Paul explains that the cross is foolish to those who do not believe. Jews look for signs and Greeks look for wisdom but God offers a relationship with Him that will transform them.

This is the earliest recorded account of the resurrection of Jesus, given by Peter to Paul and now given by Paul to the Corinthian church to give them hope. These are the historical facts.

Having outlined the historical fact of the resurrection, Paul now explains the importsnce of the resurrection for the Christian faith and how those who are saved will also be raised back to life.

This passage is known as the “Philippian Hymn'. Paul urges the believers to think about Jesus and to copy his example of humility and love.

The leadership of a church is very important. It includes apostles, pastors and teachers, evangelists and prophets. All are under the authority of the original Apostles through Scripture.

Paul introduces the reality of spiritual warfare that every Christian faces together with the resources that God provides to fight against the enemy. Roman soldiers are guarding him and he uses their armour to explain these resources.

Paul explains that salvation means that God’s Holy Spirit comes into your life bringing the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and placed him at the right hand of the Father with all that that implies.

Paul explains the serious situation of those who do not believe - they are dead, separated from God. He balances this with the good news of grace shown by Jesus' death on the cross. Faith is all that is required.

Paul taught that the Church should be a place that welcomed people of all tribes and nations. In his day, there was a separation of Jews from Gentiles which had to be overcome. The Church is described as a building, a family and a temple.

Paul was in prison because of his calling to take the gospel to the gentiles. When Christ came, what had been promised to Abraham about the Jews being a blessing for all nations, came into being. This was a ‘mystery’ that is still being fulfilled today.