Paul’s principle for Christian discipleship is to accept the circumstances you are in rather than seek to change them - even if they are difficult. God can use you in those circumstances. He applies this to relationships, circumcision and slavery.

Paul continues his teaching about idolatry and specifically eating food offered to idols. He teaches that there is no power in the food itself but in participating in the worship of idols by eating food known to have been offered for sacrifice. It is important to consider the witness to others.

Paul addresses cultural problems that arise in the Corinthian church. Head covering was a symbol of marriage, and the length of hair was important to that culture. Paul refers to Genesis 2 as a basis for understanding Christian marriage.

There were many divisions in the Corinthian church which became obvious at their celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Paul addressed this by referring back to how Jesus set up the sacrament of Communion.

As part of his teaching about the gifts of the Spirit, Paul uses the imagery of the church being like a human body in which all parts work together and are equally important.

Paul gives a practical framework to encourage orderly worship that incorporates the unplanned interaction of god through the gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues.

Early Church worship is explained. The need to live out the Christian life every day is encouraged, including being ‘blameless’ and not arguing.

Becoming a Christian involves a change in attitudes and life empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is necessary to put off the past life in order to put on the new life.

Paul continues his teaching about Christian family life and discipleship. He teaches both the children and their fathers and also both slaves and their masters. Being a Christian affects the whole of life.

Paul's goal is that a local church will have strong character development, increase of knowledge and skills to develop the church. There will be weak areas that should be addressed. Paul was called to plant many churches wherever he went. He wants to visit Rome and then move on to Spain with the help of the Roman church. His mission involves his teaching, his actions and miracles.