I Corinthians

  1. Introductory greetings and thanksgiving (1:1-9)

  2. Response to division in the church (1:10-4:21)

    • The report of division (1:10-17)
    • The foolishness of boasting, except in Christ, the wisdom and power of God (1:18-31)
    • The wisdom of God, revealed only through his Spirit (2:1-16)
    • The carnality of being divided around the Lord’s servants (3:1-23)
    • The humble ministry of the apostles (4:1-21)

  3. Response to inappropriate conduct in the church (5:1-6:20)

    • Exhortation to purge out immorality (5:1-13)
    • Exhortation against taking believers to court (6:1-11)
    • Exhortation against visiting prostitutes (6:12-20)

  4. Instructions about marriage (7:1-40)

  5. The question of eating food offered to idols (8:1-11:1)

    • Foundational principles of knowledge and love (8:1-13)
    • Paul’s example of denying his own rights for the good of others (9:1-27)
    • Warning against idolatry (10:1-11:1)

  6. Instructions about public worship (11:2-34)

    • Instructions for men and women in worship (11:2-16)
    • Exhortation against the abuse of the Lord’s Supper (11:17-34)

  7. Instructions about spiritual gifts (12:1-14:40)

    • Exhortation to unity and maturity in the exercise of gifts (12:1-31)
    • About the pre-eminence of love (13:1-13)
    • About the gifts of prophecy and tongues (14:1-40)

  8. Teaching about the resurrection (15:1-58)

  9. Conclusion (16:1-24)

    • Personal requests and plans (16:1-18)
    • Final greetings (16:19-24)

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