, immaturity, and toleration of sinful behaviors, including a man who has taken his father's wife. Paul emphasizes the importance of unity, love, and reverence, and instructs the church to resolve disputes among themselves rather than taking them to secular courts. He also addresses issues of marriage, food offered to idols, and the proper use of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that knowledge and gifts are not as important as love and humility. Paul defends his right to receive financial support but chooses not to exercise it, and uses the Israelites' experiences in the wilderness as examples for believers to avoid idolatry and other sinful behaviors. He also discusses the relationship between men and women in the church, the importance of unity during the Lord's Supper, and the value of charity and spiritual gifts. The book concludes with Paul's instructions on setting aside a collection for the saints and his plans to visit the Corinthians.